The Literacy-Based Speech Podcast

With summer just around the corner, it’s easy to start dreaming about days on the beach and playing in the sand. So why not get your students excited about the freedom and fun of summer by incorporating beach-themed picture books in your speech therapy sessions? We thought the exact same thing, which is why we wanted to give you all the best selections for this very fun theme. In today’s episode, we’re sharing our favorite beach-themed books to help bring in some fun while teaching your students key concepts. Resources Mentioned: Narrative Key Teaching Points - ThemedSummer Speech Therapy 1 Page Cheat Sheet Book CompanionsBook Search - Beach/OceanEpisode 5, This OR That (Comparing There Was an Old Lady… and Sharing a Shell)Follow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/favorite-beach-themed-books

We’re always excited about doing podcast episodes, but this particular one makes us so excited, and our smiles are a mile wide because it’s our one-year podcast anniversary! We have learned so much over the past year and have enjoyed sharing our favorite books with y’all and hopefully have provided you with fresh ideas to use during your speech therapy sessions. Since it’s our podcast anniversary, we wanted to celebrate by getting our listeners and community involved. So, in today’s episode, we’re answering all of your literacy-based speech questions to further help you during your speech therapy sessions. Resources Mentioned: Speech Therapy PDThe Informed SLPSLP ToolkitMind Wing ConceptsOrton-GillinghamPicture Book Inventory - SeasonalPicture Book Inventory - ThemedProfessional Development Books Upper Elementary Books Book Search - Middle SchoolBook SearchFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/literacy-based-speech-questions

With the weather getting nice and families starting to spend more time outside, we wanted to bring that energy into your speech therapy sessions. A lot of families spend the spring and summer months camping and enjoying the outdoors, which is why we're doing a "this or that" episode with camping books. So, in today's episode, we've chosen the books Scaredy Squirrel and The Camping Trip and are deciphering which book is best used for your speech therapy students. Resources Mentioned: Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watt The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. MannKey Teaching Points - SeasonalNarrative Notes - SummerBook Companions - SummerBook Search - CampingEpisode 52, How to Plan a Literacy-Based Summer CampEpisode 4, Our Top 10 Summer Books for Speech TherapyFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/speech-therapy-camping-books

Doing anything in a theme immediately makes it more fun! And using themed picture books to go over speech and language goals with your students is no exception. We’ve shared a lot of these types of episodes with you in the past because we love putting together lists of our favorite books to use with different themes. With the weather becoming nicer and kids spending more time outside and exploring nature, we knew this theme was perfect. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing our favorite bug-themed picture books to use in speech therapy. Resources Mentioned: Narrative Notes - BugsNarrative Notes - SpringKey Teaching Points - Theme (Including Bugs)Key Teaching Points - SpringBook Search - BugsFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/favorite-bug-themed-picture-books

With summer just around the corner, many of you might be thinking about or already planning on hosting a literacy-based summer camp. These are wonderful opportunities to do something new and fun while still helping kids work on their literacy, language, and phonics concepts. After hosting a few ourselves, we know the most effective routine, how to handle the logistics, and ways to add in some fun and engaging crafts for the kids. So, in today’s episode, we’re sharing how to structure a literacy-based summer camp, along with a few theme ideas. Resources Mentioned: Narrative Key Teaching Points - SeasonalNarrative Key Teaching Points - ThemedNarrative Note Cheat Sheet BundleBook Companions - SummerBook SearchKristine Deworocki’s InstagramEpisode 4, Our Top 10 Summer Books for Speech TherapyEpisode 19, Our Favorite Pirate BooksFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/literacy-based-summer-camp

When we find a book series we like, we consume all of the books they have to offer and find ways to incorporate them into our speech therapy sessions. One book series that’s gaining popularity and we’re enjoying right now is the Mother Bruce book series. There are 9 books in total, with 3 Little Bruce books as well. Just a heads up that we’re not discussing all of the books in the series because we believe that 4 are better to be read at home or for a fun read-aloud in the classroom. With the books we are discussing, we’re going to dive further into the Mother Bruce book series, how you can use them during speech therapy, and which key concepts to target the most. Resources Mentioned: Mother Bruce Series Free DownloadSeasonal Picture Books ListThemed Picture Books ListMother BruceSpring StinksBruce's Big StormBruce and the Legend of Soggy HollowThanks for NothingSanta Bruce Out ColdFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/mother-bruce-book-series

