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Speech For The Stars

Speech For The Stars

*Helping little stars shine brighter*

Speech For The Stars is a paediatric mobile speech therapy and tutoring service that operates in Melbourne, Australia.

✨ Farewell to the JSB Speechie Office ✨

In a few short weeks, our little office-that-started-as-a-cupboard will be demolished… and goodness, if these walls could talk. Ten whole years of memories live in that tiny space - and what a decade it has been. 💛

This room has seen it all:
• Supporting countless speech pathology students as they found their feet
• Surprise visits from my gorgeous nieces, nephews, and my French parents
• Annual Book Week costume chaos
• Annual SPA Week celebrations
• Welcoming new babies into our school family
• Running online learning through a global pandemic
• Upping our resources by at least a million
• Children, families, and colleagues coming in and out every single day
• Recording and participating in so many speechie podcasts
• Navigating the heartbreak of losing a dear colleague
• Battling through breast cancer and still showing up
• Growing as clinicians through endless online PDs
• Watching our students’ communication blossom year after year - the most magical privilege of all ✨
• And the best part - gaining a speechie partner-in-crime who made every challenge lighter and every win brighter 🤍 @speechiespeechielittlestar 🌟
• And of course… the social location of our tiny office - right off reception - where friends would drop in daily just because they were passing through. We adored that.

We have laughed, cried, complained, celebrated, grown, reflected, created, rebuilt.
And now… we’re moving on to bigger and better spaces. 🌿✨

Thank you, JSB office. You were tiny, but you were oh so mighty. 🤍📚

✨ Farewell to the JSB Speechie Office ✨

In a few short weeks, our little office-that-started-as-a-cupboard will be demolished… and goodness, if these walls could talk. Ten whole years of memories live in that tiny space - and what a decade it has been. 💛

This room has seen it all:
• Supporting countless speech pathology students as they found their feet
• Surprise visits from my gorgeous nieces, nephews, and my French parents
• Annual Book Week costume chaos
• Annual SPA Week celebrations
• Welcoming new babies into our school family
• Running online learning through a global pandemic
• Upping our resources by at least a million
• Children, families, and colleagues coming in and out every single day
• Recording and participating in so many speechie podcasts
• Navigating the heartbreak of losing a dear colleague
• Battling through breast cancer and still showing up
• Growing as clinicians through endless online PDs
• Watching our students’ communication blossom year after year - the most magical privilege of all ✨
• And the best part - gaining a speechie partner-in-crime who made every challenge lighter and every win brighter 🤍 @speechiespeechielittlestar 🌟
• And of course… the social location of our tiny office - right off reception - where friends would drop in daily just because they were passing through. We adored that.

We have laughed, cried, complained, celebrated, grown, reflected, created, rebuilt.
And now… we’re moving on to bigger and better spaces. 🌿✨

Thank you, JSB office. You were tiny, but you were oh so mighty. 🤍📚

SLPs, let that really sink in… 🤔✨

Having an engaging, knowledgeable AAC-specialist mentor (thank you @nocontextnatcat 🌟) has been an absolute game changer in the way I approach AAC intervention.

This quote stopped me in my tracks and reminded me of something we all know but can easily forget:

💬 30 minutes of speech therapy a week isn’t enough. 🙅🏼‍♀️

Our students need communication partners - teachers, parents, support staff - who feel confident and upskilled in their AAC system.

Because every child has the right to communicate. 🧡

#AAC #aacgram #aacawareness #augmentativeandalternativecommunication #communication #communicationpartner #communicationmatters #speechtherapy

SLPs, let that really sink in… 🤔✨

Having an engaging, knowledgeable AAC-specialist mentor (thank you @nocontextnatcat 🌟) has been an absolute game changer in the way I approach AAC intervention.

This quote stopped me in my tracks and reminded me of something we all know but can easily forget:

💬 30 minutes of speech therapy a week isn’t enough. 🙅🏼‍♀️

Our students need communication partners - teachers, parents, support staff - who feel confident and upskilled in their AAC system.

Because every child has the right to communicate. 🧡

#AAC #aacgram #aacawareness #augmentativeandalternativecommunication #communication #communicationpartner #communicationmatters #speechtherapy

Tonight I had the privilege of presenting to the incredible educators at @gymbaroo 💜 ✨

As a speech pathologist (and a very hands-on aunty!), I loved connecting with a team whose play-based and movement-rich approach already supports communication so beautifully.

We explored how intentional movement and play can ignite oral language, how to create neuroaffirming environments that celebrate every child’s unique communication style, and how to help little ones feel ready for school.

Thank you for having me, GymbaROO - your program already promotes communication so naturally, and I hope I added some helpful speechie insights along the way 💬✨

#gymbaroo #speechforthestars #orallanguagedevelopment #neuroaffirmingpractice #schoolreadiness #earlyliteracy #earlycommunication

Tonight I had the privilege of presenting to the incredible educators at @gymbaroo 💜 ✨

As a speech pathologist (and a very hands-on aunty!), I loved connecting with a team whose play-based and movement-rich approach already supports communication so beautifully.

We explored how intentional movement and play can ignite oral language, how to create neuroaffirming environments that celebrate every child’s unique communication style, and how to help little ones feel ready for school.

Thank you for having me, GymbaROO - your program already promotes communication so naturally, and I hope I added some helpful speechie insights along the way 💬✨

#gymbaroo #speechforthestars #orallanguagedevelopment #neuroaffirmingpractice #schoolreadiness #earlyliteracy #earlycommunication

✨ Even after 14 years in the game… I’m still learning. ✨

I’m technically classed as an experienced Speech Pathologist - but that doesn’t mean I know everything about every domain in our field. And honestly? None of us should pretend to. There’s nothing worse than “faking it till you make it” when real clients and families are counting on you. It doesn’t help them - and it doesn’t help you.

My background has always been in mainstream school settings, so supporting children and families in that environment is absolutely my jam. 💬 But this year, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) became part of my caseload - an area I’d only ever touched on at uni.

Enter Natalliya - my incredible mentor and AAC superstar 🌟 Through our Zoom sessions, she’s empowered me with evidence-based practice, practical implementation, and the confidence to support my students effectively.

To every SLP out there: it’s okay not to know everything. Find your Natalliya - someone who will teach, challenge, and uplift you. 🙌

💛 Thanks a million, Natalliya- your expertise has made such a difference.

#SpeechPathology #AAC #MentorshipMatters #AlwaysLearning #SpeechTherapist #SLPCommunity #EvidenceBasedPractice #ProfessionalGrowth

✨ Even after 14 years in the game… I’m still learning. ✨

I’m technically classed as an experienced Speech Pathologist - but that doesn’t mean I know everything about every domain in our field. And honestly? None of us should pretend to. There’s nothing worse than “faking it till you make it” when real clients and families are counting on you. It doesn’t help them - and it doesn’t help you.

My background has always been in mainstream school settings, so supporting children and families in that environment is absolutely my jam. 💬 But this year, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) became part of my caseload - an area I’d only ever touched on at uni.

Enter Natalliya - my incredible mentor and AAC superstar 🌟 Through our Zoom sessions, she’s empowered me with evidence-based practice, practical implementation, and the confidence to support my students effectively.

To every SLP out there: it’s okay not to know everything. Find your Natalliya - someone who will teach, challenge, and uplift you. 🙌

💛 Thanks a million, Natalliya- your expertise has made such a difference.

