SLP Coffee Talk

Hallie chats with Amy Peterson about note-taking interventions with older students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Dr. Amy Peterson, an SLP, researcher, and advocate for adolescent language intervention. With a master's degree from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate from Utah State University, Amy has extensive experience working in schools and now leads the ALIAS Lab at the University of Wyoming, focusing on adolescent language, interventions, and implementation science. She shares insights on Sketch and Speak—a powerful note-taking and oral practice strategy designed to help older students grasp and retain information. From tackling expository language challenges to supporting SLPs in implementing evidence-based interventions, this conversation is filled with practical strategies and research-backed insights to boost your confidence when working with older students.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• The Challenge of Note-Taking
• Sketch and Speak Strategy
• Implementation in Therapy & Classrooms
• The Power of Group Learning
• Current Research & Future Directions

Here’s what we learned: 

• Many older students lack explicit instruction in note-taking, making comprehension difficult.
• Sketch and Speak helps students retain and express information through visual and oral strategies.
• Removing the pressure of writing improves engagement and reduces frustration.
• Group learning environments can enhance language skills through peer modeling.
• Research on adolescent language intervention is evolving, with a growing need for more SLP-focused resources.
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Learn more about Amy Peterson: 

Website: https://www.uwyo.edu/comdis/faculty-staff/peterson.html

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Hallie discusses how to teach chunking for note-taking.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into a game-changing strategy for improving note-taking and comprehension—chunking! If your students struggle to retain information, feel overwhelmed by long passages, or have trouble organizing their thoughts, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the science behind chunking, explains why it works, and shares simple, practical ways to teach it in speech therapy. From modeling and guided practice to real-life success stories, you’ll walk away with easy-to-implement strategies that will help your students boost their confidence and carry over skills across all subjects. Tune in for tips that make note-taking easier and learning more effective!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Why Students Struggle with Retention and Organization
• How Chunking Reduces Cognitive Overload
• Strategies for Modeling and Teaching Chunking
• Integration of chunking into note-taking
• Lifelong Benefits of Chunking

Here’s what we learned:

• Chunking makes learning easier and less overwhelming.
• Modeling helps students break information into manageable parts.
• Chunking boosts comprehension, recall, and focus.
• Simple tools like graphic organizers make it easy to apply.
• Regular practice leads to greater student independence.
• Note-taking skills support organization and problem-solving beyond school.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kim Jenkins, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the owner of Empowering Speech Services. Kim specializes in supporting Autistic and neurodivergent children through neurodiversity-affirming practices, helping them develop meaningful communication skills. With a passion for literacy, grammar, and vocabulary, she shares her approach to building strengths-based learning experiences that empower children to thrive.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

* How to help neurodivergent children acquire literacy skills

* The importance of sensory regulation: It is the foundation for learning

* Using a strengths-based approach to teach reading, writing, and comprehension.

* Practical tips that have been effective for neurodivergent learners

Here’s what we learned:

• Sensory regulation as a foundational learning tool, not just a reward.
• Strength-based learning: focusing on what students can do rather than deficits.
• Prioritize rapport and regulation over rigid instruction.
• Flexibility in data collection methods for schools and private settings.
• Time management, mental health, and self-care are essential for longevity in the field.
• Practical advice on balancing data collection, student engagement, and therapy effectiveness.

Learn more about Kim Jenkins:

www.empoweringspeechservices.com

https://www.instagram.com/empoweringspeechservices/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/empowering-speech-services

https://empoweringspeechservices.myflodesk.com/webinar

https://empoweringspeechservices.myflodesk.com/parentsguidetoecholalia

Freebie Links

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sneezy-the-Snowman-Book-Companion-Speech-Therapy-Printable-Elementary-12680443

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Hallie chats with Jennifer Tillock about speech therapy with older students in teletherapy and in-person settings

Ready to kickstart your school year with enthusiasm and insight? Join Hallie Sherman on this episode of SLP Coffee Talk as she sits down with Jennifer Tillock, a dedicated teletherapist with a wealth of experience working with older students. In this conversation, Jennifer shares her journey from traditional therapy to teletherapy, offering valuable insights on how to keep literacy-based learning exciting and engaging. Packed with practical tips and inspiring stories, this episode is perfect for teletherapists, SLPs, and anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in speech therapy. Tune in for fresh ideas and a dose of enthusiasm to kickstart your school year!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Why my interventions are primarily literacy-based
• My new take on vocabulary intervention
• The importance of student input

Here’s what we learned:

• Why literacy activities are game-changers for older students.-
•  Using digital tools like YouTube Read Aloud and audiobooks to simplify teletherapy sessions.
• Strategies to help students understand why they’re in speech.
• Tips for showing grace to yourself and students while maintaining engaging, productive sessions.
• Differentiating speech therapy from reading instruction and collaborating with literacy teachers.

