6/8/2021
Core vs. Fringe
 
I remember a professor in grad school explain to my cohort the difference between core and fringe vocabulary words and why some SLPs prefer one to the other. Quick refresher- core vocabulary words are frequently used words, often hold multiple meanings, and can be used in a variety of contexts. Fringe vocabulary words are words that tend to be more specific to certain environments and situations. In all honesty, I didn’t really understand all the hype at the time. Why not just teach a variety of vocabulary with the intent to expose the child to as many words as possible? And, again, in all honesty, I felt that way until very recently when I saw firsthand the magic that are core vocabulary words.
 
I’ve mentioned before how much of a game changer the use of a green screen is in teletherapy. You can make *literally* anything happen on the screen behind you. The coolest part is that with a single word, a kiddo can make the entire scene change. To me, single words seemed so much more meaningful and, frankly, magical in this new setting. So, I decided to start focusing on teaching core vocabulary words to some of my non-verbal kiddos. Just to be clear, I teach simple core vocabulary words as a simple sign paired with a single word. (I was also lucky enough to work with incredible parents who would provide hand-over-hand assist when needed!) I saw an idea in a Facebook group to have a picture of elevator doors on the green screen behind you and when the child said or signed “open” the doors would open and a silly animal gif would start playing behind you. This was an absolute hit with my kiddos so I adapted it a few different ways to still target “open” and “close.” With the green screen and the internet at my fingertips, I was able to change the motivating gifs used during my sessions quickly and based on the interests of each kiddo on my caseload.  
 
I went shopping for a magnifying glass to use for a trick I had seen posted on Play Spark Toys where you use the glass portion as the green screen to “find” different objects. Three stores and zero magnifying glasses later, I ended up buying a cheap paddle ball set, which I painted to make look like a magnifying glass (or a mirror, depending on who you ask), except I used green paint where the glass would normally be. My plan is to use it to “look inside” my mouth with my kiddos using the target word/sign of “open.” When the child produces the target word/sign, I’ll open my mouth, hold the “magnifying glass” in front of it, and have a gif of an animal or familiar character playing on it. Depending on the level of the child, you can either model language or have a discussion and ask wh-questions about the gif. The possibilities are endless. This is sure to be a silly kid and clinician favorite!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-Michelle
6/4/2021
Cariboo to the rescue
 
When I’m working in the classroom, the game Cariboo is an absolute lifesaver. Don’t have a lot of time to plan a session? Cariboo. Looking for something motivating? Cariboo. An activity to go with a book? Cariboo. Want to do something that doesn’t seem like “work”? Cariboo. Working on receptive language? Cariboo. Working on expressive language? Cariboo. Articulation? Cariboo. It can literally be used for any session and with kiddos of all levels!
 
I rarely use the cards that came with the actual game- I actually bought a set with different themes and concepts on teacher’s pay teacher’s and it was worth every penny (you can find them here – this is not an affiliate link, I just really love these cards!). I’ll usually read a book and then use vocabulary words or characters from the story to play the game. You can target so many language concepts in such a simple game!
 
When I realized that we would be seeing kiddos remotely, I started thinking about how I could incorporate this kid-favorite into virtual therapy. After a lot of trial and error, I finally found a good way to turn this game virtual.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I set up a PowerPoint slide to look like the Cariboo game board. I then use different thematic vocabulary depending on what is being targeted in the session. For this example, I was working on beach/summer vocabulary. I hide different colored circles behind a few of the pictures and voila- virtual Cariboo! When the kiddo guesses the vocabulary word I’m giving them hints for (i.e. “I see an animal that is red” “crab!”), I click on the picture, delete it, and if a circle is revealed, I move it to the right side of the game board. When all six circles are found, I click to the next slide where the treasure box opens, and there are reward “stickers.”
 
I have found SO much success (and saved so much time prepping for therapy!) with this simple activity. It can be used to target language, articulation, basic concepts, you name it! Just switch out the pictures to target your student’s needs. You can download a free copy of my beach themed virtual Cariboo here. Cariboo saves the day again!
 
-Michelle