#SpeechPathology #AAC #MentorshipMatters #AlwaysLearning #SpeechTherapist #SLPCommunity #EvidenceBasedPractice #ProfessionalGrowth

It was a fun day yesterday at @headstogetherforabi camp! Always a special day supporting children and their families who have been impacted by brain injury 💛

#abi #braininjury #abiawareness #aquiredbraininjury #headstogetherforABI

It was a fun day yesterday at @headstogetherforabi camp! Always a special day supporting children and their families who have been impacted by brain injury 💛

#abi #braininjury #abiawareness #aquiredbraininjury #headstogetherforABI

An inclusive trick or treating experience = A Happy Halloween!! 🎃👻💀🧙‍♀️ ✨

#halloween #halloweenlife #trickortreat #inclusive #inclusiveeducation #inclusivity #happyhalloween #happyhalloween2023 #halloweenforkids

An inclusive trick or treating experience = A Happy Halloween!! 🎃👻💀🧙‍♀️ ✨

#halloween #halloweenlife #trickortreat #inclusive #inclusiveeducation #inclusivity #happyhalloween #happyhalloween2023 #halloweenforkids

💬 One of the things I love most about being a Speech Pathologist is that every single day is different - and I’m always learning! ✨

Recently, my school has given me the opportunity to upskill in the area of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). I’ve been incredibly lucky to have mentor sessions with the superstar AAC Speechie, Natalliya Sertic, and honestly… I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve learnt in just five sessions! All credit to you, Natalliya 💜 @nocontextnatcat

One new strategy I’ve introduced is using a roving whiteboard with a visual schedule for my AAC students. This simple but powerful tool helps them transition happily and successfully from the classroom to the speech room. It also shows them what to expect throughout the session - and they love ripping off each card and placing it in the finish box when the task is complete ✅

Every small step, every visual support, every collaborative learning moment counts. 🌟

#SpeechPathology #AAC #SpeechieLife #VisualSupports #CommunicationIsKey #AlwaysLearning #SpeechForTheStars #Inclusion #NeuroaffirmingPractice

💬 One of the things I love most about being a Speech Pathologist is that every single day is different - and I’m always learning! ✨

Recently, my school has given me the opportunity to upskill in the area of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). I’ve been incredibly lucky to have mentor sessions with the superstar AAC Speechie, Natalliya Sertic, and honestly… I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve learnt in just five sessions! All credit to you, Natalliya 💜 @nocontextnatcat

One new strategy I’ve introduced is using a roving whiteboard with a visual schedule for my AAC students. This simple but powerful tool helps them transition happily and successfully from the classroom to the speech room. It also shows them what to expect throughout the session - and they love ripping off each card and placing it in the finish box when the task is complete ✅

Every small step, every visual support, every collaborative learning moment counts. 🌟

#SpeechPathology #AAC #SpeechieLife #VisualSupports #CommunicationIsKey #AlwaysLearning #SpeechForTheStars #Inclusion #NeuroaffirmingPractice

🌟 Exciting news! 🌟
Speech for the Stars is thrilled to be partnering with GymbaROO this November to empower their incredible team on all things communication 💬✨

We’ll be exploring:
💫 Supporting children’s readiness for school (and those vital pragmatic skills!)
💫 Nurturing speech and language development in a neuroaffirming environment
💫 Understanding how oral language lays the foundation for literacy 📚

I can’t wait to meet the kind, passionate, and fun folk of GymbaROO soon - together, we’ll help every little star shine bright! ⭐

#SpeechForTheStars #GymbaROO #SpeechPathology #EarlyYears #OralLanguage #LiteracyFoundation #NeuroaffirmingPractice #SchoolReadiness #CommunicationIsKey #EmpoweringEducators

🌟 Exciting news! 🌟
Speech for the Stars is thrilled to be partnering with GymbaROO this November to empower their incredible team on all things communication 💬✨

We’ll be exploring:
💫 Supporting children’s readiness for school (and those vital pragmatic skills!)
💫 Nurturing speech and language development in a neuroaffirming environment
💫 Understanding how oral language lays the foundation for literacy 📚

I can’t wait to meet the kind, passionate, and fun folk of GymbaROO soon - together, we’ll help every little star shine bright! ⭐

#SpeechForTheStars #GymbaROO #SpeechPathology #EarlyYears #OralLanguage #LiteracyFoundation #NeuroaffirmingPractice #SchoolReadiness #CommunicationIsKey #EmpoweringEducators

✨🎲 🗣️Communication Bingo!! 🗣️🎲✨

Staff challenge: As a campus team, see how many communication squares you can cross off together. Which campus will shout ✨BINGO! ✨first??!!

Strong communication builds connection, confidence, and belonging - all essential for wellbeing. Each bingo square encourages small but powerful acts that reflect our school values:

👂🏼 Respect: Listen actively, acknowledge feelings, and value colleagues’ input.

🗣️ Excellence: Use clear visuals, explain concepts, and model effective communication.

💬 Accountability: Follow through, ask clarifying questions, and reframe conversations positively.

🤔 Curiosity: Show genuine interest by learning new facts about colleagues or asking follow-up questions.

❤️ Heart: Brighten someone’s day with humour, kindness, or a thank you note.

#speechpathologyaustraliaweek #impactthroughcommunication @speechpathaus

✨🎲 🗣️Communication Bingo!! 🗣️🎲✨

Staff challenge: As a campus team, see how many communication squares you can cross off together. Which campus will shout ✨BINGO! ✨first??!!

Strong communication builds connection, confidence, and belonging - all essential for wellbeing. Each bingo square encourages small but powerful acts that reflect our school values:

👂🏼 Respect: Listen actively, acknowledge feelings, and value colleagues’ input.

🗣️ Excellence: Use clear visuals, explain concepts, and model effective communication.

💬 Accountability: Follow through, ask clarifying questions, and reframe conversations positively.

🤔 Curiosity: Show genuine interest by learning new facts about colleagues or asking follow-up questions.

❤️ Heart: Brighten someone’s day with humour, kindness, or a thank you note.

#speechpathologyaustraliaweek #impactthroughcommunication @speechpathaus

🎉 ✨Happy Speech Pathology Australia Week 2025✨🎉
Theme: Impact through communication 💬 💫

Every day at our school, we help students:
👥 Make friends & join in games
🗣️ Be understood when they talk
🤩 Feel confident when speaking up in class
📖 Share ideas & follow along with learning

Because communication = connection 💙 🌈 … and connection = confidence + fun at school 🎶 📚 ⚽️

Let’s celebrate the power of communication this week!! 🥳

#spaweek #spaweek2025 #speechpathologyaustralia #slp #slpsofinstagram #speechpathaus #communicationchangeslives #impactthroughcommunication

🎉 ✨Happy Speech Pathology Australia Week 2025✨🎉
Theme: Impact through communication 💬 💫

Every day at our school, we help students:
👥 Make friends & join in games
🗣️ Be understood when they talk
🤩 Feel confident when speaking up in class
📖 Share ideas & follow along with learning

Because communication = connection 💙 🌈 … and connection = confidence + fun at school 🎶 📚 ⚽️

Let’s celebrate the power of communication this week!! 🥳

#spaweek #spaweek2025 #speechpathologyaustralia #slp #slpsofinstagram #speechpathaus #communicationchangeslives #impactthroughcommunication

✨📖 Book an Adventure 📖✨

Book Week 2025 💫 🦋 🐛 📖

#bookanadventure #bookweek2025 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #butterfly #slpsofinstagram

✨📖 Book an Adventure 📖✨

Book Week 2025 💫 🦋 🐛 📖

#bookanadventure #bookweek2025 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #butterfly #slpsofinstagram

Being a speechie in a school doesn’t mean I “know everything” about communication difficulties (that would be impossible considering our scope!)

I’ll never fake it — I’ll seek help, learn, and grow 💫

Mentorship isn’t weakness. It’s best practice. 🌟

#slp #slps #slpsofinstagram #speechpathology #schoolspeechtherapy #speechtherapy

Being a speechie in a school doesn’t mean I “know everything” about communication difficulties (that would be impossible considering our scope!)

I’ll never fake it — I’ll seek help, learn, and grow 💫

Mentorship isn’t weakness. It’s best practice. 🌟

#slp #slps #slpsofinstagram #speechpathology #schoolspeechtherapy #speechtherapy

📖✨Book of the Year (Decodable series) Judge 2025✨📖

Such an honour (and a joy!) to return as a judge this year ✨

While I missed the fun of group judging (I was overseas during that part!), it was still a privilege to be part of the process.

