September TeleTalk Newsletter

Our “Nice to Meet You” activity is a simple, fun way to start the school year and help kids share about themselves. The activity includes two versions—one for younger students and one for older students—so it works well across different ages. Younger children can draw their answers and then talk about them, which encourages early language skills and confidence. Older students have a separate page with prompts to write out their responses and then share with a partner, group, or family member, giving them practice with both writing and conversation. This activity is a great way to spark connection, encourage self-expression, and build communication skills at school or at home.

Link to activity: https://www.teletalktherapy.org/file-share/eaac93d1-e479-4e19-84b5-73203e3849fe

September is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book, and this month’s picks are a mix of fun, curiosity, and fall vibes. Kids can laugh along with Hey, Bruce! and Fungus is Among Us!, or dive into nature with Over and Under the Leaves and Every Autumn Comes the Bear. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is a sweet way to talk about the change in seasons, and All By Myself is a classic for celebrating those little moments of independence. These books make great read-alouds and are sure to spark conversations (and giggles!) at home or in the classroom. Here are links to YouTube read-aloud:

Fungus is Among Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT58ybXKnGA

Every Autumn Comes the Bear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHAfN54SPMk

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8797xdq37Ac

All By Myself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86F-da-MLxw

Hey, Bruce!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxikA9hZl6Q

Who says practicing directions can’t be fun and delicious? This homemade ice cream activity is a perfect way to target following directions, sequencing, and life skills at home or in the classroom. Kids follow step-by-step directions, describe each part of the process, and get a tasty treat at the end. It’s a hands-on way to reinforce therapy goals, build vocabulary, and encourage conversation, all while keeping learning playful this September!

https://www.teletalktherapy.org/file-share/eaac93d1-e479-4e19-84b5-73203e3849fe

What’s the big deal about routines? And why do our students do better with them? 

Children thrive in familiar, everyday moments. Healthy routines give children the structure and safety they need while they develop. When children know what to expect throughout the day, it helps them explore and learn in the moment without having to wonder ‘what is coming next?’. Not only that, but it helps us as educators create a more positive space for ourselves and the students. 

Getting into routines can be a HUGE struggle, especially when the daily schedule changes as the school year barrels around the corner. How can we as teachers and parents help our students ease into the new daily schedule? Here are 4 things you can do during this transitional period.

Strategy #1: Use Visual Schedules

What it is: Visual schedules are a series of pictures, symbols, or words showing the steps of the day or activity on display in a space that the child can often see. 

This helps remind children to anticipate what’s next and stay focused. 

Example for home: A chart for morning tasks on the refrigerator with pictures for ‘get dressed’ → ‘eat breakfast’ → ‘brush teeth’ → ‘get backpack’ → ‘put shoes on’

Example for school: A schedule with pictures at the front of the classroom showing ‘Circletime’ → ‘reading’ → ‘gym’ → ‘lunch’ → ‘home’ 

Strategy #2: Provide transition warnings

What it is: Giving a warning before going onto another activity. Have fun with how you do this. There can be a song that you sing 5 minutes before a change, a light that you flicker, or a picture that you put on the front board. 

This helps to prepare their brains for the shift and gives them more time to process what is happening. This can help reduce resistance and behavioral struggles when it’s time to move on to something new.

Strategy #3: Break up big tasks into smaller chunks 

What it is: When kids are getting used to new responsibilities as they enter a new school year, it’s important to break up larger (newer) tasks like ‘get ready for practice’ into smaller, more familiar parts. This can help the student build more independence and help to decrease overwhelm because they know exactly what they need to do step-by-step. This isn’t forever. Over time, as they get used to the new schedule, you can reduce your use of steps. 

Example for home: Instead of saying  ‘Get ready for practice,’ break it up. ‘Get a snack’  → ‘Get into your uniform’ → ‘Get your cleats’ → ‘Get into the car’. 

Example for school: Instead of ‘Time to pack up’ break it into  ‘Put your folder into your backpacks’ → ‘Clean your desk’ → ‘Put on your coats’ → and  ‘Line up by the door’ 

Strategy #4: Offer Choices within the new routines

What it is: When you are moving through the new schedule with your students, they can feel out of control, which might make them feel anxious. To help with this, try to give them choices within those different routines. This can give them a sense of control over their environment, which helps support participation in activities, encourages decision making, and social skills

Example for home: “Do you want the red or the blue cup for breakfast?”

Example for School: “Do you want to write with a pencil or a pen.