Ricki's Preschool Speechie Plus

Multi-Syllable Word Party App Review

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 09:15:00 -0800

Jan 2017 Overall Rating 3.5	Review of Multi-Syllable Word Party by Ricki Block, MS, CCC-SLP www.preschoolspeechie.com Rating 1-5 (5 is best)
Feature	Description	Results	Suggestions
Ease of use & flexibility 3	Can use app quickly, instructions from developer, no glitches, can switch from one activity to the next, recordings	Voice recording is male. Pictures are clear. My students were unable to read the part of the word which is printed in yellow.	I would eliminate yellow and choose a different color. I would add a female voice and an option to record words and sentences.
Interest 4	Captures attention of user, nice graphics, maintains interest	Search feature – very easy to switch between the 4 games by pressing the “house” icon. Just click on the house icon and change. Tap Tap- A visual and auditory pacing board that reinforces players through color and sound. Students like tapping on the color coded dots. They can repeat the segments then repeat the word. They can tap the word numerous times to practice. It’s easy to move from one word to the next Outline- Find the matching shape and then use the pacing board seen in all games Remember- Match the picture and then use the pacing board after each match has been made. Say & Slice-learn syllable segmentation- Students swipe syllables off of a word and then adding them again. It makes a cool swooshing sound. When student taps the word it is repeated.	For all games - 1.It doesn’t always say segment when you tap on the colors. 2. I would love to see the ability to tap the picture or word so student can repeat just the word multiple times rather than the dots for each segment. 3. Praise words should be an option , e.g. “awesome, etc” rather than be after each word. 4. Say & slice works perfectly the first time. When repeating the word the letters may swipe down but students can’t put them back on. Word only repeats one time when tapped.
Value Outcome 3	Accountability- ability to complete task, improved student performance- records data	This app is $3.99. Very easy to manually record data for the segments. You can choose 2 to 5 segmented words. It can be used for all age levels in individual or group sessions. Progress has been noted with my older students. I expand this activity by incorporating the identification of suffixes, e.g. ing, tion, ity.	This app is a little pricey for what you get but still worth the purchase.
Mobility		iPhone and iPad
Overall impression - Home Speech Home has the right idea with this app! The Multi-syllabic Word Party App ties right in to the Common Core for helping children learn and/or strengthen their phonological awareness skills for learning to read and speak fluently, and address syllable reduction. I continue to use my multisyllable word lists (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multisyllable-Words-562933) and HSH’s multisyllable word lists during therapy ,( http://www.home-speech-home.com/multisyllabic-words.html) as well as Multi-syllable Word Party (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/multi-syllabic-word-party/id1029886073?mt=8). My older students enjoy playing the games “Tap Tap” and “Say and Slice.” I have noticed progress when used consistently. Manual recording of data is easy with this app because you can choose from two to five segmented words for each game. It can be used for all age levels in individual or group sessions. This app has so much potential but needs some revisions, e.g. fixing glitches, be able to tap the word/picture to hear production rather than always needing to tap the pacing dots, provide recording button for student to repeat words and produce a sentence, offer student ability to repeat a word multiple times, ability to turn off the “praise” button. This app at $3.99 is a little pricey for what you get, but still worth the purchase. Luke and Hollie from HSH are passionate about speech and have provided free materials above and beyond. Check out their website today. It is loaded with valuable lists and free activities! http://www.home-speech-home.com

Review of Listening Power K-3 App

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 6 Feb 2016 15:42:00 -0800

Review of Listening Power K-3 app

Click on the link under picture to go to itunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/listening-power-grades-k-3-hd/id1065753089?mt=8

Listening Power K-3 provides over 1000 listening practice questions on the iPad. Designed by Patti Hamaguchi, a licensed speech-language pathologist. It can be used with children 5-10 years, ESL students and older students with cognitive challenges. I have personally used this app with challenged students ranging in age from 10 years to 17 years old. I have already used it as a screening tool, follow up after a hands activity and as a reward. Every speech therapist would find this app a valuable addition to their speech toolbox.

There are 5 activities with varied levels of easy, intermediate or advanced and with choices in a field of 2,3 or 4 pictures.

1. Listening for Descriptions: provides listening practice for adjectives and descriptions in increasingly longer sentences with 2 to 7 critical elements, including exclusion. 50 questions for each level. Total 150

2. Listening for Meaning: vocabulary terms are introduced in context with a follow-up question. Intermediate: The infant was sitting in the chair. Who was sitting in the chair? A baby/teenage boy/woman/very old man 50 questions for each level. Total 150

3. Listening for Grammar: practice listening for incorrect grammatical concepts including regular and irregular plurals, verb tenses, articles, omission of auxillary verbs, pronouns, and negation. 50 questions for each level. Total 150

4. Listening to Stories: a story is read slowly and clearly with accompanying pictures and sound effects, followed by questions about the story such as who, what, and where questions. As stories become more advanced, there are less pictures. There is also a “background noise” button feature. 25 Stories for each level, with 5 questions each. Total 375. Stories can be printed.

5. Listening for Word Memory: student touches a sequence of 3,4,5 or 6 objects in the correct order from a field of 9 pictures starting with a slow presentation of 2 words with pictures to a fast presentation of 3 words with delay in showing the pictures.

Video - see link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhLCTH1u09E

Rubrics Rating 1-5 5 is best	Listening Power K-3	Likes	Suggestions
Curriculum 4	Material is accurate & evidence based and addresses specific tasks.	I love that this app focuses on 5 different listening activities. Now I can utilize a hands on activity and follow up with this app for learning and as a reward. Little do students know that they are still working! Activities can be aligned to the Core Curriculum. I am thrilled that I was able to print out all 25 stories!!	Would love to be able to print out a list of concepts in advance for: 1.Listening for Descriptions-student needs to know concept before working on this skill. 2.Listening for Grammar –I would find it helpful to have list of printed sentences to assist those students who require a visual along with auditory.
Flexibility 5	Flexibility to adjust settings & add/delete photos, add/delete tasks, audio recordings, back button	There are a variety of settings which can be adjusted: auto advance vs manual. Depending on your student’s level, you can provide choices in a field of 2 to 4 pictures. You can start with an easy level and quickly change to a more advanced level. There is a “hear again” button if student requests to hear the sentence again. It doesn’t change the score but is recorded in the Session Record.
Ease of use 5	Can use app quickly, instructions from developer, no glitches	Love the simplicity of this app – it’s self- explanatory. There is an info button which explains how to use this app. You can turn the text on or off, I like that you can manually control when to go to the next sentence
Interest 5	Captures attention of user, nice graphics & sounds/music, interactive, maintains interest	I work with challenged older students 9 to 21. This app has maintained their interest, especially when they look for an object behind a door or shoot a basket on the “rewards” page.
Value – Outcome 5	Accountability- time needed to complete task, results in improved student performance- records data	This app provides a valuable source for helping a child to improve listening skills. You can keep track of the student’s data. There is also a “play missed items” button. It is a little pricey at $19.99 but worth the price. I would highly recommend purchasing Listening Power Preschool HD for $15.99 (can be used with older challenged students.) Having both apps gives the therapist a broad range of activities for students of all levels.

Three Little Kittens Rhyme & Speech Activities

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Fri, 2 Jan 2015 09:51:00 -0800

This was a fun Winter activity to create for my little ones. There are a variety of activities to cover a multitude of IEP objectives. Children will be enjoying the activities with this rhyme and they won't even realize they are working!

