Recently I came across a blog post by Phuong Lien Palafox on bilinguistics.com that caught my attention. The article entitled, "What Do Parents Want In a Speech Language Pathologist?" details conversations with families she has supported throughout her career and analyzed what parents prioritize when choosing someone to work with their family. When I initially read the title of the post, I began to formulate a mental list of things that I think parents want. First item on my list was someone with years of experience, followed by a clinician that uses evidence-based therapy practices. As I read further, I was quickly (and pleasantly) surprised by the findings. The results of her informal study showed that most parents are looking for someone who cares! Of all her respondees, only one person mentioned evidenced-based practice. Most families are looking for a clinician they can connect with, that is flexible, and that will lead with the family's concerns in mind. The results reminded me of my own experience with a family that had contacted me. I asked the mother how she found me and she replied, "I was looking for YOU. I wanted an SLP that would be flexible in scheduling, that provided home-based services, and that could identify with my (Black) child." This post resonated with me again this week. As we enter Better Hearing & Speech Month with a focus on building connections, I am thinking of the many speech language pathologists I have met over this last year that are assessing their practices and actively seeking ways to learn and to provide client-centered, culturally responsive intervention. I believe that most SLPs come into the field because of their desire to make a difference in the lives of their clients. Although graduate training may not place great emphasis on humility, these are the characteristics that we need and that parents care about most. Phuong's blog post was a reminder to continue to lead with compassion, focus on building and maintaining trust, along with using research-driven and evidence-based practice when working with clients. It is also a reminder to families and caregivers that your voice matters! Verbalize your needs and select a provider that will work with your child and guide your family for optimal outcomes. You can read Phuong's blog post in its entirety here If you desire a continuing education experience that offers practical ways to enhance your skills and help build connections, check out The EQUITY Series May 21-22, 2021 presented by Having Our Say and SLP Toolkit.

April is Autism Awareness Month and today is World Autism Awareness Day! There is still so much we all need to learn about autism; however, I prefer to focus on autism acceptance and celebrating differences. Increasing acceptance and normalizing differences was the driving force behind creating my children's book, Liam's First Cut. It was important to give visibility to autistic children while also showing the joy and anxiety that many neurotypicals and neurodiverse individuals experience when approaching something new. I'll be sharing my space with other professionals and parents all month to celebrate neurodiversity. Be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram so you don't miss a thing! April is also Occupational therapy month and I am thrilled to have pediatric OT Melissa DelaTorre back to shed some light on sensory play and sensory processing and integration. As a school based occupational therapist as well as a mom of two toddlers, “sensory” is a word I hear and use quite often.. I hear it in the school environment in regards to a child's behavior in the classroom. I see it on all the parenting blogs with various sensory activities. It is exciting that it has received so much attention and recognition, but worrisome when it is being used in the wrong capacity. It is important to understand the difference between sensory processing and integration versus sensory play. What is sensory processing and integration? Sensory processing is the perception and reaction to various stimuli within our environment. When looking at sensory processing, occupational therapists look at various systems including visual, auditory, tactile, proprioception, and vestibular. Just in reading this definition, you can see that sensory processing and integration is more than just a rice bin (which I love and admittedly make a different one for my own little ones monthly). We all know about our 5 senses but we may not know about two very important sensory systems known as proprioception and vestibular. Proprioception is our ability to perceive and understand our body position and body movements. Vestibular processing is our ability to process our body position in space and involves balance and eye movements.. A concern in sensory processing occurs when a child is either over-reactive or under-reactive to stimuli in any of the above areas. Some signs of difficulty with sensory processing are easier to recognize than others. Here are some easy to identify signs: Child becomes overly upset with loud noises Child is a very picky eater with limited food palate (especially limited textures) Child is overly upset with messy play activities or when they become dirty Child becomes overly upset with car rides. Child becomes overly upset with swings and slides. Child is fearful of climbing stairs or playground equipment. Child becomes overly upset with different clothing textures/tags/etc. Subtle signs include: Difficulty falling or staying asleep Often bumping into objects/people Leaning on objects/people Difficulty remaining still Bringing objects close to eyes Toe walking It is also important to note that everyone has different sensory thresholds and different means of processing sensory information. It is only of concern when it is significantly affecting a child's success and independence in their school and home lives. When there are concerns, it is important to have a full occupational therapy sensory evaluation as every single child is different and there is no one step, quick fix that will help each child. What is sensory play? Now sensory play on the other hand is just that - PLAY! Sensory play is pure magic. It can include any of the sensory systems however the most broadcasted type of sensory play is what we call tactile, messy play. Think: sand, rice bin, water beads, play doh, slime, shaving cream, etc. If you have a toddler or school aged child do yourself a favor and see beyond the potential mess and try it out! Sensory play engages children to a whole different level and often has calming effects (read: 30 minutes of uninterrupted independent play...also known as a nice break for mom!) It works so well I would even call it a parenting hack. If your child is hesitant with these activities at first- this is normal. In the beginning, my son would not touch some of my sensory bin masterpieces and I was beside myself. But after continuous exposure and teaching him “messy is fun” (a statement I have learned to regret in my household) he loves them! If you as a parent are hesitant, understand that there will be a small mess which can be easily contained and cleaned up. I always find the time spent playing outweighs the time spent cleaning up afterwards. Beyond sensory play being a fun, engaging activity, it has endless developmental benefits as well. There is research that shows the benefits of sensory play extending to cognitive growth, language development, fine and gross motor skills, social interaction, and problem solving skills. **Sensory Play Tips Start with a dry, hard base (rice/sand/dry pasta/dry beans/etc.) before moving onto wet or sticky items (shaving cream, cold pasta/spaghetti/slime,etc.) as they are easier to tolerate. Use a dollar store table cloth underneath to contain the mess. Do activities outside or in the bathtub when possible! Encourage fine motor development with use of various tools- kitchen spoons, tongs, tweezers, etc. Big plastic containers are ideal for creating sensory bins. Utilize props from the dollar store to make your sensory bins festive and fun. Use food coloring to add interest ALWAYS know your child’s age level and safety in regards to placing items in mouth. So remember, if a true sensory processing concern is suspected (as described above) contact your pediatrician or an occupational therapist for a comprehensive sensory processing evaluation. And if you have toddlers and school aged children, try out some sensory play activities in your home! As my son constantly reminds me, “messy is fun!” Thanks so much Melissa! I hope you found these tips as informative as I did! I can't wait to have some messy play with my little one. Want to learn more? Email Melissa and follow her on Instagram. While you are there, check out Happy Toddler Playtime and Mother Could for more fun and engaging activities.

