Not Just Words, Mobile SLP

09/05/2025

Sometimes the very best speech therapy moments happen when we stop asking for words.

Here’s why: kids often feel pressure when every playtime is filled with “say this” or “what’s that?” And pressure can actually shut down communication instead of building it.

When we create a low-pressure environment, children have the freedom to explore, connect, and enjoy the moment. And it’s often in those relaxed, playful moments that words spill out naturally.

💡 One of my favorite tips for parents:
Play with your child, not for words. Narrate what you’re doing (“Wow, the car is zooming!”) and then pause. If they want to jump in, they will. If not, you’ve still modeled language and kept play fun.

This is exactly why I say “regulation before expectation.” When a child feels safe, calm, and connected, their communication has space to grow. 🌱

Have you ever noticed your child suddenly say something new when the pressure was off?

I’d love to hear your experiences. And if you’re curious about how to bring more of these low-pressure strategies into your home, reach out anytime, I’m here to support you and your child’s unique journey 💛

09/03/2025

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What Kasey said!!!👇👇👇🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 Edutopia

09/02/2025

When kids are playing with playdough, squishing slime, or running their hands through a sensory bin… it might look like “just play,” but there’s so much more happening.

Tactile play (play that engages touch) is deeply connected to speech and language development. Why? Because when kids explore textures with their hands, they’re also building the sensory processing skills their brain uses to pay attention, stay regulated, and connect meaning to new words.

Think about it: if a child is calm and regulated while squishing soft playdough, their brain is more open to noticing the words we say alongside the play. “Roll. Squish. Flat.” The hands and the mouth are linked more than we realize, both rely on fine motor coordination, timing, and sensory feedback.

So yes, messy play isn’t just fun, it’s a powerful way to support communication. As a speech therapist, I often weave sensory play into sessions because I’ve seen firsthand how it helps kids stay engaged and more likely to use their voices.

Next time your child digs into playdough or sensory bins, try modeling simple words that match what they’re feeling. You might be surprised how quickly those little hands lead to big communication wins.

Have you noticed your child learning or talking more during messy, hands-on play?

09/01/2025

Here’s the truth: sitting still isn’t a requirement for learning. Kids with ADHD often process language and ideas while they’re moving. That’s why in speech therapy, I don’t always ask kids to sit at a table. Instead, we might practice sounds while bouncing on a ball, build vocabulary while tossing beanbags, or tell stories as we walk around the yard.

Movement helps their brains stay engaged, and engagement is the gateway to communication. When therapy matches a child’s natural rhythm, they’re more likely to feel successful, and that confidence carries over into daily life.

For homeschool families, this can be especially powerful, because therapy can blend seamlessly into your day at home. And the best part? In Ohio, services like this can be covered at no cost through the Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships.

So if you’ve ever wondered if your child’s energy is “too much” for speech therapy, let me reassure you, it’s not. With the right approach, their movement isn’t a barrier, it’s a strength.

Does your child learn best when they’re moving instead of sitting still?

08/30/2025

Who can guess what kind of sensory bin we are making next?!

08/30/2025

We love sensory bins. Even better when they’re themed. Created this beautiful fall sensory bin today, and I’m excited to use it with the kiddos soon.

So many language opportunities with with multi sensory input while engaging in a sensory bin. The kids go wild for these things, and it’s so simple. ❤️

08/29/2025

That’s why in my sessions, I often toss the “traditional” approach out the window.
Instead of sitting at a table with flashcards, we might:
🪁 Fly a kite while chatting about what’s in the sky
🐾 Follow the dog around the yard narrating what it’s doing
🎨 Draw silly monsters together, letting them take the lead

The key? Remove the feeling of “You have to do this now” and replace it with “We’re doing this together.” When the pressure drops, connection builds. And when connection builds, communication follows.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a lighter, more flexible style of therapy could help your child thrive, let’s talk.

How does your child respond when learning feels more like play?

08/26/2025

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “We’ll just wait until kindergarten to see if they catch up.”

Here’s the thing… waiting until age 5 to start speech therapy means missing some of the most important years for building communication skills.

From birth to age 3, children’s brains are developing at lightning speed. Those early years are like planting seeds in rich soil, the earlier we start, the more time we have to help those skills grow.

It’s not about “fixing” speech overnight, it’s about giving kids the tools, confidence, and support they need while their brains are most ready to learn. Early intervention can make progress feel smoother, faster, and less stressful for everyone involved.

So if you’ve been on the fence about starting, know this, you don’t have to wait, and starting earlier is almost always easier than trying to play catch-up later.

Have you ever been told to “wait and see” about your child’s speech?

08/25/2025

If you’ve ever caught yourself asking your toddler “What color is this? What’s that? What number is this?” on repeat… you’re not alone.

Here’s the thing, constant quizzing can actually make play feel like a test. And when kids feel that pressure, they’re less likely to talk.

Instead, try this: pick one color and turn it into an adventure. Let’s say you choose green. Fill a bin with green rice, green toys, green cups. Narrate as you play: “Green rice. Green cup. Green bear.” Then stop. Let them explore. Notice. Maybe they’ll say “green” right away, or maybe they’ll just take it in for a while.

That pause you give them? That’s wait time, and it’s magic. It’s the space where kids process what they’ve seen and heard before deciding how to respond. In therapy, I use wait time all the time, because language needs room to grow.

So next time, skip the quiz, make it playful, and let the quiet moments work for you. Often, it’s in those quiet moments that words find their way out.

Have you noticed your child saying more when you slow down and give them space?

08/22/2025

Ever notice how some kids just seem to open up more when you’re moving side-by-side instead of face-to-face? 🙋‍♀️

Here's the secret: When we're walking together, it feels less like an intense interview and more like a relaxed conversation. For kids who find eye contact tricky or sitting still overwhelming, a casual stroll can work wonders! 🚶‍♂️🌳

Walking while talking helps by:
🌱 Reducing pressure: Side-by-side chats feel safer and less demanding.
🌱 Supporting sensory needs: Movement and nature help ease stress and boost processing.
🌱 Creating natural conversation: Everyday sights and sounds spark spontaneous language.

We know that communication is not just words, it’s about connection, comfort, and finding what truly works for your child. If your kiddo feels overwhelmed by traditional sit-and-talk therapy, a walk might just be the perfect starting place. 🌟

Have you noticed your child chatting more during activities or walks? I'd love to hear your experiences! And if you’re curious about making speech support feel less overwhelming and more natural, let’s connect. I'm here to help you figure out what feels right for your family. 💬💛

08/19/2025

I get it, when you see me blowing bubbles in speech therapy, you might wonder, “How exactly does this help my child talk?”

It sets the stage for clearer sounds and better articulation (think words with “p,” “b,” “m,” or “w”). 🗣️✨

And let's be honest, kids LOVE bubbles. It's a sneaky way of turning therapy goals into pure play. 😊

Here are a few easy tips to try at home:
1️⃣ Encourage your child to blow softly and slowly, this helps build better breath control.
2️⃣ Make it fun by blowing a big bubble and modeling exaggerated mouth shapes and sounds (“pop!”, “bubble!”).
3️⃣ Let them pop bubbles with targeted sounds or words you’re practicing to make practice natural and playful.

Speech doesn’t have to be stressful. Small, fun steps, like blowing bubbles, lead to big wins over time. 💛

Curious how playful techniques can help your child's speech grow? Reach out anytime, let’s chat about making speech fun and effective! 💬