The winner has been chosen… but my lips are sealed 🤫

Big thanks to Jane Delaney and Speech Pathology Australia for the opportunity once again 💫

#spa #speechpathologyaustralia #bookoftheyear #decodablereaders #decodablebooks #decodables #scienceofreading #explicitteachingmatters

📖✨Book of the Year (Decodable series) Judge 2025✨📖

Such an honour (and a joy!) to return as a judge this year ✨

While I missed the fun of group judging (I was overseas during that part!), it was still a privilege to be part of the process.

The winner has been chosen… but my lips are sealed 🤫

Big thanks to Jane Delaney and Speech Pathology Australia for the opportunity once again 💫

#spa #speechpathologyaustralia #bookoftheyear #decodablereaders #decodablebooks #decodables #scienceofreading #explicitteachingmatters

Last week I turned 4️⃣0️⃣!! I spent the school day with my speechie in crime 👯, then dinner with the fam at my fav restaurant ‘Paris Go’ 🇫🇷, followed by a big party with all my loved ones 💃🎤

The last decade has taught me that getting older is a privilege. Now that I’m ancient 👵🏼, I feel I’m qualified to give you my two cents re. life advice… 😅

✈️Book the flight, you’ll never regret it.
🌎 Become bilingual, it opens you up to another world & another perspective.
🌻 Be kind to yourself & others, always.
👼🏼 Love your nephews & nieces like they are your own, it’s a special connection.
👄 Choose a career that you want to wake up to each day.
🚑 Never take good health for granted.
🧘‍♀️Exercise daily. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.
💛 Put in effort for your good friends, remember their birthdays.
☀️Happiness is a choice.
🫶🏻 Show up for those who matter most to you.
💭 Never stop being curious.
🏀 Be a team player, not a game player.
🌸 Be grateful for the little things.
🙅🏼‍♀️ Don’t stress about things that are out of your control.
🤗 Smile more, it’s contagious.
🤔 What you expect, is what you experience.
🙏🏻Don’t forget to say “thank you”.
🍰 Always have dessert.
😴 Naps are the best medicine.
🗽Paris & New York are ALWAYS a good idea!!

Last week I turned 4️⃣0️⃣!! I spent the school day with my speechie in crime 👯, then dinner with the fam at my fav restaurant ‘Paris Go’ 🇫🇷, followed by a big party with all my loved ones 💃🎤

The last decade has taught me that getting older is a privilege. Now that I’m ancient 👵🏼, I feel I’m qualified to give you my two cents re. life advice… 😅

✈️Book the flight, you’ll never regret it.
🌎 Become bilingual, it opens you up to another world & another perspective.
🌻 Be kind to yourself & others, always.
👼🏼 Love your nephews & nieces like they are your own, it’s a special connection.
👄 Choose a career that you want to wake up to each day.
🚑 Never take good health for granted.
🧘‍♀️Exercise daily. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.
💛 Put in effort for your good friends, remember their birthdays.
☀️Happiness is a choice.
🫶🏻 Show up for those who matter most to you.
💭 Never stop being curious.
🏀 Be a team player, not a game player.
🌸 Be grateful for the little things.
🙅🏼‍♀️ Don’t stress about things that are out of your control.
🤗 Smile more, it’s contagious.
🤔 What you expect, is what you experience.
🙏🏻Don’t forget to say “thank you”.
🍰 Always have dessert.
😴 Naps are the best medicine.
🗽Paris & New York are ALWAYS a good idea!!

Excited to tune in to this! Congrats Emina McLean, what a superstar!! ✨🤩 🎧 🎙️

Excited to tune in to this! Congrats Emina McLean, what a superstar!! ✨🤩 🎧 🎙️

Officially a business owner (finally) ✅

Now open for business 🤗

Link to website in bio 🔗

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” - Benjamin Franklin

Officially a business owner (finally) ✅

Now open for business 🤗

Link to website in bio 🔗

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” - Benjamin Franklin

It was a pleasure to present today alongside my brilliant and inspiring colleague, Vanessa Dicianni , on International Women’s Day week!

A heartfelt thank you to the kindergarten parents for attending our session this morning, ‘Preschool Speech and Your Child’. We hope you gained valuable insights into your child’s speech and language development, along with practical strategies to support their communication at home. 🌟💚💜🤍

#slp #slplife #speechtherapy #speechtherapyideas #presentation #parentpresentation

It was a pleasure to present today alongside my brilliant and inspiring colleague, Vanessa Dicianni , on International Women’s Day week!

A heartfelt thank you to the kindergarten parents for attending our session this morning, ‘Preschool Speech and Your Child’. We hope you gained valuable insights into your child’s speech and language development, along with practical strategies to support their communication at home. 🌟💚💜🤍

#slp #slplife #speechtherapy #speechtherapyideas #presentation #parentpresentation

✨Good Leaders Are Hard to Find✨

Over the summer break, my school lost not just a remarkable deputy principal, but a truly extraordinary person. Meredith Adams wasn’t just a leader; she was a mentor, a supporter, and for me, a dear friend.

In a world where leadership can sometimes feel transactional, Meredith stood out. Her approach to student and staff wellbeing was genuine - she truly cared. She had time for everyone, no matter how busy she was. She saw the best in people, encouraged them to strive for more, and believed in their potential, even when they doubted themselves.

Despite her intelligence and capability, she carried herself with incredible humility. She never led from above but alongside, working with people to solve problems rather than just handing down solutions. Yes, she was my superior, but it never felt that way - because she empowered rather than dictated. She told me I could do anything I set my mind to, and I believed her because she believed it.

Meredith had faced her own health challenges in recent years, yet she still made time to check in on others - including me. When I went through my own cancer journey, she was there - not because she had to be, but because she genuinely cared. She checked in regularly, offering support, encouragement, and a quiet reassurance that I wasn’t alone. Her kindness during that time meant more to me than she probably ever realized.

Now, my school days feel different. I keep expecting her to pop by my office, to have one of our many daily check-ins - just as she always did. But she’s not there.

Vale, Mrs. Adams. Thank you for your kindness, your wisdom beyond your years, your friendship, and your unwavering belief in the people around you. Your absence is deeply felt, but your impact will never fade. You will be missed by so many.

✨Good Leaders Are Hard to Find✨

Over the summer break, my school lost not just a remarkable deputy principal, but a truly extraordinary person. Meredith Adams wasn’t just a leader; she was a mentor, a supporter, and for me, a dear friend.

In a world where leadership can sometimes feel transactional, Meredith stood out. Her approach to student and staff wellbeing was genuine - she truly cared. She had time for everyone, no matter how busy she was. She saw the best in people, encouraged them to strive for more, and believed in their potential, even when they doubted themselves.

Despite her intelligence and capability, she carried herself with incredible humility. She never led from above but alongside, working with people to solve problems rather than just handing down solutions. Yes, she was my superior, but it never felt that way - because she empowered rather than dictated. She told me I could do anything I set my mind to, and I believed her because she believed it.

Meredith had faced her own health challenges in recent years, yet she still made time to check in on others - including me. When I went through my own cancer journey, she was there - not because she had to be, but because she genuinely cared. She checked in regularly, offering support, encouragement, and a quiet reassurance that I wasn’t alone. Her kindness during that time meant more to me than she probably ever realized.

Now, my school days feel different. I keep expecting her to pop by my office, to have one of our many daily check-ins - just as she always did. But she’s not there.

Vale, Mrs. Adams. Thank you for your kindness, your wisdom beyond your years, your friendship, and your unwavering belief in the people around you. Your absence is deeply felt, but your impact will never fade. You will be missed by so many.

I had a great session this morning trying to eliminate a child’s lateral lisp 💫

🌟 I explained the concept of tongue placement & how his tongue is positioned down the bottom of his mouth, which makes a distorted slushy sound. We need to bring the tongue higher up to make it a clearer sound.

I used the ⏰ card and the 🐍 card to help with tongue placement. I explained that his tongue position of the t-t-t sound will help to position it into the s-s-s sound.

I used the 🍳 card to symbolise how the clear s sound should sound.

I used the 😴 card to remind him that it’s a quiet sound, so we turn our voice off.

