Our new way of life with physical distancing, can be especially challenging for children with speech/language difficulty or struggling with social interactions. It is important for these children not to miss valuable teletharapy sessions with their speech language pathologist.
If your child was receiving speech therapy before the Coronavirus, it is essential they are continuing with virtual classes so they don’t lose ground. First Words Speech Therapy is excited to provide Teletherapy, an individualized and interactive session based on your child’s needs.
We continue from last week’s blog, sharing techniques from the American Speech – Language Hearing Association (ASHA), to help their children and stay connected and interact socially, while adhering to the CDC guidelines for safe physical distancing.
Encouraging creativity. The development of distance learning and online classes is an impressive and moving display of creativity and solidarity during an unprecedented situation. You can help families sort through offerings and find programs based on needs and interests of the children you serve. If your clients/students already enjoy using tech, guide them to apps for creating their own videos, digital art projects, or books and comics about experiences in their day. Then encourage them to share those creations with family and friends.
Physical activity. Gyms, personal trainers, and community fitness programs like The November Project are finding ways to keep physical distance without losing the social interaction often associated with group fitness programs. Talk with children who have language disorders about these online fitness classes. Use them as topics of conversation (for example, different types of exercises, healthy eating, the connection between physical activity and wellness).
Humor. Many of us are sharing or receiving amusing new coronavirus-related posts to ease tension and connect with others. Children with language disorders might not benefit from some of these humorous coping opportunities because they miss the nuances of humor. You can help children with language disorders better understand humorous anecdotes or jokes. Alternatively, find and recommend funny stories or visual humor that’s easier to understand.
Everyday language lessons. More time at home can mean time for decluttering and organizing. Try turning these tasks into language lessons: What items go together? Do you remember when you wore that outfit? Will you play with that toy anymore?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). You can remind clients/students and their families to use assistive communication devices. They should use them at all times. They are not just for school.
