I (HEART) SLP

It's that time of year again when love abounds. Hearts are everywhere. We do our share to bolster the economy and buy silly gifts. This year I decided not to spend any money on things, but rather to prepare a lovely dinner comprised of my families favorites, by request. It will be so much more meaningful (for me at least) to share a meal prepared with love and spend some time together while we can. Our kids are growing so fast and I love them so much!

I love the holidays because I can completely exploit them in therapy. These photos are just a "Whitman's Sampler" of fun we have had this week.

These were fun and effective activities from Meredith, The Peachie Speechie and Rachel, of I Heart Crafty Things 

We celebrated the 100th day of school this week and The Peachie Speechie's Valentine Heart Challenge was the perfect accompaniment.

Pam Dahm created this AMAZING critical thinking activity and offered it for free! My older kids LOVED it!

Pint-Sized Treasures highlighted this craft made with salt dough. This activity addressed vocabulary, pragmatics, following directions, executive functions, and more!

Cupcake Vocabulary was created by Lauren of Busy Bee Speech. The choice of antonyms and synonyms used was perfect for my primary (and some intermediate as well) students.

All the love in the air prompted me to reevaluate what I love about my profession. I selected Speech Pathology as a course of study when I was 18 years old. I was completing college applications and needed to enter a preliminary choice of major. I closed my eyes and circled my finger over the majors and landed on Speech Language Pathology. No lie! I suspect Divine intervention because I have never regretted that choice. Why? This is why:

I LOVE delving into a test manual in order to flesh out a speech and language profile. 

I LOVE collaborating with special educators and occupational and physical therapists, teachers of the deaf and nurses. 

I LOVE reaching out to the community to help our students and their families access services. 

I LOVE connecting with other SLPs via social media. Instagram is my source of inspiration, recipes, and camaraderie. The different Facebook groups are wonderful venues for troubleshooting difficult cases and learning about resources. The blogosphere has opened up my speech world tenfold. 

I LOVE my game closet! It has taken thirty plus years to stock it and some SLP will be very happy when I retire.

I LOVE my speech aide. She is a generous and kind soul.

I LOVE looking at my old DLM and Teaching Resources cards. They remind me I have a rich history in the profession. 

I LOVE the people I work with. They are my dear friends and have 

supported me in so many situations (sniff). They have been a part of our children's lives. They have shared my ups and downs and are a constant source of laughter and strength.

I LOVE being an SLP and despite some difficult situations and circumstances, this profession has also brought me the greatest joy