Author Archives: mjfledderjohn

Communication Expansion Using the Repetition of Holidays in a Neutral Way

To expand any skill, we all need practice.  This same repetition is vital for your child to gain speech and language skills.  A good way to assure repetition and frequent practice which is necessary is by using your environment to … Continue reading

Posted in Articulation, Expressive Language, Pragmatic Language, Receptive Language, Seasons/Holidays and communication, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Communication Expansion Using the Repetition of Holidays in a Neutral Way

Supports for Children Going to a New School

My New School(PowerPoint)   My New School(PDF) It’s back to school time!  Parents of young children, especially young children with special needs, are often aware of the challenges brought to their children by transitions to new environments and experiences.  Starting school, even preschool … Continue reading

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Speech and Language Enrichment = Summer Fun!

School’s out, but you can support your child’s speech and language skills in typical summer activities.  They provide wonderful contexts to enrich your child’s communication development and still have lots of fun!  For specific guidance in skills to target, remember your child’s … Continue reading

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“Talking Stick” and Other Verbal Turn-taking Strategies

A tool used in my pragmatic language group to support turn-taking skills is what I refer to as a “talking stick.” Literally, it is a skinny, plastic stick (like a magic wand) that, on one end, has a hand which is pointing. The “talking stick” … Continue reading

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How Full is Your Bucket? for Kids

“How Full is Your Bucket? for Kids” by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer One book I read in my pragmatics language group following a unit on feelings is the story How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath … Continue reading

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Educational iPad Apps for Preschoolers

The document below was created by Cheryl Straw, MS, CCC-SLP and Mary Jane Fledderjohn, MS, CCC-SLP.  It contains a list of some educational iPad apps for Preschoolers, which are alphabetically arranged by category (ex:  art/fine motor, articulation, books for preschoolers, play, … Continue reading

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Exciting New Program for Kids with ASD

The Children’s Museum of La Crosse, WI has introduced a new program to enable children with ASD to enjoy their facility.  It’s a messenger bag that they call an “Adventure Pack” which contains tools that support the children’s ability to … Continue reading

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“Marble Jar” as Positive Reinforcement for Social Skills

A behavioral strategy used in my pragmatics groups is a marble jar.  This type of positive reinforcement strategy was presented by the well-known and respected Jed Baker, PhD. (http://www.jedbaker.com/) in one of his conferences. Several marbles are in a bag, … Continue reading

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PARENT TIPS FOR FACILITATING/EXPANDING PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE AT HOME

Upon WAKING AND GOING TO BED, encourage kids to greet all family members.  Remember to cue as needed for eye gaze to direct the language to each listener.  At bedtime, consider reviewing the current day’s events and sharing tomorrow’s events … Continue reading

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Strategies to Enhance Language Processing Skills in the Home and School Environments

Seat the child as close to the front of the room as possible, minimizing visual and auditory distractions. When giving verbal directions, gain attention first.  You can prompt the entire class by saying “Everyone look at me.  I’m going to … Continue reading

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