1.Story sequencing - Child can color all the pieces of the story. Tell the rhyme as the child listens and puts the pieces in order. THen the child can tell story using pictures. Ask Wh questions about the story.
2.Voice inflection, rate and prosody
3.Grammatical structures
4.Speech sounds - labials (p,b,m) and velars (k,g)

Go to my TPT store to download this FREEBIE. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Three-Little-Kittens-Rhyme-Speech-Activities-1626825

Choose an activity related to your IEP objectives:

1. Story sequencing - Child can color all the pieces of the story. Tell the rhyme as the child listens and puts the pieces in order:

· Three kittens lost their mittens - put out the 3 kittens without their mittens – hide mittens by boots

· Three kittens found their mittens - look for mittens by boots – one pair under boots, one pair in back of boots and one pair on boots. Then put boots and mittens on kittens.

· Kittens ate pie

· Kittens got mittens dirty and cleaned them with soap

· Kittens hung up mittens on clothesline

· Then kittens saw 3 mice – they each caught a mouse – Gotcha!

· Now have child tell story using pictures

· Ask Wh questions about the story

2. Voice Inflection and Prosody

· Rhymes are the perfect venue for practicing changes in voice volume, rate and pitch. Children love to role play – kitten voice can be high pitched with faster rate and mommy voice can be lower pitch with slower rate.

· Two syllable words and sound patterns – using medial sounds and words in phrases- kittens, mittens, mommy, little, meow, gotcha

3. Grammatical structures

· Regular verbs (looked, cleaned) and irregular past verbs (lost, found, ate, got, caught, saw)

· Pronouns – you, your, they, we, their, our

· Compare sizes of kittens, mittens & boots– big, bigger, biggest or small, smaller, smallest

· I am (coloring)– use this phrase while coloring

· He/She has - child can give the kittens names and give them a gender – child can describe colors of mittens and boots, e.g. She has pink and brown mittens

· Plural S – count the kittens, mittens, boots, pies, etc.

4. Speech Sounds

· Labial sounds – mittens, meow, mommy, boots, pie, purr, mouse, mice, big, bigger, biggest

*While coloring pictures use colors with labial sounds – brown, black, purple, pink, blue

* Carrier phrases – I pick color, my turn

· Velar sounds – kittens, cry, cute, cleaned, good, look, gotcha, big, bigger, biggest, color, cut, glue

*While coloring, cutting or gluing pictures use colors with velar sounds – black, grey, green, pink

*Carrier phrases, I am coloring, I want the color, I am cutting, I am gluing

Three Little Kittens ( Slightly Modified)

Three little kittens, they lost their mittens,
And they began to cry

“Oh mommy mommy we lost our mittens”
What? Lost your mittens!
You poor little kittens!
"Meow, meow, meow"

“Put on your boots and let’s look for your mittens”

Three little kittens, they found their mittens by their boots
And they began to cry

“Oh mommy mommy look, we found our mittens”
Put on your mittens
You cute little kittens
And you may have some pie
"Purr-r, purr-r, purr-r"

The three little kittens put on their boots and mittens

And they ate up all the pie

"Oh mommy mommy, look, we got our mittens dirty”

What? Your mittens are dirty?

Then they began to cry "Meow, meow, meow"

The three little kittens, they cleaned their mittens
And they hung them out to dry

“Oh mommy mommy look we cleaned our mittens”

What? Cleaned your mittens!
Oh, you're good kittens ……
“Uh ohhhh….we smell a mouse close by”
Shhhh Shhhhhh

"Mee-ow, mee-ow. We can see 3 mice close by!”

Gotcha! Gotcha! Gotcha!

12 Essential Preschool Toys For Your Speech-Language ToolBox 2014

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 06:48:00 -0800

List created by Ricki Block, MS,CCC-SLP www.preschoolspeechie.com

Previous owner of Ariel’s Child for 22 years – a specialty toy store for school supplies, toys and materials for children with special needs and speech pathologist for 38 years.

Your kids will have so much fun playing and learning they won’t realize they are working on their speech sounds and language concepts! Listed below are some of my students’ favorite toys. They maintain their interest and they don’t even realize they are working. Each of these toys can be used to work on language skills or articulation and especially helpful when compiling a speech-language sample. They improve their ability to learn to respond to Wh questions, increase mean length of utterance and/or initiate pragmatic verbal turn-taking skills, to make requests, greet, comment and label . Before the activity I write down key words or phrases to target while the child is playing. Many of these items I carried in my store for years and I still use today! Click on the title and it will link you to Amazon.com. Visit my website at www.preschoolspeechie.com to connect to my TPT store and Pinterest site. There are lots and lots of fabulous resources.

1. Body Parts & Clothing

Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head and Magnet Dress Up Sets

Mr.& Mrs. Potato HeadPlayskool ($5.00 ea) and Magnet Dress up (boy-12.99, girls-17.19)are staple tools and there are many ways you can use them to expand speech and language skills Teach body parts, colors, basic concepts( top, bottom, on, under), pronouns (he has, she has, his, her) , possession (mine, yours)

2. Animals

Farm Set , Second Set of Animals, Wild Animals

The Battat Farm Set is durable (33.99 ) and I would suggest getting additional Farm Animals (7.49 US Toy) and Wild Animals (7.70 US Toy). It increases the skills to teach, e.g. matching the same animals, concepts of more, less, all, NOT, counting. Animal sounds are a great place to start with little ones learning CV & VC combos, e.g. moo, baa.

3. Pretend Play Rooms of House, Friends & Family

Doll House , People, Furniture, Playground

The doll house is for girls AND BOYS. Boys love to pretend play too. The Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse (35.48) is durable and mobile and it folds up for easy storage or portability. I bought the Fisher Price Fold & Go Doll House on e-bay because I like the lightweight feature of the plastic dollhouse. I purchased a family (KidKraft) additional furniture (Le Toy Van Deluxe Starter Furniture Set $45.55) and Fisher Price outdoor playground( 19.22). My students who are easily distracted can maintain their attention with the doll house. This is the perfect situation to work on following directions too – 1 step, 2 step, location words, and work on critical elements e.g. big blue chair.) I have my list of words in advance to target and am ready with paper and pen to get a speech & language sample of phrases and/or speech sounds.

4. Cause & Effect

Wind Up, Push/Go, Friction Toys

Wind up trains (12) 10.45 Fun Express, Push and Go Toys Kavaya 7.75 Emergency Vehicles Toysmith 12.80

Teach “Sabatoge” in a fun way – when child can’t figure out how to make the toy go they can be encouraged to request “help or go”, engage in eye contact and interact with the adult.

5. Vehicles

Car Set, Train Set, Gas Station, Car Ramp

One of my most utilized toys in therapy has been trains, cars and trucks for boys AND GIRLS. I made the mistake once of only offering a doll to a little girl a long time ago- the mother proceeded to inform me that she liked to play with her vehicles and did not like dolls. Never assume! Viking City road set ( 19.29).Melissa and Doug Train set 22.91 Duplo My First Creative Car Building Set 10552( 19.99) and PlayGo My City Car Park (25.85).

6. Pretend Play Provider

Baby Doll Accessories, Doctor & Vet Kits

Another favorite - playing with baby dolls, especially if there is a baby brother or sister in the family. Here are the accessories which I like using for encouraging basic sentence structures, e.g. agent+action+object- I feeding baby, I brushing hair, etc. (Mommy & Me Doll Collection - Amazon.com $14.99) Choose a dolls that do not require batteries . Two dolls are even better to engage in verbal turn-taking with a peer or adult. I bought my dolls at the Dollar Store believe it or not. Add a Battat medical kit (17.69) to the mix and watch the language take off. Include a favorite stuffed animal and you now have a vet kit too!