I used the 🎡 card to represent a smooth, non bumpy sound.

I used the dot game to get in heaps of trials and it was a winner! 👏

#speechtherapy #slp #slplife #articulation #articulationtherapy #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #speechtherapyideas

I had a great session this morning trying to eliminate a child’s lateral lisp 💫

🌟 I explained the concept of tongue placement & how his tongue is positioned down the bottom of his mouth, which makes a distorted slushy sound. We need to bring the tongue higher up to make it a clearer sound.

I used the ⏰ card and the 🐍 card to help with tongue placement. I explained that his tongue position of the t-t-t sound will help to position it into the s-s-s sound.

I used the 🍳 card to symbolise how the clear s sound should sound.

I used the 😴 card to remind him that it’s a quiet sound, so we turn our voice off.

I used the 🎡 card to represent a smooth, non bumpy sound.

I used the dot game to get in heaps of trials and it was a winner! 👏

#speechtherapy #slp #slplife #articulation #articulationtherapy #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #speechtherapyideas

😘💕🌟 Happy V-Day speechie lovers 🌟💕😘

(This annual post never gets old 😂)

#valentines #valentineday #valentinesday #slp #slplife #speechtherapy #speechtherapyfun

😘💕🌟 Happy V-Day speechie lovers 🌟💕😘

(This annual post never gets old 😂)

#valentines #valentineday #valentinesday #slp #slplife #speechtherapy #speechtherapyfun

20 years of experience, countless voices empowered, and a whole lot of talking! Here’s to a speech-tacular 2025! 🎤🌟

20 years of experience, countless voices empowered, and a whole lot of talking! Here’s to a speech-tacular 2025! 🎤🌟

Last week I spent some time with my French family in New Caledonia 🇳🇨 I loved listening to and speaking French for a solid week 😍

In my discussions, I noticed that there are several English words that are difficult to translate into French with just one word due to cultural or linguistic differences.

These examples highlight how some English words reflect cultural concepts or modern phenomena that don’t have a one-word equivalent in French. As a result, French speakers tend to use phrases or borrow the English word directly.

🌟 Flick to the end slide to watch my French friends trying Vegemite with a spoon 🤦🏼‍♀️🫠🤣

#french #frenchlanguage #frenchlanguagelearning #foreignlanguages #frenchversusenglish

Last week I spent some time with my French family in New Caledonia 🇳🇨 I loved listening to and speaking French for a solid week 😍

In my discussions, I noticed that there are several English words that are difficult to translate into French with just one word due to cultural or linguistic differences.

These examples highlight how some English words reflect cultural concepts or modern phenomena that don’t have a one-word equivalent in French. As a result, French speakers tend to use phrases or borrow the English word directly.

🌟 Flick to the end slide to watch my French friends trying Vegemite with a spoon 🤦🏼‍♀️🫠🤣

#french #frenchlanguage #frenchlanguagelearning #foreignlanguages #frenchversusenglish

Today I was fortunate enough to attend @adventuresinspeechpathology amazing PD ✨Which phonological intervention should I choose?✨

I attended this PD because I wanted to become more confident and knowledgeable around choosing suitable interventions approaches for SSD… and that’s exactly what I came away with 🙌🏻

My Big “aha” moments:
💡 Focus home practice on number of trials, rather than number of minutes ✨
💡 Don’t jump into therapy too quickly (address motivation, attention, pre practice imitation) ✨
💡Remember to consider the child factors before deciding on your therapy approach ✨
💡Be sure to assess connected speech and multi syllabic words in articulation screens ✨

Thanks again, Superstar Rebecca! 🌟 @adventuresinspeechpathology

I also adored reconnecting with old speechie friends and meeting new ones too 💫

Today I was fortunate enough to attend @adventuresinspeechpathology amazing PD ✨Which phonological intervention should I choose?✨

I attended this PD because I wanted to become more confident and knowledgeable around choosing suitable interventions approaches for SSD… and that’s exactly what I came away with 🙌🏻

My Big “aha” moments:
💡 Focus home practice on number of trials, rather than number of minutes ✨
💡 Don’t jump into therapy too quickly (address motivation, attention, pre practice imitation) ✨
💡Remember to consider the child factors before deciding on your therapy approach ✨
💡Be sure to assess connected speech and multi syllabic words in articulation screens ✨

Thanks again, Superstar Rebecca! 🌟 @adventuresinspeechpathology

I also adored reconnecting with old speechie friends and meeting new ones too 💫

Another busy and rewarding year with my speechie in crime @speechiespeechielittlestar 🩷✨

Merry Chrissie everyone!! 🎄✨
May 2025 only bring good things 🙏🏻✨

Another busy and rewarding year with my speechie in crime @speechiespeechielittlestar 🩷✨

Merry Chrissie everyone!! 🎄✨
May 2025 only bring good things 🙏🏻✨

An inclusive trick or treating experience = A Happy Halloween!! 🎃👻💀🧙‍♀️ ✨

#halloween #halloweenlife #trickortreat #inclusive #inclusiveeducation #inclusivity #happyhalloween #happyhalloween2023 #halloweenforkids

An inclusive trick or treating experience = A Happy Halloween!! 🎃👻💀🧙‍♀️ ✨

#halloween #halloweenlife #trickortreat #inclusive #inclusiveeducation #inclusivity #happyhalloween #happyhalloween2023 #halloweenforkids

Today I attended @marinas.speechcorner PD on:

✨Mastering Language Therapy for School Aged Children ✨

I learnt about:
🟣 Milestones
🟡 Assessments & interpretation
🟢 Goals
🔴 Intervention approaches
🟠 Session planning
🔵 Useful resources

As a school speechie, I found this professional development session to be highly valuable and insightful. It prompted me to reflect on my clinical decision-making and reasoning from a new perspective. Since I engage in language therapy daily, it was particularly interesting to explore various intervention strategies.

As always, meeting other speechies was my highlight 🤗 💫

#languagetherapy #languagetherapyideas #speechtherapy #speechpathologist #speechpath #speechtherapyideas #slp #slplife #slpssupportingslps

Today I attended @marinas.speechcorner PD on:

✨Mastering Language Therapy for School Aged Children ✨

I learnt about:
🟣 Milestones
🟡 Assessments & interpretation
🟢 Goals
🔴 Intervention approaches
🟠 Session planning
🔵 Useful resources

As a school speechie, I found this professional development session to be highly valuable and insightful. It prompted me to reflect on my clinical decision-making and reasoning from a new perspective. Since I engage in language therapy daily, it was particularly interesting to explore various intervention strategies.

As always, meeting other speechies was my highlight 🤗 💫

#languagetherapy #languagetherapyideas #speechtherapy #speechpathologist #speechpath #speechtherapyideas #slp #slplife #slpssupportingslps

Happy World Teachers’ Day!! 🌎🍎

✨ Proud to be one, honoured to be friends with so many ✨

Looking back, considering I grew up in a monolingual family (and hated my Italian classes in primary school!), it’s hard to believe that my favourite teacher was my high school Indonesian teacher. I unexpectedly grew a deep love of learning foreign languages in high school and I honestly only think this happened due to the impact my teacher made. Over the years, my family and friends would toss in a few indo words in their every day chats (that they had learnt from me!). I was learning French simultaneously. When I finally got the chance to visit Indonesia and France, and use my foreign language skills to talk to locals, it honestly felt like a superpower 🦸🏼‍♀️✨

Although I didn’t pursue further Indonesian studies beyond high school (I chose French, sorry Bu Swann 💀😂), I still remember it enough to have a basic conversation. I actually had the chance to use my Indonesian skills just recently on an EAL student at our school 🤗

I wasn’t the best student or the worst student in Indonesian class. But I did have the passion and the dream of becoming bilingual one day… and that dream did eventually come true (in French) ❤️ I wonder if things would have been different if I had a different teacher? 🤔

