SLP Coffee Talk

Hallie chats with Julie Barber-Bristol about using children's books to target language and literacy.

In this fun and heartwarming episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re hanging out with the fabulous Julie L. Barber-Bristol, M.S., CCC-SLP—a children’s literature-loving SLP with 20+ years of experience and a passion for making speech therapy magical. From New York to Pennsylvania to Texas, Julie’s done it all—private practice, schools, hospitals, even nursing homes. Now rocking it in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, she shares how she takes just one picture book and spins it into a month-long adventure full of language goals, classroom collabs and sensory fun! If you love kid lit, creative therapy ideas, and real talk from a seasoned SLP, you’re in for a treat!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Why children’s books are her go-to therapy tool
• How one book becomes a month-long therapy adventure
• Bringing therapy to life with props, movement, and multi-sensory fun
• Collaborating with teachers, paras, parents, and even librarians
• Mixing literacy with social-pragmatic and emotional learning

Here’s what we learned: 

• One great book can fuel weeks of creative, effective therapy.
• Books are packed with visuals, vocab, and built-in engagement.
• Collaboration = magic. Don’t go it alone!
• You don’t need fancy materials—just creativity and a good story.
• Social thinking and emotion skills pair perfectly with literacy.
• When therapy is fun, students (and staff!) want to be part of it.
• The speech room isn’t the only place great therapy happens—get out there!

Learn more about Julie Barber-Bristol: 

Website: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=A-Comprehensive-Analysis-of-Using-Childrens-Books-in-Speech- 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieb2slp/ 

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 teaching vocabulary and how to make word segmentation work for older students.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles the often-overlooked skill of word segmentation. She discusses the challenges of teaching segmentation to older students and provides five no-prep, age-appropriate activities that connect to their interests. Whether you're an SLP looking to enhance your therapy sessions or seeking fresh ideas to motivate your students, this episode is packed with practical strategies and fun approaches to make word segmentation relevant and engaging!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Importance of word segmentation in phonological awareness.
• Challenges of teaching segmentation to older students.
• Red flags indicating a student may need segmentation support.
• Five engaging, no-prep activities for teaching word segmentation.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Word segmentation is essential for decoding, spelling, and vocabulary comprehension.
• SLPs are equipped to teach segmentation as part of their scope of practice.
• Quick, relevant practice can be integrated into existing therapy sessions without extensive prep.
• Engaging activities can be tailored to students' interests and real-world contexts.
• Movement and competition can enhance memory and engagement in learning.

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 and Gabby Pyzza of Pyzza Speech Therapy chat about Social skills instruction focusing on connection, not correction.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie welcomes Gabby Pyzza, a passionate SLP specializing in social skills for older students. Gabby shares her inspiring journey from feeling overwhelmed in her first job to developing a comprehensive blueprint for teaching conversation skills. She offers practical strategies for engaging students, including the use of conversation starters and visual aids, while emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine connections. Whether you're looking to enhance your social skills sessions or seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with valuable insights and heartwarming success stories!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Importance of teaching conversation skills for connection.
• Shift towards neurodiversity-affirming social skills practices.
• Allowing students to engage in diverse conversation topics.
• Social skills' impact on students' lives beyond the classroom.
• Tips for visualizing conversations to improve understanding.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Social skills instruction can lead to profound changes in students' social interactions.
• Building genuine connections is essential for effective communication.
• Visual aids may improve understanding and retention of skills.
• Respecting student preferences while promoting engagement is crucial.

Learn more about Gabby Pyzza: 

Website: https://www.pyzzaspeechtherapy.com/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pyzzaspeechtherapy 

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

Got a student who clams up the second they walk into school—but you know they’ve got a ton to say? This episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your go-to guide for helping students with selective mutism find their voice (and maybe even belt out some Taylor Swift at lunch 🎤)

We’re hanging out with Emily Laracy, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP, school-based SLP, SM expert, board member of the Selective Mutism Association, and total rockstar when it comes to helping our quietest kids shine. She’s sharing her tried-and-true strategies for getting students talking—from baby steps like yes/no responses to full-on classroom convos.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• What is SM?
• Differentiating SM from other disorders
• The role of the SLP in working with SM
• Tips for Assessment
• Tips for Treatment