7. Food

Pretend and Play Food

When my little ones see the food coming their eyes light up. We set the table for mealtime and often have the dolls out so we can feed them too. Teach food categories – breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot foods, cold foods, dessert, fruit, vegetables, etc. I also made sure I purchased food sets that have food I can use for final consonant deletion and with multisyllables, e.g. celery, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes and use with one of my pacing boards from TPT. (Step 2 101 food pieces 24.57 , Learning Resources Little Sprouts Breakfast 16.26 and Pretend and Play Sliceable velcro fruits and vegies 13.77 are a few of my favorites. I found some great deals on e-bay too.)

8. Household

Dishes, Utensils and Pots

The dishes and pots go hand in hand with the food. It complements the whole learning experience. Include a tablecloth and have a “Teddy Bear Picnic.” Educational Insights Dishes 11.99 and Pots & Pans 13.99 are colorful and durable.

9. Greetings

Webber Toy Phone 5.95, Tubaloo 6.19, Magic Microphone 4.16

Teach greetings with Hi and Bye. Social skills/pretend play: Your child can use the play phone to “practice social speech and language skills and “talk” to mommy, daddy, friends, staff, etc. Grab yourself another play phone, and have a conversation. This is the basic foundation for turn taking! The microphone is another tool to encourage children to talk and sing. I am an advocate of singing songs to emphasize prosody and inflection. Most of my sessions include a song or a rhyme!

10. Balls

Light Up Balls, Puffer Ball, Playground Ball, & Bean Bags

Big balls, little balls, hard balls, soft balls, colored balls light up balls, bouncy balls. Concepts of in, on, off, through, up, down, next to, in front, behind, top, bottom (while using the balls in different activities and with other items like basketball hoops, baskets, tunnels, cups, boxes, etc.) Engage in turn-taking by using words to express request for an action, e.g. roll ball, throw, catch, kick, bounce. This requires awareness on many levels: 1-Watch your friend 2-facial expressions, gestures) 3- Wait patiently for your turn to 4-put hands out to Catch the ball. Light up molecule ball 5.38 Play Visions, Knobby balls 8” (5) 7.99, Melissa & Doug Playground Ball 6.99 Ed Insights Shape Beanbags 14.94

11. Puzzles

Melissa & Doug Chunky Puzzles 9.99

Chunky puzzles have a dual purpose – use as a puzzle or use during a pretend play activity. These are durable wood animal shapes which can be used to sort animal categories, respond to “Where live” questions, “Which animal lives in zoo?”, use for teaching location words, e.g. put cow on the barn. Use with other animals you are playing with, include the pets when playing with the doll house or use as props when playing with the balls or bean bags.

12. Playdough

I use playdough as a tool to work on the child’s IEP objective and as a reinforcer. The goals are endless, but to name a few , e.g. basic sentence patterns (I am, I made a color item , Can I have?, turn-taking, speech sounds – SH, CH (push, make fish, sharks, choo choo), K, G (cut, make cookies, K, get, got, green), F (fork, knife, fish. face, 4,5) I laminated a place setting board and face template so the child has a mat to play on. I have collected many playdough items over the years, e.g. rollers, stamps, small cookie cutters, scissors. I just bought a new kit from Play-Doh and added it to my collection - Play-Doh: Toolin' Around Playset (14.99-I bought my set at Kohl's for $10 using discounts. I also use Model Magic (19.81) - add gems, pipe cleaners, beads and then paint.

13+ Best Speech Games & Reinforcers

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 8 Nov 2014 14:12:00 -0800

List created by Ricki Block, MS,CCC-SLP www.preschoolspeechie.com

Previous owner of Ariel’s Child for 22 years – a specialty toy store for school supplies, toys and materials for children with special needs

Listed below are some of my students’ favorite motivational activities. They maintain their interest and they don’t even realize they are working. Each of these items can be used as a game to work on language skills or articulation. Depending on the student, I may use picture cards to collect data for minimum of 10 trials and then use game as reinforcer. I find key words or phrases to target while the child is playing. Many of these items I carried in my store for years and I still use today! Click on the title and it will link you to Amazon.com

1. Ned’s Head 14.33

Ned’s Head is a huge “feely box.” It has gross objects to find in his head. I add my own objects too. When I pull Ned out of the box kids’ eyes open wide – it’s a wow factor. Great for working on pronouns, He has, I am, I got, this is, your turn, my turn. Play a describing game too. Kids pull out an object and give 2 or 3 clues.

2. Melissa & Doug Preschool Fishing 9.99

Fishing games are a classic. This happens to be magnetic which is even better. Kids can fish and then put in a “pond” (use a coffee can-wrap with blue paper – kids will love the sound of the fish dropping in to the can.) You can hide fish around the room and kids get to “find” them. Great for working on irregular past, e.g. I caught ,I found. Work on articulation too – K (caught, green, catch, crab), SH (fish, shark, ocean) F (fish, find, found)

3.Feed the Animals 29.95 Nuby 3-D monster snack keeper 4.60

Another favorite . Student gets to put a banana, peanut or carrot in the animal mouths. Reinforce “Who” questions – e.g. Who gets the banana? The snack keeper is a fun place for kids to put a picture card or small objects to “eat.”

4. Frog Hoppers 9.28

I have been using frog hoppers for many years as a reinforce. It has motivated many of my kids to learnsounds- e.g. blends (frog, blue, green) , J (jump), G (I go). The frogs come in a plastic bucket- perfect for teaching location words e.g. on, off, in, out, up, next to.

5. Think Fun Zingo 17.99

Kids get a kick out of pushing out the tiles which makes a clicking sound. They can match pictures on their card. I scope the boards in advance to concentrate on articulation. It is especially useful for final consonant deletion. Nice first game for teaching verbal turn-taking words, e.g. my turn, your turn.

6. Bowling Set 12pc 2 balls 11.99

Bowling captures the attention of the active child. I like to tape pics of key pictures to the pin. Child says words on pins knocked down. This is one of numerous types of bowling sets.

7. Monkeying Around 12.27

Wonderful companion to 5 Monkeys sitting in tree….along comes Mr. crocodile you can’t catch me. Great activity for blends, e.g. tree, green, blue, SNAP, crocodile. The kids carefully put the monkeys on the tree which is strategically attached with a magnet. It’s works as an enticing reward.

8. Toysmith Battat Shape Sorter House 19.45

Kids are intrigued by keys and doors, so this toy is a real hit. It includes 12 different shapes. It also includes a set of keys to release the shapes from the sorting chamber and the sorting house. You can also hide small objects or pictures behind the doors too.

9. Sneaky Snacky Squirrel 15.79

I recently discovered this game as I observed an SLP colleague playing it with her student. I went online that night and bought it! It is sooo cute. Spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn with your Squirrel Squeezers, and place it into your log. It’s a great game to have in your tool box for S blends, e.g. sneaky, snacky, squirrel, spin, snatch.

10. Stacking/Nesting Cups 5.99 & Building Toys

Magformers 14 pc 17.99 to build & Melissa and Doug colored blocks (11.99)

You can stack & sequence size, build towers, hide different fun toys like small shapes or toys under-in the cups and play the “where is it?” and following directions (1+ step directions starting with simple give me, put in the cup or put the little red cup on the big blue cup) . Magformers have square & triangle shapes – fun way to work on SH -shape and TR-triangle sounds.

