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

Bridging the Gap: How SLPs Can Empower Teachers to Support Students with Speech and Language Needs

In this another energizing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into actionable strategies for collaborating with classroom teachers to better support your older speech students (grades 4–12). From recommending simple accommodations to fostering generalization of skills beyond the therapy room, this episode is your go-to guide for making classrooms more accessible and boosting student success. 💡 Ready to make an impact? Let’s do this, SLPs!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Why Accommodations Matter

-Top Accommodation Tips for Teachers

-How to Communicate with Teachers

-Benefits of Classroom Accommodations

Here’s what we learned:

• Bridging the gap between speech therapy and the classroom.
• Advocating for students' needs and ensuring academic content accessibility.
• Extra processing time for students to absorb and respond.
• Using visual supports like graphic organizers (e.g., “Somebody Wanted But So Then” for summarizing).
• Allowing alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge (e.g., written reflections or recorded responses).
• Fostering independence by reducing future accommodation needs.
• Remember: You are not the customer. Your perspective differs from your students’.

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

Looking to level up but don’t want the hassle? I’ve got you covered!

💡 Here’s the deal:
Just send me a DM on Instagram with the word "GUIDE" and BOOM 💥—you’ll instantly get the link to my exclusive guide, completely FREE!

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 and Brittney Adler discuss creating language goals for following directions.

Grab your coffee and get cozy for an exciting episode of SLP Coffee Talk! This week, Hallie chats with the amazing Brittney Adler—a neurodiversity-affirming SLP who’s all about celebrating the unique ways neurodivergent kids communicate. Brittney works her magic with AAC, gestalt language processing, and sensory-based strategies to help kids with high support needs shine.

Together, Hallie and Brittney unpack the age-old “following directions” goals, shake up compliance-based practices, and share fun, practical ways to teach self-advocacy and independence. It’s an episode full of laughs, aha moments, and fresh takes to inspire your therapy sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned SLP or new to the field, this one’s for you!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Compliance vs. comprehension in therapy
• The power of child-led therapy
• Self-advocacy and independence
• Moving beyond traditional "following directions"

Here’s what we learned:

• Breaking down the nuances of following directions: compliance vs. comprehension.
• The shift from compliance to teaching self-advocacy and independence.
• Why child-led therapy isn’t just effective—it’s a game changer for planning.
• Practical, everyday strategies to make speech goals relevant and functional.
• A fresh perspective on receptive language goals in school settings.
• Encouragement to follow your instincts and embrace neuroaffirming approaches.

Learn more about Brittney Adler:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nycslpb
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nycslpb?_t=8r63oMxc3gc&_r=1 

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP:  

📝 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

Building relationships, human-centered approach to teaching, unorthodox teaching methods, unapologetic authenticity, having fun and experiencing joy as an educator

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie welcomes educator and author Dwayne Reed to discuss the importance of building meaningful connections with students. Dwayne shares his unique journey into education, starting with his viral music video, Welcome to the 4th Grade, and highlights the transformative impact of being authentic in the classroom. He offers practical strategies for relationship-building, emphasizing the importance of meeting students where they are and treating them as individuals. Discover how Dwayne’s philosophy, outlined in his book Be THAT Teacher: Rehumanizing Education with Unapologetic Authenticity, can inspire educators and speech-language pathologists alike to foster trust, growth and joy in their work.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

1. Why is authenticity so important in education?
2. Everything good about life comes through humanity, not policy; how does this apply to education?
3. What exactly does it mean to be THAT teacher and how can others do it?
4. For those who say that, "Building relationships with students" is an empty platitude that administrators give their teachers, what's your response?
5. What makes your book, Be THAT Teacher, special, noteworthy, or valuable to the every day teacher or administrator, and why should anyone purchase it?

Here’s what we learned:

• Building trust with students starts with authenticity and connection. 
• Treating students as individuals, not data points, fosters respect and engagement. 
• Small gestures, like remembering details about a student, can have a big impact. 
• Creating a supportive, human-centered classroom culture leads to long-term success. 
• Encouraging students to embrace their uniqueness builds confidence and self-worth.
• Holding students accountable with grace and understanding strengthens relationships. 

Learn more about Dwayne Reed 
Website: tmreed.com
Instagram: @teachmrreed
Book: Be That Teacher by Dwayne Reed

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP:  

📝 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 talks about helping high school students transition into the workforce and how it relates to speech therapy.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into supporting high school speech and language students as they transition from school to the workforce. As SLPs, we play a vital role in preparing our students for real-world communication demands—from interviewing skills and professional etiquette to problem-solving and self-advocacy. Hallie shares actionable strategies to integrate job-readiness skills into therapy sessions, making learning relevant and impactful. Tune in to discover role-playing activities, helpful resources, and tools to empower your students for success beyond the classroom. Perfect for SLPs working with older students eager to prepare for the future!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• The Role of SLPs in Transition Planning
• Adapting Therapy Goals to Workplace Skills
• Using Role-Playing for Real-World Practice
• Building Strong Written Communication
• Generalizing Skills Beyond the Classroom
• Resources & Tools for Workforce Readiness

Here’s what we learned:

• IEP integration and the role of SLPs in workforce readiness.
• Personalizing expressive/receptive language and social pragmatics to include job-specific scenarios.
• Developing self-advocacy and problem-solving skills through simulated job scenarios.
• Helping students craft resumes, job applications, and emails.
• Teaching email etiquette and formal language in professional contexts.
• Ideas for bringing therapy out of the “speech closet” and into real-world settings.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP:  

📝 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 giving your students a say in what they do in speech therapy.

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman explores the importance of giving older speech students a SAY in their sessions. Sharing personal insights and strategies from her career, Hallie explains how empowering students can lead to a more engaging and motivating learning environment. From offering flexible seating and allowing students to choose their learning tools to discussing individualized goals, she provides practical tips that make a real difference. Tune in to learn how small changes can foster student collaboration and trust, creating a more positive experience for both students and SLPs. 

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Benefits of Giving Students a Say
• Practical Ways to Empower Students  
• Encouraging Ownership of Learning 
• Creating a Comfortable and Collaborative Environment 
• Long-Term Impact 

Here’s what we learned:

• Small autonomy boosts student confidence and willingness to participate.
• Empowering students makes sessions feel less like “work” and more collaborative. 
• Customizing session reminders helps students take ownership of attendance.
• Offering choice reinforces respect for students’ preferences and independence.
• Simple adjustments can reduce classroom resistance and build rapport.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP:  

📝 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 why you should get rid of the prize bin and how to motivate your students.

On this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie Sherman discusses her shift from using reward systems to fostering intrinsic motivation among her students. She shares early experiences with gumball machines and speech dollars, which led to unintended issues like competition and even stealing. Realizing the limitations of extrinsic rewards, Hallie emphasizes the value of helping students find personal meaning in speech sessions. She offers practical strategies for connecting lessons to students’ lives, encouraging SLPs to focus on rapport-building over traditional prize-based motivation.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Early Experiences with Reward Systems   
• Limitations of Extrinsic Motivation 
• Shifting to Intrinsic Motivation 
• Strategies for Building Intrinsic Motivation 
• Encouragement for SLPs  

Here’s what we learned:

• Reward systems can backfire, leading to competition and behavior issues. 
• Intrinsic motivation creates longer-lasting engagement in students. 
• Tailoring sessions to students’ interests increases relevance and impact. 
• Storytelling and real-life connections help students see the value of speech goals.  
• Building rapport is more effective than relying on material incentives. 

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP:  

📝 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