As a busy SLP, we know that you serve a variety of students of various ages, abilities, skill levels, and interests. So, it’s part of our goal to make sure we’re providing you with the right tools and books to best serve your students in speech therapy. A group we don’t typically cover is books for early intervention and preschool-aged children. Last week, we had Jenna Rayburn on the podcast, where she shared which books are best for preschool students. This got us thinking about our own favorites, and we wanted to share them with you. So, in today’s episode, we’re sharing our top early intervention and preschool books to engage your students with during speech therapy. Resources Mentioned: Episode 49, Using Books with Preschool Students in Speech Therapy with Jenna Rayburn Episode 41, Using the Little Blue Truck Series in Speech TherapyEpisode 36, Our Favorite Wordless Picture Books in Speech Therapy: Part OneFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/early-intervention-and-preschool-books

When we share our picture book selections with you all, we try to pick books that target a wide variety of students. However, sometimes, you’re looking for books that target a certain age group of students. So, to help you out, we have our first guest on the podcast, Jenna Rayburn. She is an early childhood SLP, a lover of picture books, and has many helpful resources in her TPT store. Jenna has a wealth of knowledge and, in today’s episode, is sharing the qualities she looks for in books and ways of using books with preschool students in speech therapy. Resources Mentioned: AAC Core Vocabulary Adapted Picture Books for FallVisit Jenna's TPT StoreFollow Speech Room News on InstagramFollow Speech Room Library on InstagramEarly Childhood Amazon ListUnion Square Kids First Sports board booksNosy Crow felt flap booksFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/using-books-with-preschool-students

When we discuss a variety of topics and key concepts during each episode, we like to reference some of our favorite books that are great examples of the concepts we’re discussing. Although we have a long list of favorite picture books, this book might be our all-time favorite, which is The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. After listening to our podcast for so long, you know we mention this book frequently because it targets so many key concepts we look for when working with students. Because of this, in today’s episode, we’re doing a deep dive using The Gruffalo and sharing how to best use this book during your speech therapy sessions. Resources Mentioned: The Gruffalo by Julia DonaldsonThe Gruffalo Blog PostFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/deep-dive-using-the-gruffalo

We do a lot of episodes showing why we choose different books to use during our speech therapy sessions. One of the criteria on which we base a good book is its level of vocabulary enrichment. Multiple studies have shown that vocabulary is the number one factor for reading comprehension and a predictor of academic success and intellectual ability. In other words, building and growing a student’s vocabulary is extremely important. So, in today’s episode, we’re sharing a list of books that target vocabulary that you can use with students during your sessions. Resources Mentioned: Book SearchEpisode 46, Deep Dive into Using Bear Finds Eggs in Speech TherapyEpisode 42, How to Select Rich Vocabulary for Your Speech Therapy SessionsEpisode 41, Using the Little Blue Truck Series in Speech TherapyBook Companion - Bear Snores OnBook Companion - Doctor De SotoAll TPT Book CompanionsNarrative NotesFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/books-that-target-vocabulary

We love finding and introducing books to our students that we know they’ll enjoy during their speech therapy sessions, and we love sharing our discoveries with you all as well! As spring is upon us and Easter isn’t too far away, we’re excited to introduce a newly released book, Bear Finds Eggs. Being part of the Bear series by Karma Wilson, this adorable book hits all the criteria - it engages students and hits the key teaching points we look for when using a book in speech therapy. So, in today’s episode, we want to do a deep dive into Bear Finds Eggs, where we introduce you to this book and share how to best use it with your students. Resources Mentioned: Bear Finds Eggs by Karma WilsonBook Search - Easter/SpringFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/deep-dive-into-bear-finds-eggs

Just like with every season or holiday that comes around, there’s a list of picture books related to that theme. While it’s amazing there are so many books to choose from, it can be hard to discern which ones are right for your speech therapy sessions. That’s where we come in! We’re doing another this or that episode to decipher which leprechaun book is the perfect fit to discuss during your speech sessions. Resources Mentioned: This or That Notes DownloadHow to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam WallaceHow to Trap a Leprechaun by Sue FliessSeasonal Narrative Key Teaching PointsBook Search - St. Patrick’s DayFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapyWrite your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/this-or-that-leprechaun-book

With spring just on the horizon, we’re getting you prepared to incorporate spring picture books in your speech therapy sessions. In last week’s episode, we shared our favorite spring books list with you, but we wanted to focus on one book in particular with another deep dive episode. Our deep dive episodes show you how we go through books and pull out all of the relevant speech and language goals. From one of our favorite authors, we’re doing a deep dive using Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms. Resources Mentioned: Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms NotesFletcher and the Springtime Blossoms by Julia RawlinsonSpring Book Companions for Speech TherapyBook Search - SpringFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/deep-dive-using-fletcher-and-the-springtime-blossoms