11. Art Supplies

dot paint 6-pack 14.99, Markers, Crayons, Paper, glue, stickers, scissors –Crayola ultimate case with easel 13.71 , Melissa and Doug stamp sets 6.99

Art activities are often used as a process which creates an end product which the child gets to take home. Some of my favorites with dot paint-e.g. colors, P sd-paint, follow directions. Stamps- e.g. ST sd-stamp, art kit-e.g. K-cut (scissors), G-glue

12. Cranium Cariboo-ebay

This is an oldie but goodie. It is outrageously expensive on Amazon.com ($149!!)The best place to shop for Cranium Cariboo is on ebay. You can purchase a used game for as low as $19.99. I bought my game on ebay and all pieces were intact. It is one of my students’ favorite games. It has endless possibilities and can be tied in to many goals. I have used it, e.g. categories, action words(open, shut, find ), location (in, out)

13. Bubbles

Turtle bubbles 2.99 Bubble bear (one hand)6.82 Butterfly bubbles 6.99 No-pop 9.86/doz

Bubbles are the signature of an SLP. Not only is it one of the best reinforcers ....you can teach many concepts, especially labial sounds, (e.g. pop, bubble, up, more, wow, my turn, big, blow), concepts, counting.

Have fun shopping!!

App Review - Fun With Verbs and Sentences by Hamaguchi Apps

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 08:34:00 -0800

App Review –Fun with Verbs & Sentences HD

by Hamaguchi Apps for Speech, Language & Auditory Development

I am thrilled to provide a review for this ingenious app. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

Fun With Verbs and Sentences HD was developed for the young child to address basic agent+action+object/preposition sentence patterns and to formulate syntax structures.

Features:

1. Includes 39 verbs and 266 adorable animations/sds (lite version has 10 verbs)

2. Teach verb concepts in 1-word phrase

3.Play “Build a sentence” or “Watch & Say”– Child taps on a picture of a Subject (girl, boy ,bear.) Then tap an Action, “ What do you want the boy to do”, then pick object, e.g. something for the boy to eat. – up to a 6 word phrase. Sentences can be expanded further using the prepositional phrase, e.g. “ Where will the boy jump?” and “ What is happening?” Always have access to settings to change at a minutes notice. You can end the session at any time.

4. Tap the recorded sentence, record the child, then play it back instantly. Quality of voice is excellent. The modeled voice is precise and has inflection.

5. Text and recording button

6. Settings are simple and easy to navigate and offer a graded progression of difficulty

with 6 categories:

· Activities (Build a Sentence or Watch & Say)

· Sentence Type (varied phrase lengths, pronouns He and She)

· Verb List and Tenses ( ing, past & irregular past)

· Cueing (visual/verbal prompts)

· Progress Tracker(Collect Data)

· Bubble Game( provides reinforcement after a number of questions)

The preschool children easily engaged with the adorable graphics and animations/sd of this app and wanted more! At first I worked in an isolated setting with 1 child (IEP goal of MLU 4 words) who had a huge smile on his face each time he heard his voice. He was quite engaged with this activity and maintained attention for at least 15 minutes. By the second session he was able to independently choose the agent, action and object/preposition and used 5 to 7 word phrases! In settings, I chose the cueing models with simple verbal and visual prompts. The child tapped on the 3 color coded circles at the bottom of the screen at his pace to hear the sentence pattern. The animated activity is occurring as the child taps the circles. There is no rush to complete the sentence. This was perfect for my student whose response time can be delayed at times. We then brought this app into the classroom where the teacher was happy to have the group participate. They were just as engaged as my student and patiently waited their turn. I was surprised at the interest level of my preschoolers. We did not need the Bubble Game to reinforce performance. The app itself was reinforcement. It took no time for me to learn to navigate and play with the Settings. I did watch the demo video just to see if I missed something, but I didn’t. I love the auditory component of this app - I was able to record the student’s voice with clarity and Hamaguchi did a top notch job in selecting voices which are appealing and have inflection. This is especially helpful when working with a child who displays a monotone voice. I could use this app as a screening tool to establish baselines. This app can also be used for sentence recall, emerging readers and literacy development. I do have a one wish list for future updates: Is there is any way to decrease the MB Usage of 715? I had to put some apps in the Cloud. $15.99 is a little pricey but worth it. There is a lite version available for .99 (10 verbs.)

_Rubrics	_Description	_Rating
Curriculum	Material is accurate & evidence based, addresses task, offers large selection target. Addresses speech goals: 1. Basic verb patterns 2. MLU 3. Verb tenses 4. Pronouns	₅
Flexibility	Flexibility to adjust settings , add/delete tasks, audio recordings, back button	₅
Ease of use	Can use app quickly, video demo instructions from developer, no glitches	₅
Interest	Captures attention of user, simple graphics, interactive, animatioms	₅
Value-Outcome	Accountability- time needed to complete task, # trials, results in improved student performance- record data – progress monitoring. Price $15.99 (lite .99)	₅

Fun With Verbs & Sentences HD

18 Best Apps for Simple Sequencing #2

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 14:40:00 -0700

www.preschoolspeechie.com

18 Best Apps for

Simple Sequencing #2

Simple sequencing is a nice follow-up as child learns cause & effect. I often use these apps with little ones who are pre-verbal and who have emerging 1-2 word phrases. Includes simple building & song sequencing utilizing tapping and sliding with sound effects.

App	Price			Categ	Co	MB
Build it up	Free	iphone	ipad	simple sequencing build cause-effect	My First App	5.5
Build and Play 3D	1.99	iphone	ipad	simple sequenc-build	Crocostudio Games	49.1
Freckle Face Strawberry Monster Maker	Free		ipad	simple sequenc-face	Nymbly	237
FP Storybook Rhymes 1	Free	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Fisher-Price	14.3
FP Storybook Rhymes 2	Free	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Fisher-Price	22.8
FP Storybook Rhymes 3	Free	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Fisher-Price	22.6
Kate & Harry Build a Car	1.99	iphone	ipad	simple sequencing-build	Very Nice Studio	32.2
Kate & Harry Build a Plane	1.99	iphone	ipad	simple sequencing-build	Very Nice Studio	34.6
Kate & Harry Ride a Pony	1.99	iphone	ipad	simple sequenc-build	Very Nice Studio	38.1
Meebie	.99		ipad	simple sequenc-face	Orkid Toys	51.6
Monster Chorus	Free	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Reign Design	7.6
Music Sparkles	Free	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Kids Games Club	28.3
Mr. Potato Head	2.99	iphone	ipad	simple sequenc-face	Callaway Digital Arts	42.1
Mrs. Potato Head	2.99	iphone	ipad	simple sequenc-face	Callaway Digital Arts	43.1
Nursery Rhymes Tap	0.99	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Little Ones Studio	23.6
Piano Ball	0.99	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Mariusz Zielinski	20.8
Princess Fairy	2.99	iphone	ipad	simple sequenc-build	Eggroll Games	22.3
TapATune	1.99	iphone	ipad	simple song sequencing	Mind shapes Limited	23.6

16 Best Cause-Effect Apps

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 17:53:00 -0700

www.preschoolspeechie.com

16 Best Apps for

Cause & Effect

Simple tapping to help child learn that every action creates a reaction - with visual and sound effects. I often use these apps with little ones who are pre-verbal....observing communicative intent, non-verbal behavior, eye contact and motivation to repeat the action.

