Hallie chats about using videos for speech goals.

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is warming up the speech room with one of her favorite low-prep tools: winter-themed YouTube videos. If you’re looking for ways to engage older students with activities that are motivating, free, and take the reading piece out of the equation, this one’s for you. She’s sharing five specific video recommendations—from the science of shivering to a heartwarming fiction story—that make targeting main idea, inferencing, and vocabulary feel like a breeze. Hallie also shares how to maximize one video across your entire caseload with five practical tips for managing mixed groups, because who has time to prep a million different things? It’s all about working smarter, not harder, and building a speech room culture where students feel successful and safe taking risks.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Five winter video picks to keep therapy seasonally fun.
  • Why does it get cold in winter- - Mystery Science
  • Why Do We Shiver When it’s Cold? | COLOSSAL QUESTIONS
  • https://www.commarts.com/project/24066/lily-the-snowman 
  • The science of snowflakes - Maruša Bradač
  • Does Being Cold Make You Sick?
• Addressing main idea, summarizing, and W-H questions through visual storytelling.
• Utilizing tier 2 words and target sounds found directly in the videos.
• Five tips to differentiate one activity for a variety of goals. 
• Using routines and comfort contracts to encourage student risk-taking. 
• Avoiding burnout by planning one high-quality activity for your whole caseload.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Engagement beats boredom—themed activities keep students motivated and excited to participate. 
• One video can do it all—differentiate on the fly to meet the needs of every student in a mixed group. 
• Strategic pausing is key—don't be afraid to stop or rewatch to check for understanding. 
• Peer learning is valuable—students benefit from hearing each other work on different skills. 
• Efficiency prevents burnout—relying on free, short videos lets you focus on your students instead of endless prep.

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

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📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book

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