Here’s what we learned:

• How to gradually build comfort using forced choice and closed-ended questions
• Why shaping behavior in small steps leads to big gains in communication
• Techniques to fade in peers and adults for broader communication
• How “survey walks” around the school create real-world practice
• Classroom strategies to reduce pressure and encourage participation
• The importance of teacher collaboration and consistent expectations

Learn more about Emily Laracy:

Book: Treating Selective Mutism
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

Listen as Hallie talks about striking a balance between content and skills in speech therapy.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling the age-old debate—should we focus on teaching classroom content or the underlying skills our students need? Hallie dives into the sweet spot of blending content learning with skill building, ensuring your students not only grasp their classroom material but also develop the skills to tackle new challenges. With strategies and relatable examples, you’ll leave equipped to create engaging sessions that resonate with your students. Tune in and discover how to empower your students for long-term success!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• The dilemma of balancing content teaching and skill building.
• Importance of teaching both content and underlying skills.
• Common pitfalls to avoid, such as becoming a glorified tutor.
• Strategies for integrating real-world relevance into therapy sessions.
• The four ingredients for a successful speech session: understanding, creativity, adaptability, and compassion.
• Practical therapy ideas that blend content with skill development.

Here’s what we learned:

• Focus on both content and skills to empower students.
• Avoid teaching every vocabulary word; instead, teach strategies for comprehension.
• Make therapy relevant to students' real-world experiences to boost engagement.
• Use creative and adaptive strategies to connect therapy to classroom content.

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 strategies for utilizing YouTube for social language skills.

Are you tired of students shrugging and asking, "Why am I here?" Let’s change that! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we dive into the magic of YouTube and how it can transform social skills therapy. From Big Bang Theory clips to Pixar shorts, discover how to make sessions more engaging, relatable, and effective—without spending hours planning. Get ready for a curated list of must-watch videos, practical tips, and a joke to keep things light. ☕📺

Bullet Points to Discuss:

-Why YouTube Works for Speech Therapy

-Best Video Types 

-Screening & Organizing Tips 

-Examples & Goals

-Using EdPuzzle & SafeShare 

-Discussion Prompts

-Connecting to Student Interests

Here’s what we learned:

• Why YouTube is a goldmine for speech therapy
• Best types of videos to use: TV shows, movies, Pixar shorts, viral clips
• Tips for screening and organizing content efficiently
• Specific video examples with therapy goals (e.g., Big Bang Theory, Inside Out, Zootopia)
• Strategies for leveraging tools like EdPuzzle and SafeShare
• Sample discussion prompts to maximize learning
• How to connect YouTube videos to student interests

Resources mentioned:

The Big Bang Theory 02x22 The Classified Materials Turbulence Intro

Leslie Has The Flu | Parks and Recreation
Pixar Short Films #7 For the Birds 2000

PARTLY CLOUDY

The Present by Jacob Frey
The Science of Empathy by Abigail Marsh

How Miscommunication Happens (and How to Avoid It)

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

So, your session was a flop. That's ok. Hallie discusses how to diagnose a failed speech session and next steps.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is diving into a crucial topic—why some speech sessions just don’t click and what you can do about it! If you’ve ever planned what seemed like the perfect activity, only to have your students disengaged, frustrated, or just not making progress, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the key reasons why lessons might fall flat and gives you strategies to turn things around. From setting the right goals to making learning fun and relevant, you’ll walk away with practical tips to transform your sessions and build student motivation. Tune in and get ready to diagnose and fix those tricky speech sessions!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Common struggles in speech sessions
• The importance of activity difficulty
• Making lessons relevant to student interests and goals
• Building rapport and student engagement
• Teaching explicitly vs. just practicing
• Breaking down annual goals into manageable steps
• The role of confidence and fun in successful sessions

Here’s what we learned:

• Lessons should be at the right difficulty level for student success.
• Students need to understand why they are in speech therapy.
• Connecting lessons to student interests increases motivation.
• Teaching explicitly is more effective than just repetitive practice.
• Breaking down goals into smaller steps prevents frustration.
• Your enthusiasm sets the tone for student engagement.
• A strong rapport builds trust and encourages effort.