More app lists in this format coming soon! My extensive app list can be downloaded at www.preschoolspeechie.com

#1	Price			Categ	Co	MB Usage
Pocket Pond 1	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect-calm sound	trigger wave LLC	47.9
Draw Stars	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect sound	L'Escapadou	8.1
Fluidity	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect-calm	nebulus design	4.8
Mood Pad	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect	Octarine Flame	2.4
Heat Pad Lite	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect	Padadaz	6.5
Balls	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect sound	Dan Sayers	2.8
Finger Paint with Sounds	Free		ipad	cause-effect sound	Inclusive Technology	11.1
Tiltoria	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect	Mindbrix	4.9

Ooze	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect calm	Collective Cognition	2.2
Falling Stars	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect sound music	Kraft Foods	7.7
Color Ripple For Toddlers	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect	Radlemur	9.6
Dot Collector	1.99	iphone	ipad	cause-effect sound	Ellie’s Games	1.1
Furry Friend	.99	iphone	ipad	cause-effect sound	Plutinosoft	46.1
Baby Play Face	Free	iphone	ipad	cause-effect sound body parts	BabyPlayFace	23.1
My First App	Free	iphone	iPad	cause –effect laughing-crying	iinbal Tal	3.6
Sago Mini Sound Box	.99	iphone	ipad	cause-effect sound	Sago Sago	16.0

App Review - The Speech Flip Book

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 19:04:00 -0700

App Review -The Speech FlipBook

by Tactus Therapy

Reviewed to determine its value for the preschool child exhibiting phonological processes, apraxia or articulation concerns, since there are no pictures.

Tactus states “It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to have quick access to nearly every single-syllable word in the English language, suitable for all ages.”

Features:
1.Create customized lists in minutes - pick which consonants and vowels you want to appear in initial, medial, & final positions. Setting button offers choices in upper/lower case letters, inclusion of real/nonsense words, and more. It is nicely organized to include a variety of CV, VC, CVC and cluster combinations arranged by bilabial, labio-dental, dental, alveolar, palatal, velar and glottal placement. Vowel page is arranged by vowels, diphthongs, and R-controlled.
2. On the front (green) cover there is button that allows you to flip by word or sounds. This is very useful for minimal pairs. If you flip the switch to sounds, the sound in each column can magically flip!!

3. Tap the recorded word and segmented sounds, record yourself, then play it back instantly
4. Includes over 2300 recordings of words in natural speech & 125 phonemes & clusters! Includes ALL vowels & consonants of Standard American English

5. It is straight forward drill with no bells & whistles.

This app works nicely with the preschool child as a 5 to 10 minute oral motor warm in imitating and sequencing CV, VC, CVC and cluster patterns. The screen looks like a wire bound book with 3 columns – if you flip the switch to sounds on the front cover you can magically swipe individual sounds in each column. Love this feature!! It took a little time to learn to navigate and play with Settings. Once I got the hang of blank page setting on the app, it worked seamlessly. I breezed through the sound list quickly when I needed to make changes. My preschooler liked tapping & swiping the buttons, hearing and imitating the words. It took seconds to change the settings to S blends. It was easy to remove a word with one quick swipe up. I love the auditory component of this app - I was able to record the student’s voice. He then told me if his production of the word was the same as the man’s voice (choice of a woman’s voice would be nice too.) If incorrect, he willingly recorded the word again. He then proceeded to produce the word correctly, we compared voices and he reported whether productions sounded the same or not. Sound patterns which were more difficult for him easily revealed themselves. For this feature alone, it is a valuable tool for articulation work. I was surprised at the interest level of my preschooler. I could also use this app as a screening tool to establish baselines. This is also an incredible tool for emerging readers and literacy development for addressing phonological awareness, phonics and fluency. I do have a small wish list for future updates: In settings, I would like to be able to edit a word list more easily and save the customized list for the next session. Currently, if I am working on a different sound group with another child, I will lose my previous list. The price of $6.99 is affordable and well worth it.

See Rubrics Below for Speech FlipBook:

Rubrics	Description	Likes	Suggestion	Rating
Curriculum Speech Flipbook 6.99	Material is accurate & evidence based, addresses task, offers large selection target	Setting button offers choices in upper/lower case letters, inclusion of real/nonsense words, and more. The complete word list can be customized to select specific words for therapy. It is organized to include a variety of combinations to click on including sounds(nicely arranged by placement), clusters, vowels, final sounds and final clusters	No pictures. This app is strictly auditory for imitation drill if you are working with a non-reader	₅
Flexibility	Flexibility to adjust settings & add/delete photos, add/delete tasks, audio recordings, back button	1.Easy to move from one screen to the next. Easy to swipe up and down which sound like the flipping of a page. Easy to skip pages 2..Can quickly change from one group of words or level to another 3. 2300 combinations that can be customized for your student 4. The flip switch is on front cover very useful for minimal pair work - flip by words or sounds	It is time consuming to customize the word list in Edit Word List settings.	₄
Ease of use	Can use app quickly, instructions from developer, no glitches	Once I got the hang of it, this app is very easy to use	It took some time to navigate and play with Settings before I got the hang of the app. There is a tutorial video & PDF for further instruction .	₅
Interest	Captures attention of user, simple graphics, interactive	My preschooler liked tapping & swiping the buttons, hearing and imitating the words. He was working on S blends It was easy to remove a word with one quick swipe up. Perfect for a 5-10 minute warm up activity. I was surprised at the interest level of my preschooler	No pictures. Additional voices – female and male	₄
Value-Outcome	Accountability- time needed to complete task, # trials, results in improved student performance- record data – progress monitoring	I love the auditory component of this app - student enjoyed recording his voice. For this feature alone, it is a valuable tool for articulation work. This is an incredible tool for emerging readers – addressing phonological awareness, phonics and fluency. Offers Accountability and data for progress monitoring. Price of $6.99 is reasonable and well worth it.	Record keeping needs to be completed on paper by user	₅

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 08:42:00 -0700

Review - Speech Therapy for Apraxia - Words

By www.preschoolspeechie.com

click here for app

Speech Therapy for Apraxia – Words is a sequel to Speech Therapy for Apraxia (CV combos.) It was reviewed to determine its value for the preschool child exhibiting phonological processes (especially final consonant deletion), apraxia or articulation concerns. This app displays the same format as the first, which I love. It is organized by sound placement (e.g. bilabials), has 8 levels and is easy to figure out. It also held my preschooler’s interest for about 10 minutes. She exhibits final consonant delection and she willingly imitated the words. She enjoyed tapping the picture, imitating the word and swiping. There was no record button. This app is especially beneficial for probing stimulability of CVC patterns, using as a screening tool and proving to be one of the best organized oral motor warm-up in a hierarchy of levels. This app mainly focuses on production of static CVC patterns which can’t be changed. CVC patterns are pre -chosen for each level and arranged in a specific order on the screen. The student can practice 1 to 5 unrelated CVC words, but there is no flexibility in adding or deleting CVC combinations. There were a few words I would like to have changed. For the preschooler, I would like to see a level in which words can potentially be sequenced together for meaningful phrases. The ability to add words, create my own pattern (select CVC patterns from a list and move them into the designated boxes) would be optimal. and gives What you see is what you get. In spite of my desire for more flexibility in this app, you cannot beat the price at $4.99. Overall, it is a valuable tool for the Speech Toolbox and highly recommended. See Rubrics below:

Rubrics	Description	Likes	Suggestion	Rating
Curriculum	Material is accurate & evidence based, addresses task, offers large selection target	1.CV C– select group of words organized in a hierarchy according to place of articulation and ease of production, e.g. bilabials m,p,b 2.Organized format for learning 8 levels of CVC combinations for motor sequencing and especially final consonant deletion. 3.This app works nicely for preschoolers with phonological processes, apraxia, artic	I would like to see the use of more functional CVC words	₄
Flexibility	Flexibility to adjust settings & add/delete photos, add/delete tasks, audio recordings, back button	1.Easy to move from one screen to the next. 2..Can quickly change from one group of words or level to another. 3. Easy to do a quick probe for stimulability and to establish a baseline at each level.	CVC patterns are pre -chosen for each level and arranged in a specific order on the screen. For the preschooler, I would like to see a level in which words can potentially be sequenced together for a meaningful phrase. The ability to create my own pattern and select CVC patterns from a list and move them into the designated boxes would be optimal.	₃
Ease of use	Can use app quickly, instructions from developer, no glitches	Love the simplicity of this app – it’s self- explanatory . This app is very easy to use and does not require instructions. My preschooler was able to tap the pictures and swipe independently. She knew to repeat the word when heard.		₅
Interest	Captures attention of user, simple graphics, interactive	This app is strictly for imitation drill, as my preschooler liked tapping & swiping the buttons, hearing and imitating the syllables. There are no bells & whistles. Perfect for a 5-10 minute warm up activity.	Pics are cute. Kids love to swipe the pics. It is very easy to skip a word and swipe to the next one I would like to see a voice recording for the student.	₅
Value-Outcome	Accountability- time needed to complete task, # trials, results in improved student performance- record data – progress monitoring	Offers Accountability and data for progress monitoring of CV. Repetitive co-articulation of up to 5 varied CV patterns. Price of $4.99 is reasonable. You get numerous trials	Record keeping needs to be completed on paper by user	₅

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 19:48:00 -0700

Review - Speech Therapy for Apraxia - CV

By www.preschoolspeechie.com

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id512647583?mt=8

** Features **
• Choose from 8 different consonant groups (for a total of 19 consonant sounds) to target.
• For each group, choose from 8 levels to practice
• Detailed instructions explain how to choose an appropriate consonant group and practice level.
• Move through a logical progression of 8 different levels for motor planning for speech.
• Illustrations and audio provided for each syllable.
• Option to repeat levels, reset, or move to next level.
• Can also be used for straight articulation drill for particular phonemes.

This app was reviewed to determine its value for the preschool child exhibiting phonological processes, apraxia or articulation concerns. I was impressed with how well this app was organized and its ease of use. It also held the child’s interest. You cannot beat the price at $4.99. This app is especially beneficial for probing stimulability of sequencing consonant-vowel sounds, using as a screening tool and proving one of the best organized oral motor warm-up in a hierarchy of levels. This app mainly focuses on static CV patterns (can’t be changed) and gives the student practice with up to 5 co-articulatory sequences, e.g. alveolar - toe dye two toe two, but there is no flexibility in adding or deleting CV combinations. What you see is what you get. Overall, it is still a valuable tool for the Speech Toolbox and highly recommended. See rubrics below:

_Rubrics	_Description	_Likes	_Suggestions	_Rating
Curriculum	Material is accurate & evidence based, addresses task, offers large selection target	CV – select group of 3 consonants organized according to place of articulation and ease of production, e.g. bilabials m,p,b Organized format for learning 8 levels of CV combinations for motor sequencing. Can tap on a word to hear what the word is This app works for preschoolers with phonological processes, apraxia, artic.	1.I would like to see a level with an alternating vowel component, e.g. oohahh 2. I would like to see the use of more functional CV patterns strung together	₄
Flexibility	Flexibility to adjust settings & add/delete photos, add/delete tasks, audio recordings, back button	1.Easy to move from one screen to the next. 2.Can quickly change from one group of sounds or level to another. Easy to do a quick probe for stimulability and to establish a baseline at each level.	CV patterns are pre -chosen for each level and arranged in a specific order on the screen. I would like to see an update which reduces the redundancy and limitation of levels. I would like to be able to create my own pattern with the ability to select CV patterns from a list and move them into the designated boxes.	₃
Ease of use	Can use app quickly, instructions from developer, no glitches	Love the simplicity of this app – it’s self- explanatory . This app is very easy to use and does not require instructions. A preschooler was able to tap the pictures and swipe independently. She knew to repeat the word when heard.	Watched the video on how to use app & written instructions, but was not really necessary. Did not learn anything new.	₅
Interest	Captures attention of user, simple graphics, interactive	This app is strictly for imitation drill, as the preschooler liked tapping & swiping the buttons, hearing and imitating the syllables. There are no bells & whistles. Perfect for a warm up activity.	Would like to see a voice recording for the student.	₄
Value-Outcome	Accountability- time needed to complete task, # trials, results in improved student performance- record data – progress monitoring	Offers Accountability and data for progress monitoring of CV. Repetitive co-articulation of up to 5 varied CV patterns. Price of $4.99 is reasonable. You get numerous trials.	Record keeping needs to be completed on paper by user	₅

Developed by the National Association for Child Development team, including a certified speech-language pathologist, the Apraxia app provides choices of different phonemes to target and moves through a progression of levels that challenge motor planning for speech.

Working at the syllable level, it begins at the production of single syllables and progresses through increasingly difficult production sequences all the way to the production of sequences of random syllables.

About NACD
The National Association for Child Development is a unique organization with a unique approach to brain growth and development. Founded in 1979 by Bob Doman, NACD has helped parents enhance the development and function of their children for over 30 years. In its work with tens of thousands of clients, NACD has developed an approach to human development, the achievement of human potential, and the remediation of developmental, educational, and neurological problems that is based upon the gestalt of the individual. The efficacy of NACD's Targeted Developmental Intervention has been demonstrated with individuals from infant to geriatric, whose function has ranged from comatose to gifted. It is from this background and experience that the NACD team of neurodevelopmentalists and therapists, including speech/language pathologists, has created the NACD Home Speech Therapist line of speech apps.

Blue Whale Web SiteSpeech Therapy for Apraxia - NACD Home Speech Therapist

Ricki's Preschool App Update

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:27:00 -0800

I just redesigned my Blog withThe Hummingbird, who I genuinely admire. It can effortlessly fly in any direction (up, down, forward, backward) and hover in one spot. It can elicit so much energy and joy. With all the multi-tasking I have to do, I calm myself with occasional stares at the hand-painted illustration of hummingbirds hanging on my wall in my office. Just a reminder that no matter how busy we are..... beauty, peace and calm come with the little joys in life:)

Download my newest app update at

www.preschoolspeechsource.com

I have added 53 apps and 62 favorites.....a total

of 241 apps!

Apps are sorted into categories listed below:

Bold APPS are new. Highlighted APPS are favorites.

They are all my favorites, so I did my best to pick my favorite favorite!

