Next Step Speech and Language

05/14/2025

11/10/2024

I am not available via Facebook or FB Messenger any longer, but to contact me please either call or text Randi Meier at (518) 496-1997. I look forward to connecting!

Send a message to learn more

11/22/2023

I just love when kids graduate from speech and no longer need me. Though I miss them I know they are now equipped to better advocate for themselves and communicate.

With that said I have a few day time spots open! Feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns about your child’s speech and language skills!

06/13/2023

10/17/2022

Hello all! Sorry it's been quite a while since I've posted. For your entertainment here's a trivia question for you...

If you had a child who was not producing many words which example(s) below might you introduce first? Bonus points if you can guess why!

a.) the ABC's
b.) their name
c.) out
d.) favorite foods

Answer: Ok all... drum roll.... there are two correct answers used simultaneously: "out" and "favorite foods"! Here is why...

"Out" is an example of a core word. Core words are words that can be used across many contexts and situations. By learning "out" the child can say "out" to take a cookie out of a jar, to go outside, to ask for a toy that is stuck. There are many core words and here are some more examples: in, help, more, no, yes, put, on, off, and the list goes on.

Favorite foods (fringe or topical words) are also important because they are so highly reinforcing. We want children to know their words have power. Many times children are either reaching or pointing to those very items anyway so giving them the word is only natural.

Now for where the magic happens: combining core and fringe words together... "more cookie," "puppy out," etc.

Hope you found this interesting!! Thanks for participating!

03/15/2022

Raise your hand in the comments if you guessed any one of these reasons!

03/11/2022

What are your speech
therapy questions?
I would love to answer a "question of the day" each day.

02/20/2022

Click the link for a free home screener for ages 3 and 4:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Speech-and-Language-Home-Screeners-for-Pre-K-3-year-and-4-year-olds-6183835

02/08/2022

An example of a telehealth articulation session.