Who was your favourite teacher and why?! 👇🏼

#worldteachersday

Happy World Teachers’ Day!! 🌎🍎

✨ Proud to be one, honoured to be friends with so many ✨

Looking back, considering I grew up in a monolingual family (and hated my Italian classes in primary school!), it’s hard to believe that my favourite teacher was my high school Indonesian teacher. I unexpectedly grew a deep love of learning foreign languages in high school and I honestly only think this happened due to the impact my teacher made. Over the years, my family and friends would toss in a few indo words in their every day chats (that they had learnt from me!). I was learning French simultaneously. When I finally got the chance to visit Indonesia and France, and use my foreign language skills to talk to locals, it honestly felt like a superpower 🦸🏼‍♀️✨

Although I didn’t pursue further Indonesian studies beyond high school (I chose French, sorry Bu Swann 💀😂), I still remember it enough to have a basic conversation. I actually had the chance to use my Indonesian skills just recently on an EAL student at our school 🤗

I wasn’t the best student or the worst student in Indonesian class. But I did have the passion and the dream of becoming bilingual one day… and that dream did eventually come true (in French) ❤️ I wonder if things would have been different if I had a different teacher? 🤔

Who was your favourite teacher and why?! 👇🏼

#worldteachersday

We are surrounded by so many stuttering myths in our society. On today, International Stuttering Awareness Day, we focus on the facts. 💡 ✍🏼 🗣️

The evidence tells us that early intervention is key. So, if in doubt, book in to see a speech pathologist who specialises in stuttering ✅ 💫

#stutteringawareness #internationalstutteringawarenessday #stutter #stammeringawareness #stammer

We are surrounded by so many stuttering myths in our society. On today, International Stuttering Awareness Day, we focus on the facts. 💡 ✍🏼 🗣️

The evidence tells us that early intervention is key. So, if in doubt, book in to see a speech pathologist who specialises in stuttering ✅ 💫

#stutteringawareness #internationalstutteringawarenessday #stutter #stammeringawareness #stammer

🌟As a school speechie, this was such an interesting read! 🌟

I’ve been working in a private school in Melbourne as a speechie for 13 years. My service delivery model is different every single year due to numerous factors including;
💫 The needs of the cohort
💫 The priorities of leadership
💫 Employing a second speechie
💫 Number of funded children
💫 Changes in curriculum
💫 Online learning
💫 Parent/Teacher goals
💫 LA’s supporting certain students
💫 Working alongside external professionals
(There are more, the above are just a few!)

When I was first employed as a speechie at a school, the school was unsure of how they wanted to use me. It was unheard of in 2012 for a school to employ their own speechie. There wasn’t anyone to model off. They knew they wanted a speechie but weren’t sure how it would work. I’ve spent the last 13 years slowly working with staff around me and educating them on what we do. With knowledge of our role, comes power. Respect has definitely developed over time which leads to a better service delivery model for all 💫

#slp #slplife #speechies #speechpathologist #speechpath #servicedeliverymodel

🌟As a school speechie, this was such an interesting read! 🌟

I’ve been working in a private school in Melbourne as a speechie for 13 years. My service delivery model is different every single year due to numerous factors including;
💫 The needs of the cohort
💫 The priorities of leadership
💫 Employing a second speechie
💫 Number of funded children
💫 Changes in curriculum
💫 Online learning
💫 Parent/Teacher goals
💫 LA’s supporting certain students
💫 Working alongside external professionals
(There are more, the above are just a few!)

When I was first employed as a speechie at a school, the school was unsure of how they wanted to use me. It was unheard of in 2012 for a school to employ their own speechie. There wasn’t anyone to model off. They knew they wanted a speechie but weren’t sure how it would work. I’ve spent the last 13 years slowly working with staff around me and educating them on what we do. With knowledge of our role, comes power. Respect has definitely developed over time which leads to a better service delivery model for all 💫

#slp #slplife #speechies #speechpathologist #speechpath #servicedeliverymodel

Something unexpected happened last week…

I was working as a CRT at a different school to my usual workplace and ran into one of my old grade 5 students (on staff) from 2008.

As it was my only year of having a class, I remember my students vividly. Every now and again they pop into my mind and I wonder where they all are now. I haven’t seen/heard about any of them since then… UNTIL last week!!

It was very special (and quite emotional for me!) to reconnect with James as now an adult and teacher. I located the class photo and we relived some of the memories from that extraordinary year.

James has grown up to be such a wonderful human and I hope his grade 5 teacher had some kind of an impact on him ✨

(There’s only 11 years between us, I
was a baby teacher in charge of a class of baby grade 5s… who let this happen?! 👼🏼🙃😂)

Something unexpected happened last week…

I was working as a CRT at a different school to my usual workplace and ran into one of my old grade 5 students (on staff) from 2008.

As it was my only year of having a class, I remember my students vividly. Every now and again they pop into my mind and I wonder where they all are now. I haven’t seen/heard about any of them since then… UNTIL last week!!

It was very special (and quite emotional for me!) to reconnect with James as now an adult and teacher. I located the class photo and we relived some of the memories from that extraordinary year.

James has grown up to be such a wonderful human and I hope his grade 5 teacher had some kind of an impact on him ✨

(There’s only 11 years between us, I
was a baby teacher in charge of a class of baby grade 5s… who let this happen?! 👼🏼🙃😂)

This week (my first week of school holidays) I stepped out of my comfort zone and returned back to classroom teaching after 16 years. I was really nervous because I had only ever taught for one year (2008) as a classroom teacher.

Without hesitation, Jackie Daniali , Principal of @saltwaterp9college , trusted and welcomed me into her school as a Grade 5 teacher (CRT) for one week. Jackie and I were colleagues at a different school back in 2008, where we were both classroom teachers.

To my genuine surprise, I had the most amazing week with the most beautiful grade 5 class. This experience helped me realise that my speech pathology skills make me a better teacher… and my teaching skills make me a better speech pathologist!!

When are they going to create a combined teaching/speech pathology degree??!!

#teaching #teachersofinstagram #slp #slpsofinstagram #speechpathologist

This week (my first week of school holidays) I stepped out of my comfort zone and returned back to classroom teaching after 16 years. I was really nervous because I had only ever taught for one year (2008) as a classroom teacher.

Without hesitation, Jackie Daniali , Principal of @saltwaterp9college , trusted and welcomed me into her school as a Grade 5 teacher (CRT) for one week. Jackie and I were colleagues at a different school back in 2008, where we were both classroom teachers.

To my genuine surprise, I had the most amazing week with the most beautiful grade 5 class. This experience helped me realise that my speech pathology skills make me a better teacher… and my teaching skills make me a better speech pathologist!!

When are they going to create a combined teaching/speech pathology degree??!!

#teaching #teachersofinstagram #slp #slpsofinstagram #speechpathologist

🤭 🎤💃 🤗 ✍🏼 👍🗣️✨ Communicate your way ✨🗣️👍✍🏼 🤗 💃 🎤 🤭

Happy Speech Pathology Week 🥳

#spweek #SPWeek2024 #speechpathologyweek2024

🤭 🎤💃 🤗 ✍🏼 👍🗣️✨ Communicate your way ✨🗣️👍✍🏼 🤗 💃 🎤 🤭

Happy Speech Pathology Week 🥳

#spweek #SPWeek2024 #speechpathologyweek2024

🗣️🎉 Happy Speech Pathology Week 2024! 🎉🗣️

This year’s theme is...
✨Communicate your way✨

Everyone communicates differently.

Whether it’s spoken, signed, digital, or written, communication bridges gaps, fosters meaning and understanding, and strengthens relationships. It’s about making connections and expressing ourselves in unique ways.

In Australia, an estimated 1.2 million Australians have communication support needs.

🤔 What are you doing at your workplace to celebrate SPA week??!!

At my school, we are…
💫 Hosting a silent morning tea for staff on Friday 30th August.
💫 All staff quiz - what does a speech therapist ACTUALLY do?!
💫 The staff worked together to make an educational video on Key Word Sign 👏

#speechpath #speechpathologist #spweek #spweek2024

🗣️🎉 Happy Speech Pathology Week 2024! 🎉🗣️

This year’s theme is...
✨Communicate your way✨

Everyone communicates differently.