Like many Americans, I grew up reading Dr. Seuss books. I watched The Grinch movie and The Cat in the Hat and I passed those beloved stories and movies down to my children. But a few years ago, as I began researching the importance of representation in books I came to a startling conclusion- Dr. Seuss was racist. The truth is I had viewed some of his cartoons and they made me feel uneasy, but that is how insidious racism is. There were messages that I had internalized for decades. I overlooked and excused what was right in my face. If you are unfamiliar with Theodore Geisel's early work, his political cartoons are riddled with racism. He used racist stereotypes and exotification to target many minority groups including Jewish people, Arabs, Muslims, Japanese people, Indigenous people and Black people. That racism carried over to his work as a children's book author and is evident in books that continue to be best sellers today. If you would like to learn more, I invite you to read the study by The Conscious Kid "The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness, and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss's Children's Books." Once I knew better, I had to do better. I chose to move away from sharing Dr. Seuss's work personally or professionally. The more I learned about the harmful effects of invisibility and misrepresentation in children's books, I felt compelled to change my behavior. When children see racist or distorted images of people who look like them, it is dehumanizing and chips away at a their identity. It sends a message regarding their value (or lack thereof) in society. This is why I created the Having Our Say Diverse library- to help others find inclusive books with language and images that affirm and uplift all children. March is National Reading Month and the National Education Association's Read Across America campaign is the nation's biggest celebration of literacy. During the week of March 1 educators, parents, authors, and literacy advocates across the country celebrate and encourage children to love reading. In the past Read Across America Week was centered around Dr. Seuss' birthday, but in an an effort to encourage and create a nation of diverse readers, NEA rebranded the celebration to focus more on reading together all year long and highlighting books and authors that promote diversity and inclusion. Check out these alternatives from Teach for the Change If you still choose to share your favorite Seuss books, use the opportunity to teach your children/ students how to critically analyze the books they see. It's important that children know the importance of accurate and authentic representation in books. Otherwise, we will continue to have generations of children (who will later become adults) that have internalized and accepted messages of racism and white supremacy. As I selected my books for Read Across America Week, I decided to create a list of suggestions with themes for each day. With so many amazing stories and authors, it was very difficulty to choose, but thankfully we can continue to share inclusive books beyond RAA Week. We want children to feel supported, valued, and seen all year long! This Read Across America Week, let's TRULY read ACROSS America and ensure that children everywhere can see themselves reflected in their books, while also learning from experiences that differ from their own.