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 talks about how to create a "safe zone" in speech therapy. Create a safe zone not just in your space, but by building confidence through comfort and growth.

This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling how to make your speech therapy space a safe and inviting environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to participate. If you've ever had students walk into your room with crossed arms, eye rolls, or just plain resistance, this episode is for you. Hallie shares simple yet powerful strategies to rebrand speech therapy, build trust, and create a space that fosters engagement and progress. From renaming your speech room to incorporating flexible seating and growth mindset activities, you'll get practical tips to transform your sessions. Tune in and get ready to turn your therapy space into a confidence-boosting and safe zone!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• The importance of a welcoming therapy space
• Rebranding speech therapy for older students
• Using decor to set the right atmosphere
• Trauma-informed considerations in therapy spaces
• Building trust through check-ins
• Establishing predictable routines
• Celebrating small wins to boost motivation
• Connecting therapy to students’ real-world interests
• Implementing a comfort contract

Here’s what we learned:

• Renaming the speech room can make it feel more relevant and engaging.
• Thoughtful decor choices create a space that feels age-appropriate and inviting.
• Trauma-informed strategies can help students feel safer in therapy.
• Quick check-ins help build trust and support students' emotional needs.
• Predictable routines provide consistency and a sense of security.
• Celebrating small wins boosts student confidence and motivation.
• Connecting therapy to real-world interests like pop culture and relevant activities increases engagement.
• A comfort contract fosters a safe and respectful therapy environment.
• Involving students in decisions increases buy-in and participation.

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 using standardized tests as a starting point to create functional and impactful speech and language goals for your students.

Grab your coffee and settle in, SLPs! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re diving into why standardized tests are just the starting point—not the whole solution—for crafting meaningful, functional, and academically relevant goals for your older speech students. We’ll talk about avoiding common pitfalls, incorporating informal assessments, and getting real-world insights from teachers. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to take your evaluations to the next level and set your students up for success. Let’s make this school year the one where you leave work on time and feel confident in every session!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

•  Common mistakes SLPs make with standardized test results
• Balancing standardized tests with informal measures
• Collaborating with teachers to target impactful goals
• Making goals measurable, specific, and functional
• Standardized tests: One piece of the evaluation puzzle

Here’s what we learned:

• Common mistakes SLPs make when using standardized test results 
• Practical tips for balancing standardized testing with informal measures
• How to collaborate with teachers to prioritize the most impactful intervention goals.
• Making goals measurable, specific, and functional is key to student success.
• Why standardized tests are just one piece of the evaluation puzzle.

Standardized tests are just one piece of the puzzle! 

Get a clearer picture of your students' needs with powerful tools designed for SLPs:

✅ Baseline Tool – Establish a strong starting point: speechtimefun.com/baseline

✅ Critical Thinking Probes – Dig deeper into student skills: speechtimefun.com/criticalthinkingprobes

Both are available inside SLP Elevate, giving you the insights you need beyond the subtests to make a real impact. 💡✨

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 Tara Rhoehl about teletherapy and keeping students engaged.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Tara Rhoehl, an SLP and telepractice expert with over 14 years of experience working with international clients. Tara shares her journey from practicing teletherapy long before it became mainstream, specializing in executive functioning and social cognition. She dives into creative ways to keep students engaged online, from virtual game tables to mentoring programs, and offers practical tips for making teletherapy effective and stress-free. Whether you're new to telepractice or looking to level up your sessions, this episode is packed with insights, tech tips, and plenty of fun!

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Tara’s Journey into Telepractice
• Evolution of Teletherapy Technology
• Creative Online Strategies for Engagement
• Executive Functioning in Therapy
• Overcoming Telepractice Challenges
• Future Trends in Teletherapy

Here’s what we learned: 

• Telepractice is adaptable—many in-person strategies work online.
• Student interests boost engagement and rapport.
• Tech advancements make teletherapy easier, but flexibility is key.
• Simple tools like games and incentives increase motivation.
• Executive functioning skills are essential for success.
• The future of teletherapy includes AI and virtual presence.

Learn more about Tara Roehl: 

Website: https://www.speechykeenslp.com/ 

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

X: https://x.com/SpeechyKeenSLP 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-roehl-71ba2541/ 

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