Whether it’s spoken, signed, digital, or written, communication bridges gaps, fosters meaning and understanding, and strengthens relationships. It’s about making connections and expressing ourselves in unique ways.

In Australia, an estimated 1.2 million Australians have communication support needs.

🤔 What are you doing at your workplace to celebrate SPA week??!!

At my school, we are…
💫 Hosting a silent morning tea for staff on Friday 30th August.
💫 All staff quiz - what does a speech therapist ACTUALLY do?!
💫 The staff worked together to make an educational video on Key Word Sign 👏

#speechpath #speechpathologist #spweek #spweek2024

Cheers to @therealedkavalee and Arnold for their engaging presentation to our school today about the process of writing their 💨Farty Series💨picture books 📚✨

As a wannabe author, I enjoyed every minute!! ✨📚🙏🏻

#bookweek #bookweek2024 #fartyshorts #edkavalee #readingismagic

Cheers to @therealedkavalee and Arnold for their engaging presentation to our school today about the process of writing their 💨Farty Series💨picture books 📚✨

As a wannabe author, I enjoyed every minute!! ✨📚🙏🏻

#bookweek #bookweek2024 #fartyshorts #edkavalee #readingismagic

✨ 📖 Happy Book Week 2024! 📖✨

Have you filled a bucket today?! 🤔✨🪣💖

Be sure to be a ✨bucket filler✨today and every day 🤗 Daily acts of kindness have a huge impact on both ourselves and others. Showing kindness to another person fills their bucket, as well as your own bucket ✨💖🪣 💫

#readingismagic #bookweek2024 #bookweek #bucketfiller #haveyoufilledabuckettoday #dailyactsofkindness #kindness #kindnessmatters

✨ 📖 Happy Book Week 2024! 📖✨

Have you filled a bucket today?! 🤔✨🪣💖

Be sure to be a ✨bucket filler✨today and every day 🤗 Daily acts of kindness have a huge impact on both ourselves and others. Showing kindness to another person fills their bucket, as well as your own bucket ✨💖🪣 💫

#readingismagic #bookweek2024 #bookweek #bucketfiller #haveyoufilledabuckettoday #dailyactsofkindness #kindness #kindnessmatters

✨Communication✨ is the key 🔑 to upskilling as a Speechie 🤝

Working alone as a school Speechie for ten years was somewhat isolating. However, I made sure that I was in constant contact with other speechies to ensure that I was continuously learning and upskilling 💫

In 2022, I was soooo lucky to have Vanessa @speechiespeechielittlestar join me at our school, and we are now a ✨team✨. Our weekly discussions are incredibly valuable, as we learn from each other. All decisions are now made as a ✨team✨

Last week, I was thrilled to have one of our school parents (who is also a speechie!) come into our office and upskill me on all things LLARS & LLASS. This meaningful interaction was wayyyy better than reading about it or watching it on a webinar… as she SHOWED me how to administer the tests and she ANSWERED all my questions. Her passion for all things speech is just THE BEST!! Thanks a million @suzi_gurovski 🤝🤩✨

#slpssupportingslps

✨Communication✨ is the key 🔑 to upskilling as a Speechie 🤝

Working alone as a school Speechie for ten years was somewhat isolating. However, I made sure that I was in constant contact with other speechies to ensure that I was continuously learning and upskilling 💫

In 2022, I was soooo lucky to have Vanessa @speechiespeechielittlestar join me at our school, and we are now a ✨team✨. Our weekly discussions are incredibly valuable, as we learn from each other. All decisions are now made as a ✨team✨

Last week, I was thrilled to have one of our school parents (who is also a speechie!) come into our office and upskill me on all things LLARS & LLASS. This meaningful interaction was wayyyy better than reading about it or watching it on a webinar… as she SHOWED me how to administer the tests and she ANSWERED all my questions. Her passion for all things speech is just THE BEST!! Thanks a million @suzi_gurovski 🤝🤩✨

#slpssupportingslps

In honour of ✨Speech Pathology Australia Week ✨, we are excited to be throwing our Teachers and LAs a ‘Silent Morning Tea’ ☕️🥐

The morning tea will highlight different ways of communicating effectively and some of the challenges faced by people with a communication difficulty.

The teachers and LAs will be invited to interact with each other without talking. They will be encouraged to use; AAC devices, communication boards, drawing, writing, key word sign, gesture etc.

We look forward to seeing you there!
- The Speech Team 💫

Thanks for the idea @marinas.speechcorner 🌟

#SPWeek2024 #CommunicateYourWay2024

In honour of ✨Speech Pathology Australia Week ✨, we are excited to be throwing our Teachers and LAs a ‘Silent Morning Tea’ ☕️🥐

The morning tea will highlight different ways of communicating effectively and some of the challenges faced by people with a communication difficulty.

The teachers and LAs will be invited to interact with each other without talking. They will be encouraged to use; AAC devices, communication boards, drawing, writing, key word sign, gesture etc.

We look forward to seeing you there!
- The Speech Team 💫

Thanks for the idea @marinas.speechcorner 🌟

#SPWeek2024 #CommunicateYourWay2024

It was a pleasure presenting to our superstar Learning Assistants today 🤩✨

The focus was centred around the “Little Learners Love Literacy” evidence based literacy program:
💫 Explanation of the explicit teaching of reading approach
💫 The scope & sequence of LLLL
💫 The importance of Decodable books
💫 Exploring LLLL’s range of resources
💫 LA’s crucial role in LLLL’s program

Our Learning Assistants are the reason why our students are progressing. Thank you all for all the hard work you do for me when I’m not there 👏💫✨🌟🤩

#explicitteaching #explicitinstruction #explicitteaching #learningtoreadandwrite #evidencebasedliteracyinstruction #learningassistants #scienceofreading

It was a pleasure presenting to our superstar Learning Assistants today 🤩✨

The focus was centred around the “Little Learners Love Literacy” evidence based literacy program:
💫 Explanation of the explicit teaching of reading approach
💫 The scope & sequence of LLLL
💫 The importance of Decodable books
💫 Exploring LLLL’s range of resources
💫 LA’s crucial role in LLLL’s program

Our Learning Assistants are the reason why our students are progressing. Thank you all for all the hard work you do for me when I’m not there 👏💫✨🌟🤩

#explicitteaching #explicitinstruction #explicitteaching #learningtoreadandwrite #evidencebasedliteracyinstruction #learningassistants #scienceofreading

✨👂🏼 Hearing Test 👂🏼✨

This week I had a hearing test! Being a speechie, I regularly refer my clients for a hearing test, so it was interesting to find out what a hearing test entails…

PROCESS:
1️⃣ Referral was given by GP.
2️⃣ I made a phone call to book into the Audiologist.
3️⃣ Arrived at the clinic a few days later.
4️⃣ Audiologist took a case history.
5️⃣ Audiologist put some earpieces in my ears and gave me a button to press.
6️⃣ I was required to ‘press the button’ when I heard a ‘beep’ noise (tested in each ear separately).
7️⃣ The button was removed. I was then told to listen to a word and repeat it after I had heard it.
8️⃣ The earpieces were removed.
9️⃣ Audiologist looked inside my ears (with a hand held device) to check if my middle ear was functioning how it’s supposed to. Audiologist informed me that if the ear drum is moving around, then that is normal functioning. However, if it is not moving around, then there is a problem.
1️⃣0️⃣ Audiologist reported back his findings.
1️⃣1️⃣ Audiologist to send through the full report to me in the next week.

⏰ The testing took around 20 minutes.
👂🏼 Audiologist reported that the most accurate hearing tests are conducted from age 5.
💰 Medicare covers the hearing test if you go through the public system. I went through the private system, so Medicare covered part of the payment.
💡 Tip: It’s recommended to go through a hearing place that isn’t affiliated with a hearing aid company.
👏 It was more straight forward than I thought… quick and painless!