Learn more about  Jennifer Tillock:

https://mrsspeechonline.blogspot.com/

https://linktr.ee/mrs.speech

https://www.instagram.com/mrs.speechonline

https://www.youtube.com/@Mrs.Speech-wk4mr

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556892726241

https://www.pinterest.com/christinetellach/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49549289.Jennifer_Tillock

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/mrs-speech

www.amazon.com/author/tillock-mrs.speech

www.amazon.com/author/jennifertillock

Freebie Links

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Speech-Therapy-Spark-Engaging-Middle-School-Short-Stories-Categorized-by-Genre-11644006

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Hallie chats about motivating the unmotivated student. She shares tips for engaging reluctant teens.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles a common challenge for SLPs working with older students—engaging reluctant teens in speech therapy. Drawing from her experience, she breaks down practical, compassionate strategies to turn crossed arms and silence into connection and growth. From building rapport and respecting boundaries to incorporating students’ interests and empowering them with choice, Hallie shares creative, low-prep ideas that make therapy fun and relevant. Tune in for tips that will transform resistance into enthusiasm, helping students stay motivated and making your sessions more rewarding and stress-free.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• The reason behind the reluctance of older students.
• Strategies for building trust and rapport.
• Simple, creative therapy techniques that require minimal prep.
• Student-led goal setting and decision-making.

Here’s what we learned:

• Compassion and empathy helps foster better student engagement.
• Building rapport is a continuous process, going beyond the initial days.
• Relating speech therapy to students’ personal experiences and aspirations increases active involvement.
• Creative, relevant activities keep sessions engaging and dynamic.
• Allowing students to choose goals and activities increases participation.
• Highlighting strengths boosts confidence and reduces resistance.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Hallie chats with guest Britney Morrish about the intersection of DLD and Dyslexia, and the Quadrant Model for differential diagnosis.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Britney Morrish, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and founder of the Language and Literacy Clinic of Manitoba. Britney is passionate about using evidence-based practices to promote effective communication and literacy skills while advocating for equitable educational practices. Together, they explore literacy-based therapy for students with developmental language disorders (DLD) and dyslexia. Packed with actionable tips, this episode covers connecting therapy goals to the curriculum, understanding the overlap between DLD and dyslexia, and practical strategies for advocating for these students.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-What is DLD?

       -How prevalent is it?

-What is Dyslexia?

-The Quadrant model for differential diagnosis.

       -How does it help us clarify overlapping diagnoses?

-Why SLPs are central to diagnosing and treating literacy-based disorders.

-Closing the DLD awareness gap - in professionals and the public.

Here’s what we learned:

• Why SLPs are uniquely positioned to address literacy challenges.
• Defining DLD and its impact on language comprehension and expression.
• Key differences and co-occurrences of DLD and dyslexia explained using the quadrant model.
• Challenges with current screening methods and potential improvements.
• The importance of vocabulary and syntax in therapy for older students.
• Strategies to raise awareness about DLD among educators and parents.
• Managing therapy for older students with multiple challenges.
• Utilizing high-interest materials to increase student engagement.

Learn more about Britney Morrish:

www.languageliteracyclinicmb.ca

https://www.instagram.com/languageliteracyclinicmb/

https://www.languageliteracyclinicmb.ca/masterclasses

https://www.languageliteracyclinicmb.ca/products

Freebies/Offers:

https://www.languageliteracyclinicmb.ca/products

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Resources Mentioned:
On the “Specifics” of Specific Reading Disability and Specific Language Impairment by G. M. McArthur, J. H. Hogben, V. T. Edwards, S. M. Heath, E. D. Mengler

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Hallie talks with SLP Elevate member Bridget Karp about empowering middle school students and using SLP Elevate resources.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Bridget Karp, a passionate and experienced speech-language pathologist specializing in middle school therapy. Bridget has six years of expertise across various settings, including public and private schools and early intervention. She combines her knowledge with dedication in helping her students develop confidence and autonomy. 