Page 1 - AAC,cause-effect,sounds - helpful for children who may be pre-verbal and/or just beginning to learn to communicate

Page 2 - articulation, books - articulation apps can give you a list of sounds....doesn't always have to be flashcard drills...kids can enjoy "drill" during creative activities, e.g. art, books, games

Page 3 - follow directions & sequence

Page 4 - games, puzzles, songs, ABC-123

Page 5 - Vocabulary, language, WH questions

Page 6 – more vocabulary-language, classification-assoc, Wh quest

Page 7 – ABC, 123, phonics, reinforcement

Review 4 iPad Cases For Children

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 11:24:00 -0700

I was tasked with researching durable iPad cases for the young child. There are many cases to choose from. My biggest parameters were protection of the iPad and price. I read hundreds of reviews and watched youtube videos. Here are my 4 favorite most affordable cases and am leaning towards to #4 - ArmorBox Kido
Please share your experiences

Comparison iPad Cases for Young Children Priced Below $35 Reviewed by Ricki Block – www.preschoolspeechsource.com
October 2012 Rating	Speck iGuy 4	Kays Case KidBox 5	Big Grip 4	i-Blason ArmorBox Kido 5
Price on Amazon (FREE Shipping)	$24.95	$34.99	$34.95	$34.95
Raised Bezel for Screen Protections	YES EVA foam	YES EVA foam	YES EVA foam	YES Impact resistant polycarbonate and double-enforced w/ shock absorbing silicone inner sleeve
Carry Handle	Can carry by the arm	YES	NO	YES
Stand Angles	Free Standing but is not secure – incline better with iguy lying flat upside down	Built in convertible stand case	Additional $24.95	Built in convertible stand case
Available Colors	orange, green blue	lime, blue, pink	blue, green, pink, purple, grey	blue, pink black
Easy access to buttons	Hard to access input jacks	YES	Hard to access input jacks	YES
Lightweight	YES – 1.5lbs	YES – 14.4 oz	YES – 10.4 oz	YES – 12 oz
Fits all iPad models	YES	YES	Ipad 2 & 3	Ipad 2 & 3

Ricki's App Update - 44 Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sun, 2 Sep 2012 09:57:00 -0700

Ricki's APP update Sept. 2, 2012:
Go to www.preschoolspeechsource to download an extensive list of "speech" apps.
Sorts apps into categories.
Bold APPS are new
Highlighted APPS are favorites- 44 (out of 157!) They are all my favorites, so I did my best to pick my favorite favorite!
9 Developers were chosen as favorites as well, because I like a majority of the apps they have developed: Pixel Envision, Shoe the Goose, Duck Duck Moose, Maverick Software, Toca Boca, Alligator Apps, Grasshopper Apps, Different Roads to Learning, Super Duper
Page 1 - AAC,cause-effect,sounds - helpful for children who may be pre-verbal and/or just beginning to learn to communicate
Page 2 - articulation, books - articulation apps can give you a list of sounds....doesn't always have to be flashcard drills...kids can enjoy "drill" during creative activities, e.g. art, books, games
Page 3 - follow directions & sequencewww.preschoolspeechsource.com
Page 4 - games, puzzles, songs, ABC-123
Page 5 - Vocabulary, language, WH questions

Review 10 Apps - 7 FREE

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 20:54:00 -0700

I just played with over 50 FREE Apps and felt that the following 10 apps were worth downloading. GET THEM WHILE THEY ARE FREE!! (Work in Progress)

Books:

Meet Millie - This is the cutest "Lift the Flap" interactive book which features a video of Millie the Shaggy dog (the real deal) when you open each flap. I would modify the wording of the story for a preschooler who needs a simpler storyline.

The Surprise - NOW $5.99 - no longer FREE - SORRY! This is a well done video in which you tell the story. You can write the story to the right of the screen and record the story too. It's about a boy who finds a dog and sneaks him into his house. The characters have distinct facial expressions which makes this a great app for kids who need work on reading facial expressions and pragmatics.

Sam Phibian - This is a story about a little green frog who eats bugs and grows - great tool for eye tracking - Sam has to tap the bugs which then get swiped by the frog's tongue.

ABC-123:

Word Pig - Kids can explore letters and spell/read simple 3-letter words - child's voice says letters and the word when complete.

Pre-K ABC - NOW 1.99 - no longer FREE - SORRY!

Puzzle/ Matching:

Kids Trains, Planes & Sea Vehicles - There are4 FREE motivating puzzle games (you can purchase more.) When a puzzle is completed kids are rewarded with a variety of sound activated events such as clapping and popping balloons. Big puzzle pieces and nice graphics.

Play Lab - This is a simple and catchy shapes matching game with upbeat music

Simple Sort - NOW .99 - no longer FREE - SORRY! Play a category game with as few as 1 category to 6 categories

Cause & Effect:

Art of Glow - You can draw using a variety of 8 shapes and 8 colors which continue to move until you press the clear button and start over. You can control the movements and cycles as well. Nice sound effects.

Music Animals - Great photos and clear sounds & naming of animal. 12 pics are free.

New Resources Added to Preschool Speech Source

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 08:01:00 -0700

Hi Everyone,
New resources have been added to www.preschoolspeechsource.com. Check them out!

LessonPix

LessonPix was created by Lori and Bill Binko for the people who support and who love special learners. The goal was an easy online tool to create specific, customized materials for parents, teachers and therapists. Lori and Bill are parents of a special needs child. They have created picture schedules, bingo games, puppets, "ask for" cards, picture books, playing cards, lacing cards, and more. Request any specific pictures you need. You can also upload your own photos.

LessonPix is only $24.00 per year. Thanks to Alicia Lore for sharing!

NEW: Toddler Toddler activities games crafts- Jennifer has enjoyed doing crafts, painting, drawing with her son and has shared her creative ideas with others on her website. Well worth checking out!

NEW: Check out Fantastic Organics - healthy recipes for kids and adults. My husband and I have been eating organic for 16 years. You are what you eat! In partnership with Whole Foods Market®, PBS KIDS® has collected tips, ideas, recipes, videos and games to encourage you and your family to explore organics. PBS KIDS and Whole Foods Market are delighted to partner up to help you and your family make conscious decisions about organic foods, and be inspired to create healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

6 FREE APPS

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 4 Aug 2012 17:58:00 -0700

I have found myself posting on Facebook more than my Blog and am not yet clear of the difference. I am covering all my bases and posting on my Blog, Facebook, my website and Twitter. Whew!!! There has to be an easier way, but still learning. Anyway, Momswithapps just celebrated App Friday. Many FREE apps were listed, although the only one I really liked was Kapu Forest. (FREE for limited time only.) Many of the other apps were "Samples" and you had to purchase additional apps to use it effectively or there were too many ads. Thanks to Digital Storytime I found the following FREE Story Apps which very cute and simple. Click on Title for more info.
Josh & Emma Go to the Beach- Narrated slowly by a young child. Interactive activities throughout the story, e.g. "What's next to the big rock?" Two orange pointy starfish - you can tie in concepts of position, attributes, etc. This book will help a child who is easily distracted follow simple directions.
Miss Spider's Tea Party - A favorite story of mine written by David Kirk. Listen to the interactive story, watch the video, match pictures, color, or do a puzzle - nice background music
Thomas & Friends- Pop Goes Thomas and Creaky Cranky are FREE. You can purchase other titles. Play a matching game, color, or complete a puzzle - when the puzzle is completed, a short video plays
I came upon the following FREE apps which are going to be a hit with our preschoolers:
Music Sparkles - This is a terrific cause & effect app for kids who need to learn that every actions creates a reaction. This app comes with 2 FREE instruments, the xylophone and drums. You can purchase other instruments, but for my purpose, these two instruments are fine. The sounds are clear and defined. Observe the child's behavior of randomly hitting the instrument or purposeful hitting with intention.
Musical Flash Cards Animals- There are 12 colorful FREE photos of animals. You can purchase additional animals. Tap on an animal and it makes the sound. Tap the printed word at the bottom of the screen to hear the word.