The more you know 🤗

#hearing #hearingtest #hearingloss #hearingtestappointment

✨👂🏼 Hearing Test 👂🏼✨

This week I had a hearing test! Being a speechie, I regularly refer my clients for a hearing test, so it was interesting to find out what a hearing test entails…

PROCESS:
1️⃣ Referral was given by GP.
2️⃣ I made a phone call to book into the Audiologist.
3️⃣ Arrived at the clinic a few days later.
4️⃣ Audiologist took a case history.
5️⃣ Audiologist put some earpieces in my ears and gave me a button to press.
6️⃣ I was required to ‘press the button’ when I heard a ‘beep’ noise (tested in each ear separately).
7️⃣ The button was removed. I was then told to listen to a word and repeat it after I had heard it.
8️⃣ The earpieces were removed.
9️⃣ Audiologist looked inside my ears (with a hand held device) to check if my middle ear was functioning how it’s supposed to. Audiologist informed me that if the ear drum is moving around, then that is normal functioning. However, if it is not moving around, then there is a problem.
1️⃣0️⃣ Audiologist reported back his findings.
1️⃣1️⃣ Audiologist to send through the full report to me in the next week.

⏰ The testing took around 20 minutes.
👂🏼 Audiologist reported that the most accurate hearing tests are conducted from age 5.
💰 Medicare covers the hearing test if you go through the public system. I went through the private system, so Medicare covered part of the payment.
💡 Tip: It’s recommended to go through a hearing place that isn’t affiliated with a hearing aid company.
👏 It was more straight forward than I thought… quick and painless!

The more you know 🤗

#hearing #hearingtest #hearingloss #hearingtestappointment

I was in the USA over the recent school holidays and every new person I met said, “You sound like Bluey!” I’m amazed at how global Bluey has become 👏🤩⭐️🩵 🐾

Tonight, the creator of Bluey, Joe Brumm spoke to our school about his incredible journey of becoming the creator of the most watched show in the world 🌎🤩👏🩵 🐾

We asked him, “Will there ever be a speech therapy episode?”

Joe’s response: “What would that entail?!” 🤔

We have MANY ideas for him 🙋🏼‍♀️😉🤩🤣

#bluey #joebrumm #blueyandbingo #blueyfans #speechtherapy

I was in the USA over the recent school holidays and every new person I met said, “You sound like Bluey!” I’m amazed at how global Bluey has become 👏🤩⭐️🩵 🐾

Tonight, the creator of Bluey, Joe Brumm spoke to our school about his incredible journey of becoming the creator of the most watched show in the world 🌎🤩👏🩵 🐾

We asked him, “Will there ever be a speech therapy episode?”

Joe’s response: “What would that entail?!” 🤔

We have MANY ideas for him 🙋🏼‍♀️😉🤩🤣

#bluey #joebrumm #blueyandbingo #blueyfans #speechtherapy

Today we explored the concept of ✨Size of the Problem ✨ (We thinkers! Series)

Whenever we’re around other people, we’re involved in problem solving as a means to figure out how to act, what to say, and how to keep ourselves and others feeling comfortable together. Social problem solving is complex and requires us to consider many different aspects of a situation and people in it.

✨ Problems come in different sizes
✨ Emotions and reactions come in different sizes
✨ It’s expected that the size of the emotion and related reaction matches the size of the problem

I made a visual with my @bridgecommunicationapp , so that my student can remember to use the concept of ✨Size of the Problem ✨ in their classroom 🙌🏻

#sizeoftheproblem #wethinkers #wethinkersseriesbooks #socialconcept #socialskills #socialskillsforkids #pragmatics #pragmatictherapy

Today we explored the concept of ✨Size of the Problem ✨ (We thinkers! Series)

Whenever we’re around other people, we’re involved in problem solving as a means to figure out how to act, what to say, and how to keep ourselves and others feeling comfortable together. Social problem solving is complex and requires us to consider many different aspects of a situation and people in it.

✨ Problems come in different sizes
✨ Emotions and reactions come in different sizes
✨ It’s expected that the size of the emotion and related reaction matches the size of the problem

I made a visual with my @bridgecommunicationapp , so that my student can remember to use the concept of ✨Size of the Problem ✨ in their classroom 🙌🏻

#sizeoftheproblem #wethinkers #wethinkersseriesbooks #socialconcept #socialskills #socialskillsforkids #pragmatics #pragmatictherapy

A week to mark in the Victorian Education history books!! It’s happening, finally!! 📖🙌🏻💫🤩👏

#learningtoread #learntoread #scienceofreading #phonics #phonologicalawareness #syntheticphonics #structuredliteracy #explicitteaching #structuredsyntheticphonicsworks

A week to mark in the Victorian Education history books!! It’s happening, finally!! 📖🙌🏻💫🤩👏

#learningtoread #learntoread #scienceofreading #phonics #phonologicalawareness #syntheticphonics #structuredliteracy #explicitteaching #structuredsyntheticphonicsworks

Which speechie do I turn to for ALL THINGS LITERACY??? Superstar Kiaya Edwards, of course!!! 🤩

Kiaya taught me a handy speechie tip to assist struggling/reluctant readers who prefer to GUESS the word (e.g Just look at the first sound or the picture) rather than READ/DECODE it:

🌟 Give the child a pile of counters. Say to them, “Each time that you GUESS a word, I will take back one of your counters. Whoever ends up with the most counters by the end of the book will be the winner!! 🌟

Simple but EFFECTIVE!! Thanks @soundsfunspeech

#scienceofreading #scienceofreadingteachers #scienceofreadinginstruction #scienceofreadingresources #decodablestories #learningtoread #phonologicalawareness

Which speechie do I turn to for ALL THINGS LITERACY??? Superstar Kiaya Edwards, of course!!! 🤩

Kiaya taught me a handy speechie tip to assist struggling/reluctant readers who prefer to GUESS the word (e.g Just look at the first sound or the picture) rather than READ/DECODE it:

🌟 Give the child a pile of counters. Say to them, “Each time that you GUESS a word, I will take back one of your counters. Whoever ends up with the most counters by the end of the book will be the winner!! 🌟

Simple but EFFECTIVE!! Thanks @soundsfunspeech

#scienceofreading #scienceofreadingteachers #scienceofreadinginstruction #scienceofreadingresources #decodablestories #learningtoread #phonologicalawareness

📖✨Book of the Year (Decodable series) Judges 2024✨📖

It was both a pleasure and an honour to be a returning judge! Lots of discussions today around “What REALLY makes an outstanding Decodable?!”. So many elements to consider 🤔

As always, hanging around other speechies is where most of my learning transpires. Such wise insights from Kiaya @soundsfunspeech , Pam and Jane.

The winner has been decided… and our lips are sealed! Thanks to Jane Delaney and SPA for the opportunity 💫

📖✨Book of the Year (Decodable series) Judges 2024✨📖

It was both a pleasure and an honour to be a returning judge! Lots of discussions today around “What REALLY makes an outstanding Decodable?!”. So many elements to consider 🤔

As always, hanging around other speechies is where most of my learning transpires. Such wise insights from Kiaya @soundsfunspeech , Pam and Jane.

