Amazon must-haves for SLPs heading back to school in 2023. Here we go!
It’s almost time for back to school. How are you feeling? If you’re looking for a few ideas for your speech therapy room (or closet or section of the hallway), here are a few of my faves to maybe get yourself psyched up to return to reality.
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Amazon must-haves for SLPS – Favorite games and motivators:
Brain Flakes
Brainflakes is an awesome building toy that keeps kids’ hands busy. Best for kids older than 4 (and who are safe with small choking hazard items). Create endless creations. I like to distribute a few at a time and then add more as kids in mixed groups answer questions or practice their speech sounds. Brainflakes are also great for social skills groups.
A few other ideas that your students who enjoy building and creating might enjoy:
Hedbanz – this is a perennial favorite in my speech therapy room. I have an older version of this fun game, but the kids still love it. I’m always amazed at the number of skills I can target with this silly game. Describing, categorization, generating and answering yes/no questions, giving clues (without giving it away), turn-taking, sportsmanship, and even carryover of speech sound practice. Hedbanz is always a winner with the kids.
Sneaky Snacky Squirrel is a fun game designed for young students but truly enjoyed by all ages in my speech groups. To me, squirrels are a fall theme for back to school but this game is fun all year. I use this Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game for speech and language groups – students get to take turns spinning the spinner after they answer a question or give me a sentence containing a target word.
I’m not sure why this game is so popular – it makes me jump every time! Jenga is a frequently requested game in my speech room. I especially like this one for my articulation groups. Kids say a word containing a target sound before each turn.
A few other games I am looking at:
Have you ever used clickers in therapy? I’ve used individual data sheets for my articulation students and these were really motivating to them. I’m hoping kids will like keeping track of their own responses using these clickers.
Amazon Must Haves for SLPs other therapy materials
First, I’m excited to use this Spark Picture This Flipbook! There are fantastic picture scenes for discussion. Even better there are word lists and suggested questions.
For my younger students and those requiring high structure, I’m excited to try this Busy Book for Kids by Montessori Toys. This durable book has 12 popular themes with relevant vocabulary and concepts for each. The busy book contains manipulative cards and items for each page that keep kids engaged.
I also really like this sentence-maker flip book. I love that it includes the parts of speech. My students love creating funny simple sentences. Bonus – my artic students like this too for practice with speech sounds.
Amazon Must Haves for SLPs Office Decor
How cute is this Welcome to Speech Therapy sign for your office? I love the colors and vintage look.
Here are a few other items I like:
Finally Must Have wordless picture books
Chalk by Bill Thomson is definitely a fan favorite in my room, but there are lots of fabulous options. Here are a few I like and a few I am planning to get:
- Journey by Aaron Becker
- Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
- Sidewalk Flowers by Jonarno Lawson and Sydney Smith
- Flashlight by Lizi Boyd
- A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka
In summary, I hope this list was helpful to you. When you do your back-to-school shopping and planning, maybe give some of these a try, and then let me know what you think. Also, share with me your favorites!
Finally, if you are looking for some more great ideas, then try these other posts on the blog:
Great Back-to-School Read-Alouds for Elementary School Students
15 Amazing Wordless Picture Books