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 7 Jul 2012 12:32:00 -0700

The Speech Mama - Added to Resource Connections at www.preschoolspeechsource.com. Kim Marino is the SLP who created this site. Her feeding, drinking and oral motor practices are inspired by Lori Overland and Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson. Kim also offers practical strategies for young children with receptive and expressive language delays. The right side of her website has a listing of pertinent topics to explore.

5 App Review Resources

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sun, 1 Jul 2012 06:46:00 -0700

I like App Reviews from:
Smart Apps for Kids
iMums
Speech Language Neighborhood
Early Intervention Speech Therapy

Preschool Speech Source

1. I personally have many of the apps reviewed on these 4 sites. I look at the cost of the app to determine if it's worth the value and if a FREE app has limited use, I delete it. Take advantage of limited time FREE apps. I have downloaded many FREE apps during this time.
2. I always pair an iPad activity with a hands on activity. Children learn by doing and and we need
to remember the importance of real time experiences. Our experiences build on our knowledge base.

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 08:49:00 -0700

NEW: Free APP from TOCA BOCA - Toca Kitchen Monsters - this is the "lite" version of Toca Kitchen. Try it for FREE first and if your child likes it, you can purchase the full version for $1.99. This is an interactive app with sound activated sequences, e.g. cooking, cutting, blending, boiling water, microwave. Two monsters make funny noises when they are eating - and when they don't like a food. Check out newly added resources at www.preschoolspeechsource.com.

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:12:00 -0700

Interesting read from Pam Marshalla - The Oral Institute - "Van Riper and other developers of traditional articulation therapy regularly used a wide variety of tools/objects in articulation therapy when teaching dissociation, grading, direction, and positioning of the articulators for phonetic placement. Tools/objects were used when other auditory, linguistic, and cognitive means failed to stimulate correct phoneme productions. To call these activities "non-speech" methods seems to misrepresent the historic purpose objects have served in articulation therapy. Student clinicians need to be taught how tools/objects were used in phonetic placement, and professionals need to consider how these methods might help their clients with oral sensory-motor delay/dysfunction. More empirical research is required in this area. "
Pam has provided a summary of 86 objects that have been used for oral motor activities and she explains the stated purpose.
I have found pairing oral motor with sound production has been a successful strategy to help children develop the muscle memory to produce sounds - for example alternate blowing a horn, recorder,harmonica,etc.. then producing B, P, making a tissue move when whispering "puh", blowing through a straw and making a feather move. Check out the Flip Book from Super Duper. Each page has 3 flips of pictures to practice simple CV combos and is considered a staple in our program. Blowing bubbles (which encourage lip pursing and proper breath control) alternating with production of SH, CH, J sound has provided success for our children as well .

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 06:10:00 -0700

Just received this info from Advanced Brain Technology
The Auditory Brain - July 3rd

Sound Brain Fitness Series

These monthly, 60 minute teleseminars cover wide ranging topics intended to help people transform their lives through a better understanding of sound, music, and the brain. Alex frequently invites industry experts to join him as his special guest and reserves time for Q&A.

Next: The Auditory Brain

Guest: Seth S. Horowitz, Ph.D

Host: Alex Doman

Date/Time: July 3, 2012, 8pm ET (1am GMT)

Description
In evolutionary terms, hearing is a universal sense - there are no normally deaf vertebrates. It is highly adaptive to hear because sound lets you usefully detect what is going on at great distances even out of line of sight.
Hearing is a mechanical sense - it has the fewest processes between the sensation and the perception.
Hearing is the fastest sense; understanding it gives you a sense of the math behind the mind.

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Free preschool e-book apps

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:54:00 -0700

Smart Apps for Kids - has the following carefully chosen FREE Apps listed on their site. Just because an app is free doesn't mean it's good. I have reviewed 100's of free apps and am selective in the apps I recommend.

Open Wide Snap - By kid-e story books - about a crocodile who needs his teeth cleaned - this story can easily be modified for a child who needs a simpler story line. Select "Read It Myself" - the word "SNAP" is voice activated on every page when you press the "Next" arrow. Reader has an English accent. It is a redundant-predictable story. It's very cute! This is a great tie-in with the book "Five Little Monkeys Sitting In a Tree and "The Wide Mouth Frog."

Hide, Run Growl - By kid-e story books - Mommy's paw is too sore, so mommy can't hunt today. The little tiger cub hunts for mommy and goes on an adventure. Each page "Growls" when you press the "Next" arrow. Read by same reader as above and can also be modified for a child who needs a simpler story line.

6 Favorite Apps from Duck Duck Moose

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:31:00 -0700

Duck Duck Moose - NEW: Trucks - First thing I did was turn off the music on the front screen. This is an interactive app is embedded with a variety of sounds and movements within 5 venues - car wash, dump truck, tow truck, garbage truck and car parade. In car parade the traffic light works - car stops with red light, car moves slower with yellow light and car stops with red light. Many opportunities to follow directions,encourage expansion of MLU, target vocabulary such as action words, attributes, location, etc. My favorite apps from Duck Duck Moose are the interactive songs - I usually turn on the music , but there is an option to record the story yourself. I have used them for working on cause & effect with pre-verbal children, sequencing, following directions, sound imitation: Video posted at www.preschoolspeechsource.com
Wheel on Bus - Great for labial sounds b, m, p, labeling objects & actions $.99
Old MacDonald - Sound association, label animals and actions $1.99
Itsy Bitsy Spider - Great for s sound $1.99
Baa Baa Black Sheet - Great for labial sounds $1.99

Draw & Tell - Think out of the box with this app - very useful for working on multi-step directions. You color sheets or create your own design. You can work on directions while coloring and increase level of difficulty by using the "Stickers." There are a variety of stickers to choose from. So, for example there is a picture with 2 cows and a barn. You can move 3 stickers to the bottom of the
screen and tell the child to "Put the cat on the black cow, the dog next to the barn. You can save your pictures for the next session and alter the activity (reducing or adding directions) as needed. $1.99

Maverick Software - "More Grillin" App and More!

noreply@blogger.com (ricki@pss) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 16:44:00 -0700

Maverick Software is a name to remember. Their apps are only .99 (except for More buffet) and they are all related to food topics. They are similar to the Shoe the Goose apps (e.g. cookie doodle) with an added attraction of sound activation. Click on link to take you to the App Store or type name in App Store located at the top left of this screen. I personally purchased "More Grillin" which is perfect to use this time of year. You grill all different types of food on the grill (as it makes a sizzling and flipping sound) , add bread, sauce, toppings, side dishes and dessert. I really like this app for sequencing following directions and MLU (especially agent + action + object, e.g. I'm eating hamburger.) It gives you instructions as you go from one step to the next. First you choose the food you want to grill by tapping on the picture at the top of the screen and then tapping on the grill. You tap the word "cook" and it sizzles. There is an actual flame on the grill. You then can flip the food and then add food to your plate by tapping food from the top of the screen and then tapping plate. You can then add sauce,toppings, a side dish and dessert. This app was a real hit with the preschoolers. This may be a nice app to use with children who are picky eaters as well. Here is a list of other $.99 cents apps for the iphone an ipad, and links offered by Maverick Software:
More Donuts, Cupcakes, More Breakfast, More Pie, More Toast, More Sundaes, More Cookies, More Popcorn, Snackerdoodle, More Salad, More Pizza,

More buffet (1.99....250 foods from 19 countries )
If you decide to purchase any of these apps, be cautious of the company, Sunstorm Interactive - they have similar titles and offer products for free. The screen is difficult to read, there are numerous ads, pictures are poor quality, and there is not much for free.