Trick or Treating With Children Who Have Expressive Language Needs

Halloween is rapidly approaching! It got me thinking about my preschoolers with apraxia and other expressive language deficits. What can be done for the children who are unable to say "Trick or Treat?" A brief chat with one of my favorite #SLPEEPS on Twitter inspired me to compile a list of signs that our children can use on Halloween. These can be handed out or affixed to a costume. It also will help to bring awareness to apraxia and other speech disorders. Don't you just LOVE the internet?! So many great resources floating around!

1. Editable Halloween card children can hand out the night of Halloween.

From: The Facebook group - Apraxia Kids - Every Child Deserves A Voice 

2. Thank you so much for your kindness! Like above, these can be handed out the night of Halloween.

From: The Facebook group - Apraxia Kids - Every Child Deserves A Voice

3. I am unable to speak so...Trick or Treat...and thank you!

From: www.apraxiaavenger.webs.com

4. Hello! My name is ______......

From: www.renewmefitness.blogspot.com

5. Trick or Treat?!

From: slpmommyofapraxia.blogspot.com

Halloween is a time for children to let their imaginations run wild, ALL children. During this time I like to be reminded of this with a quote that has been floating around the web for some time. I'm not sure of it's origination, but it certainly captures the a sentiment we should all keep in mind. 

What will you be doing for your children with limited expressive language this Halloween?

********HAPPY HALLOWEEN!********

OverDrive - {App Review}

I love infusing literacy into my therapy sessions. When I don't have the ability to access a desired book I use the OverDrive app. This application allows you to read eBooks, listen to audio-books, and watch videos from your library. And because it's through your library, it's absolutely FREE!

Use the barcode located on your library card to access digital materials

To get started, add your local library to the OverDrive app. Afterwards sign into your library account using your account number and password. Once logged in, users are able to browse books by title, reading levels, subject, etc. 

Searches can be filtered by publisher, reading levels, subject, etc.

Prior to borrowing my book, I was able to view sample pages in my browser

After deciding on a book, users usually have the option of viewing it in a browser or downloading it. I chose to download and view it with my kindle app (I have an iPad). Users will not need a wifi connection to read it after it has been downloaded.

Download your book to Kindle (device or app) or to Adobe e-book reader

My library allows users to borrow up to 10 titles. Materials are usually available for digital loan anywhere between 7 to 14 days. If you need more time with your selections you can also renew them. Below you will find 2 images of an e-book I borrowed and downloaded with the kindle app.

Image 1

Image 2

The app is available for every major desktop and mobile platform, including Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets, Kindle, NOOK, Windows 8 PC and tablet, and Windows Phone.

Although nothing can replace the experience an actual book can provide, I love that I don't have to deal with the added clutter they cause in my car and work bag (If you read my previous post, you will recall that I travel throughout the day). 

Do any of you use electronic books in your sessions?