The winner has been decided… and our lips are sealed! Thanks to Jane Delaney and SPA for the opportunity 💫

You might have noticed that Melbourne is sparkling in blue lights tonight for…

✨💙 Apraxia Awareness Day 💙✨

💙 Childhood Apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare speech condition.
💙 it’s sometimes called developmental verbal dyspraxia.
💙 People with CAS have a movement-based speech problem that starts in childhood and have difficulty planning the muscle movements they need to use for speech.
💙 They may have trouble remembering how to make the movements for new words, so they often have to practice the movements over and over again.
💙 We still don’t know what causes CAS, but some have a genetic or chromosome variation.
💙 Knowing what you want to say but struggling to articulate it accurately can be frustrating. That’s the reality of people living with CAS.
💙 Through specialised therapy and support, children with CAS can make positive gains in their ability to communicate

- Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)

#GoBlue4apraxia #goblueforapraxia💙 #apraxia #apraxiaawareness #apraxiaawarenessday #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #childhoodapraxia #childhoodapraxiaawareness #ilovemelbourne

You might have noticed that Melbourne is sparkling in blue lights tonight for…

✨💙 Apraxia Awareness Day 💙✨

💙 Childhood Apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare speech condition.
💙 it’s sometimes called developmental verbal dyspraxia.
💙 People with CAS have a movement-based speech problem that starts in childhood and have difficulty planning the muscle movements they need to use for speech.
💙 They may have trouble remembering how to make the movements for new words, so they often have to practice the movements over and over again.
💙 We still don’t know what causes CAS, but some have a genetic or chromosome variation.
💙 Knowing what you want to say but struggling to articulate it accurately can be frustrating. That’s the reality of people living with CAS.
💙 Through specialised therapy and support, children with CAS can make positive gains in their ability to communicate

- Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)

#GoBlue4apraxia #goblueforapraxia💙 #apraxia #apraxiaawareness #apraxiaawarenessday #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #childhoodapraxia #childhoodapraxiaawareness #ilovemelbourne

2 different ways of using @bridgecommunicationapp 📱✨

1️⃣ The Past Tense (Language Therapy)

Firstly we looked at the pictures in the book without words… called ‘Snap!’ By Anna Walker. My student said aloud what the frog is doing (present tense). I then placed the verb cue card on to the page. Next, my student read the book aloud, but as if it happened yesterday (past tense), using the verb cue cards to assist them.

2️⃣ Exploring perspective and feelings (Pragmatic Therapy)

Firstly we had a look at the picture of the ladybug on the vine. I asked my student, What do you think he’s feeling and why? Her responses (with feeling cards as prompts):
- He’s feeling CONFIDENT because he climbed a long way.
- He’s feeling HAPPY because he reached his goal.
- He’s feel EXCITED to see the view at the top of the vine.
- He’s feeling DETERMINED to get to the top.
- He’s feeling AMAZING because he got there!
- He’s having FUN because he loves to climb vines.
I challenged her and said:
- He’s feeling FRUSTRATED because he’s stuck up there.
- He’s feeling TIRED because it was a long climb.
- He’s feeling SCARED because he’s scared of heights.
- He’s feeling WORRIED because he doesn’t want to fall.
- He’s feeling SAD because he misses his friends.
- He’s feeling MAD because he wants to get down.

It’s really hard to know exactly how someone is feeling. We can’t know for sure, but we can take an educated guess by looking at: the situation, their facial expression, and their body language. Telling someone how you feels helps too!!

#friendshipsaverprogram #pragmatics #socialskills #speechtherapy #languagetherapy #verbs #pasttense #slp #slpsoninstagram

2 different ways of using @bridgecommunicationapp 📱✨

1️⃣ The Past Tense (Language Therapy)

Firstly we looked at the pictures in the book without words… called ‘Snap!’ By Anna Walker. My student said aloud what the frog is doing (present tense). I then placed the verb cue card on to the page. Next, my student read the book aloud, but as if it happened yesterday (past tense), using the verb cue cards to assist them.

2️⃣ Exploring perspective and feelings (Pragmatic Therapy)

Firstly we had a look at the picture of the ladybug on the vine. I asked my student, What do you think he’s feeling and why? Her responses (with feeling cards as prompts):
- He’s feeling CONFIDENT because he climbed a long way.
- He’s feeling HAPPY because he reached his goal.
- He’s feel EXCITED to see the view at the top of the vine.
- He’s feeling DETERMINED to get to the top.
- He’s feeling AMAZING because he got there!
- He’s having FUN because he loves to climb vines.
I challenged her and said:
- He’s feeling FRUSTRATED because he’s stuck up there.
- He’s feeling TIRED because it was a long climb.
- He’s feeling SCARED because he’s scared of heights.
- He’s feeling WORRIED because he doesn’t want to fall.
- He’s feeling SAD because he misses his friends.
- He’s feeling MAD because he wants to get down.

It’s really hard to know exactly how someone is feeling. We can’t know for sure, but we can take an educated guess by looking at: the situation, their facial expression, and their body language. Telling someone how you feels helps too!!

#friendshipsaverprogram #pragmatics #socialskills #speechtherapy #languagetherapy #verbs #pasttense #slp #slpsoninstagram

While the classroom teachers were involved in PTIs today… The Learning Assistants and I were busy upskilling!

It was a pleasure to present to a very engaged group of Learning Assistants from both our Junior Girls and Junior Boys Campuses.

Today’s topics of interest:
💫 Cued Articulation
💫 Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Our Learning Assistants play an integral role in supporting students with a range of needs. They are vital to me as a speech therapist, as they work hard to implement my set exercises for particular students across the week. Progress would not happen without our superstar Learning Assistants 🤩 👏

#cuedarticulation #professionaldevelopment #AAC #learningassistants

While the classroom teachers were involved in PTIs today… The Learning Assistants and I were busy upskilling!

It was a pleasure to present to a very engaged group of Learning Assistants from both our Junior Girls and Junior Boys Campuses.

Today’s topics of interest:
💫 Cued Articulation
💫 Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Our Learning Assistants play an integral role in supporting students with a range of needs. They are vital to me as a speech therapist, as they work hard to implement my set exercises for particular students across the week. Progress would not happen without our superstar Learning Assistants 🤩 👏

#cuedarticulation #professionaldevelopment #AAC #learningassistants

12 years ago today I was newly employed as a speechie in a school. I was desperately trying to find others with an identical job to mine. I made many many phone calls and couldn’t find a speechie who was exclusively employed by one school. Those were daunting times because I wasn’t sure how to deal with this job that had been created for me.

A few years later, I met @marinas.speechcorner , a fellow speechie with an identical job to mine. I was so happy to FINALLY find someone to talk to. We then met more and more speechies, in the same position as us, as the years went on. We then started regular meet ups which assisted me immensely. Meeting other speechies in the same role as me made me feel less alone. Learning from each other was the key. Now it’s known as the “Community of Practice”.

I look back on those early days and now realise how clueless I was. It’s now been 13 years and I’m finally confident with my speech therapist role in my school. It took time… it’s ok to not know much when you start… I wish somebody had have told me that!

We now have a second speechie at our school @speechiespeechielittlestar who I absolutely idolize, she’s an amazing speechie! I feel spoilt that I now get to chat to another speechie on a daily basis about cases, new research, assessment challenges, etc etc (A rare thing to have 2 speechies at one school!) ⭐️

I now present to other school speechies (as we are very common these days) about how to create your work model in a school environment. It’s not perfect (I’m forever learning!), but it has come a long way since 2012!!! ✨

#slp #schoolslp #slpsofinstagram #slpsoninstagram #speechtherapist #speechpath #speechpathologist #communityofpractice

12 years ago today I was newly employed as a speechie in a school. I was desperately trying to find others with an identical job to mine. I made many many phone calls and couldn’t find a speechie who was exclusively employed by one school. Those were daunting times because I wasn’t sure how to deal with this job that had been created for me.

A few years later, I met @marinas.speechcorner , a fellow speechie with an identical job to mine. I was so happy to FINALLY find someone to talk to. We then met more and more speechies, in the same position as us, as the years went on. We then started regular meet ups which assisted me immensely. Meeting other speechies in the same role as me made me feel less alone. Learning from each other was the key. Now it’s known as the “Community of Practice”.

I look back on those early days and now realise how clueless I was. It’s now been 13 years and I’m finally confident with my speech therapist role in my school. It took time… it’s ok to not know much when you start… I wish somebody had have told me that!

We now have a second speechie at our school @speechiespeechielittlestar who I absolutely idolize, she’s an amazing speechie! I feel spoilt that I now get to chat to another speechie on a daily basis about cases, new research, assessment challenges, etc etc (A rare thing to have 2 speechies at one school!) ⭐️

I now present to other school speechies (as we are very common these days) about how to create your work model in a school environment. It’s not perfect (I’m forever learning!), but it has come a long way since 2012!!! ✨

#slp #schoolslp #slpsofinstagram #slpsoninstagram #speechtherapist #speechpath #speechpathologist #communityofpractice

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