Hosts:

Tara Ross and Kristen Smith, Speech-Language Pathologists from the Upper Grand District School Board

Guests:

• Linda Murphy, Author of The Declarative Language Handbook www.declarativelanguage.com
• Mary Ann Schouten, the manager of Communication, Language, and Speech Services with the Upper Grand District School Board

Key  Takeaways:

• What Visual Referencing Is: Linda explains the concept of visual referencing, highlighting its importance over the traditional focus on eye contact. She discusses how this shift can reduce stress for students with sensory processing differences and promote more meaningful engagement with their surroundings.
• How Declarative Language Supports Visual Referencing: Learn how using DL allows students the time and space to process information in their environment without the pressure of forced eye contact. By making simple comments about what’s happening in the room, teachers can help students engage naturally with the classroom context.
• The Role of Episodic Memory in Social Learning: Linda shares how episodic memory—our ability to remember past experiences—can help students navigate new or stressful situations. She explains how DL can help students access these memories, reducing anxiety and supporting social competence.
• Practical Examples for Educators: From navigating a change in the classroom to handling unfamiliar situations like visiting the library, Linda offers clear examples of how declarative language can be used to ease transitions and help students feel grounded in novel situations.



Hosts:

Tara Ross and Kristen Smith, Speech-Language Pathologists, Upper Grand District School Board

Guest:

Linda Murphy, Author of The Declarative Language Handbook and The Co-Regulation Handbook http://www.declarativelanguage.com

Episode Overview:

Welcome aboard the Upper Grand District School Board’s Social Learning Road Trip! In this inaugural episode, hosts Tara Ross and Kristen Smith, Speech-Language Pathologists with the Upper Grand District School Board,  introduce the world of Declarative Language and its power to support students with social learning challenges. Together with Linda Murphy, the author of The Declarative Language Handbook and The Co-Regulation Handbook, they explore how using thoughtful, declarative language can help students feel competent, connected, and understood.

Linda shares insights into the theory behind declarative language and its role in fostering authentic, positive connections, both with peers and educators. This episode lays the foundation for the series, where we’ll dive into practical strategies for using declarative language and co-regulation to support students’ social learning development. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode will set you on the right track.

Key Takeaways:

• What is Declarative Language?: Learn the basics of declarative language, how it differs from directive language, and why it's essential for supporting students with social learning difficulties.
• The Power of Co-Regulation: Discover how the practice of co-regulation can help students manage their emotions and connect authentically with others.
• Linda Murphy’s Work: Gain insights into Linda’s approach to supporting social learning through her books, The Declarative Language Handbook and The Co-Regulation Handbook, and how these resources are helping educators create more inclusive, supportive classrooms.
• Practical Applications for Educators: Tara and Kristen, along with Linda, share how educators can integrate declarative language and co-regulation into daily classroom interactions, providing actionable tips that are easy to implement.