It’s hard to believe, but spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to think about incorporating spring picture books into your rotation. With the changing of seasons, plants and trees starting to bloom, and more color being brought to life, spring picture books can create happiness and joy in the eyes of our readers. The seasonal changes are the exact topic we chose to focus on with the books we’re covering today. So, in today’s episode, we’re sharing our favorite spring picture books for speech therapy and how they can be utilized in your sessions. Resources Mentioned: Favorite Spring Picture Books NotesSpring Book Companions for Speech TherapyBook Search - SpringFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/spring-picture-books-for-speech-therapy

When we do any deep dive or this or that episode and talk about the key teaching points of books, one of the main components we look for is a rich vocabulary. But why is that an important aspect to cover with a text, and how does it relate to a student’s oral language development? Vocabulary is the single best indicator of intellectual ability and the number one factor in comprehension. It’s also a predictor of success at school, which makes it extremely important! In today’s episode, we’re discussing how to select rich vocabulary for your speech therapy sessions, which includes research and effective practices. Resources Mentioned: Bringing Words to Life: Robust Instruction by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown, & Linda Kucan“Effects of Integrated Literacy and Content-Area Instruction on Vocabulary and Comprehension in the Elementary Years: A Meta-Analysis, Scientific Studies of Reading” Article“The Effects of Vocabulary Instruction: A Model-Based Meta-Analysis” ArticleFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! Show Notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/rich-vocabulary-for-your-speech-therapy

We talk a lot in these podcast episodes about books and the value they have when you use them in a literacy-based speech therapy session. One topic we mention is that just because a book is popular amongst kids, parents, or Amazon doesn’t mean it’s best to use it with your students to work on specific speech and language goals. A popular series that many teachers like to read is the Little Blue Truck series, but do all the books meet the requirements? In today’s episode, we’re doing a special this or that episode using the Little Blue Truck series in speech therapy. Resources Mentioned: Little Blue Truck Book Inventory FreebieNarrative Key Teaching Points - SeasonalLittle Blue Truck Book CollectionFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! Show Notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/little-blue-truck-in-speech-therapy

We’re diving deep into Valentine’s Day books you can use with your students during your speech therapy sessions that focus on their goals and have sweet, kind, and loving messages. One of our favorite books is Love Monster by Rachel Bright, which not only has a great theme but key concepts that you can work on with your students. So, in today’s episode, we’re doing a deep dive into Love Monster and showcasing the relevant speech and language goals you could use. Resources Mentioned: Love Monster Notes DownloadLove Monster by Rachel BrightLove Monster Narrative NotesNarrative Key Teaching PointsBook Search - Valentine’s DayFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! Show Notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/deep-dive-into-love-monster

There are so many sweet, cute, and popular Valentine’s Day books out there, but not all of them are ideal to use during your speech therapy sessions. When using a literacy-based speech approach, you’re looking for books that have certain key concepts that target the speech and language goals of your students. And since we know popular doesn’t always mean the best option, we’re doing a this or that Valentine’s Day episode with the books Day It Rained Hearts and Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool. Resources Mentioned: This or That Valentine’s NotesDay It Rained Hearts by Felicia BondPete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool by James Dean & Kimberly DeanKey Teaching Points - SeasonalBook Search - Valentine’s DayEpisode 38, Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Picture Books in Speech TherapyFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! Show Notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/this-or-that-valentines-day

It’s the time of year when love is in the air! So, what better way to celebrate than by using Valentine’s Day-themed picture books during your speech therapy sessions? Since you serve a variety of students with different speech and language goals, finding the right books to meet all those needs can be challenging. Therefore, in today’s episode, we’re sharing our favorite Valentine’s Day picture books with you and the benefits of each book. Resources Mentioned: Favorite Valentine’s Day Books Free NotesNarrative Notes Valentine’s Day Book CompanionsRead and Review Valentine's Day Book CompanionsValentine’s Day Language BookmarksBook Search - Valentine’s DayFollow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/valentines-day-picture-books-podcast

We believe in the value and benefit of using wordless picture books with your students, so we dedicated another episode sharing more of our favorite wordless picture books with you. As we continue to mention, despite not having any text in them, you can still discuss character analysis, theme, vocabulary, and narrative structure with your students when reading these books. With this being a genre you may not have a lot of on your shelves, in today’s episode, we’re sharing our favorite wordless picture books part two. Resources Mentioned: Free Wordless Book ListFavorite Wordless Books: Part Two Free Notes Episode 36, Our Favorite Wordless Picture Books in Speech Therapy: Part OneEpisode 35, How to Use Wordless Picture Books in Your Speech Therapy SessionsBook Search - WordlessNarrative Notes - Farm and Pond Theme Follow us on Instagram @literacybasedspeechtherapy.Write your review on Apple Podcasts! For the full book list and resources, head to the show notes: https://sweetsouthernspeech.com/podcast/favorite-wordless-picture-books-part-two