Bridget talks about how tools like SLP Elevate have streamlined her planning process, making sessions both fun and effective. She shares tips in keeping therapy engaging such as tailoring activities to students' interests, promoting self-advocacy, and incorporating playful methods. See how small choices and thoughtful planning can make a big difference for middle schoolers, making your sessions more impactful and stress-free!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Transitioning from elementary to middle school therapy.
• Building autonomy and confidence in older students.
• Balancing structured therapy with engaging, student-led activities.
• Time-saving planning techniques with SLP Elevate and similar tools.
• Overcoming challenges and fostering self-advocacy.

Here’s what we learned:

• Middle school students thrive when given autonomy and ownership in sessions.
• Simple, student-led activities like games can make therapy more effective.
• Tailoring content to student interests boosts engagement and progress.
• Tools like SLP Elevate save time and offer flexible, age-appropriate materials.
• Empowering students to advocate for themselves is critical at the middle school stage.

Learn more about Bridget Karp: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bktheslp/ 

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Hallie discusses New Year's themed activities for therapy.

Happy New Year, SLPs! 🥳 It's time to shake off the holiday haze and dive into a brand-new year with fresh ideas and big dreams for your therapy sessions. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie brings the ultimate guide to planning engaging, New Year's-themed activities that will have your students saying, "This is why I come to speech!"

Discover quick, no-prep exercises, free resources like a fun YouTube video (hint: think New Year’s Eve tradition!), a summarizing card game, and a versatile digital comprehension activity for in-person or virtual sessions. Hallie also shares tips for using New Year’s resolutions to create personalized, motivating therapy plans.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• The Power of New Year's Activities
• Goal Setting for Success
• Building Motivation
• Making Progress Effortless

Here’s what we learned:

• Fun, thematic ideas to re-engage your students after the break.
• How to align personal goals with therapy objectives.
• Hallie’s go-to tools for quick, low-prep sessions (find links in the show notes!).
• Tips to connect therapy skills to your students' real-world aspirations.
• A sneak peek into how SLP Elevate can transform your planning and outcomes.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Resources Mentioned:
Colossal Questions
Wonderpolis

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Hallie reflects on 2024.

SLPs, can you believe it? 2024 is in the rearview, and Hallie is kicking off the new year with an episode full of reflection, celebration, and a glimpse into what’s next for Speech Time Fun!

She highlights the triumphs of 2024, shares favorite moments, and showcases how her resources continue to inspire creativity in therapy. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025—new resources, fresh therapy ideas, and more ways to save time while delivering impactful sessions.

Tune in to celebrate the past and embrace the possibilities ahead with Speech Time Fun! 🎉✨

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

 After Speech Retreat, Hallie chats with SLP Elevate member and Speech Retreat attendee Elsha Young about reigniting the spark as an SLP.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Elsha Young, a Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Elevate member and Speech Retreat attendee to chat about reigniting that spark as an SLP. With 25 years of experience supporting communication across all stages of life, Elsha specializes in language, literacy, and assisting individuals with complex neuro-related communication challenges. From early intervention to private practice, schools, and hospitals, she’s now providing hybrid therapy services in Alaska, enjoying the opportunity to work with a diverse group of middle and high school students from various cultural, linguistic, neurological, and geographical backgrounds.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Challenges of a Large Caseload
• Finding Joy in the Work
• Innovative Therapy Approaches
• Adapting to Student Needs
• Balancing Structure and Flexibility
• Impact Beyond Traditional Metrics

Here’s what we learned:

• Challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with older students.
• The impact of social media on professional expectations and self-perception.
• Career transitions and adapting to new roles in therapy services.
• Finding joy and passion in therapy despite challenges.
• Building rapport and meaningful relationships with students.
• Utilizing evidence-based materials to enhance student engagement and progress.
• Overwhelming amount of information and resources in the SLP community.

Learn more about Elsha Young:
Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate: 
📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets