Scroll down to view my creative outlet where I explore the intersection between speech therapy and family connection.
LATEST STORIES
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Embrace a Little Cuteness
As a kindergartener, G. is taking steps towards greater independence by doing homework, getting herself dressed, and completing a few simple chores. Some days she enjoys these new responsibilities and her growing maturity, but on other days she wants us to remember that she is still little. I find Lori Haskins Houran’s loving and playful… Read more
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Gratitude
Most nights, after G. and I read books we take turns expressing something we are grateful for. I often use the practice to highlight something special relating to her: coloring together, something funny she did that made me laugh, or recognizing a positive risk she took. Recently though, I’ve been expanding the conversation to express… Read more
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Slow Down
When G. exclaimed, “This is what’s so special about my family—that we go on tape walks!“, I knew we hit the sweet spot of connecting, discovering, and being present. Such a simple concept: wrap your and your child’s wrist with tape, and walk around your neighborhood observing and collecting found objects. G. and I found… Read more
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More Buttered Toast, Please!
Over the last few months, I’ve slowly introduced G. to chapter books, beginning with Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, part of the Mercy Watson book series about the adventures of an always-hungry pet pig. With memorable characters and vivid illustrations that support comprehension of higher-level language concepts, this series is particularly great for… Read more
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Books & Boo Boos
I frequently use the adorable Maisy book series by Lucy Cousins to introduce early story telling to toddlers. Doctor Maisy tells a simple, but engaging sequence of events about two animal friends playing doctor, including: listening to a heart beat, taking a temperature, and putting someone sick to bed. One concern I hear from parents… Read more
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Baguettes & Bravery
Krack! Our family delights in anything written by Mo Willems, and G. and I were thrilled to discover a title we had not read yet, Nanette’s Baguette. Willems’ expansive rhyming skills are on full display, and your older preschool and early elementary school children will benefit from the discussion that one, two, and three syllable… Read more