February 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month! Carter G. Wilson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History first launched "Negro History Week" in 1926. The purpose was to highlight the accomplishments of Black Americans that were central to America's existence, but often missing in discussions, as well as from American history books. The week was originally established in February, during the week of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass' birthdays, because of their significance to the history of Blacks in America. In 1975, President Ford urged all Americans to "recognize the important contributions made to our nation's life and culture by black citizens." In 1976 the commemoration of Black history in the United States was extended to a month-long celebration. I remember watching "Eyes on the Prize" in elementary school to commemorate the month. I learned about the many inventions and contributions made by Black figures at school and the learning continued with my family at home. My predominantly white Catholic school celebrated Black History Month every year with special lessons, events, projects, and activities. Fast forward to decades later and I realize that this is not the norm in many schools throughout the United States. It's safe to say that books are my thing. I love shared reading for the opportunities to bond, as well as enhance language and academic skills. As a pediatric SLP, I use books in therapy to target language goals, teach life lessons, and increase overall knowledge. All year round I encourage parents and professionals to share books that tell diverse stories and feature inclusive characters. However, during this month, I implore everyone to share stories featuring Black leaders, activists, inventors, musicians, and artists. I realize that many non-Black educators and families may not know where to start, but research has proven that children begin to formulate their own ideas about race as early as the age of 2 so the earlier we share stories that normalize and celebrate Black lives in America the better. What better way to celebrate Black History, than to highlight the past while encouraging the future! If you don't know where to start, children's books are a great place to begin. Share stories about notable figures in American history like Shirley Chisolm who was an educator that later became the first Black woman to serve in Congress and the first Black American and first Democratic woman to run for president. Or teach children about the many inventions created by Black Americans like Garrett Morgan who created the gas mask, as well as the traffic signals that keep us safe on the roads today. Another way to celebrate is to share stories about Black joy and Black families. If the only time your students or children see Black characters are in stories surrounding struggle or oppression, it can send the message that the lives of Black Americans are only ever defined by such. Here's a tip for your February plans, as you look for stories about love, include books that feature Black families experiencing joy and loving one another. Try reading books that show positive examples of Black families doing normal, everyday things like Saturday or my personal favorite Liam's First Cut. If you need more book suggestions, please visit my diverse book library and follow me throughout the month on social media for more activities . Happy February and enjoy! Black History is American history!

It is now safe to say we survived 2020. We made it to the other side and can breathe a collective sigh. I have no idea what 2021 will bring, but this moment feels like when I press Control- ALT- delete hoping to get the reboot I so desperately need. A few years ago I stopped making the usual resolutions related to weight loss or saving money. Instead I made personal, private vows on how I planned to show up for the year. That first year, I set the intention to be "open to new situations and possibilities." Later that year I met my now husband! Now I set intentions for my professional and personal life and it is my way of holding myself accountable. throughout the year. As I prepare to return to my clinical work, I am reminded that the year has changed, but our circumstances have not changed much. I will continue providing therapy services virtually for the foreseeable future. I am proud of the progress my students are making and how well they (and their families) have adapted. In case you missed it, Occupational Therapist Melissa DelaTorre shared some great tips on how to support students during virtual learning. You can access that post here. Literacy-based intervention is still my thing! In addition to focusing on winter themes, this month I will also be sharing books that focus on our civic duties, the power of using your voice and honoring civil Right's heroes like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, and many other unsung heroes. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see what books I share in therapy and if you are looking for new books to add to your library, check out my diverse book section. Reading remains a proven way to teach language, develop imagination, foster better literacy skills and critical thinking. It holds the power to connect children (and adults) to people, experiences, and cultures they may have otherwise never encountered. With this in mind, I remain committed to my mission to increase diversity in children's literature- because everyone should be seen and heard! 2020 was a year of challenges and loss. The year stretched us beyond our limitations and forced us to shift the way we think and the way we live our lives. We were also gifted with time- time to reflect, to learn, unlearn, and to grow. I am grateful for YOU and the Having Our Say community. Wishing you peace, good health and joy this year and beyond. Happy New Year!!

2020 has been wild, and like everything else the holiday season looks very different too. Our version of "normal" has changed, but I believe that this year has brought us many gifts, like the gift of patience, stillness, and appreciating the value of health, healing, friendship, family, time, and love. As we wrap up this unprecedented year, I still find myself excited and looking forward to the holidays. Here is my annual holiday shopping guide to help you celebrate and find engaging and stimulating gifts for the little ones in your life. *Please note this post contains affiliate links and I may receive a very small commission from qualifying purchases* 1. Books! Of course books are number one on my list. They are the gift that keeps on giving all year round. Whether you select picture books, easy readers, or graphic novels- books continue to be a wonderful way to enhance learning, language, and literacy. As parents and caregivers, reading together strengthens bonds and enhances communication. Check below and see where I pair some of my favorite books with games and toys. 2. Limit noisy toys. Talking or “noisy” toys often provide less opportunities for group play and inadvertently encourage solitary play (meaning less talking to others.) Talking toys can become a distraction and children become entranced with the lights and sounds as opposed to the actual message being offered. 3. Old School Toys. For toddlers and preschoolers, consider shape sorters, pop-up toys, toys cars/ trucks, and stacking rings and blocks. Classic toys like these encourage interaction with a partner and use of language, imagination and problem solving skills. Mr. Potato Head and cash registers are fun and engaging too. I used to LOVE playing store and counting the fake money. Cash registers are much more sophisticated these days, but still tons of fun. Speaking of favorites, Saturday is one of my favorite picture books. It is a sweet story about a Mom and daughter and all of the things they love to do on Saturdays. You can pair this book with any toy or gift it alone. 4. Play kitchens, grocery sets, tool kits, gardening sets, dress up clothes, and tea sets... Children love to imitate grown ups. Activity sets that let kids engage in adult tasks are great toy ideas. Children can integrate their own language. They can role play, practice taking turns, use their imagination, and integrate problem solving skills into play. Try gifting the book Jabari Tries with a tool set or if you have a future scientist on your hands, try pairing a cool science experiment kit with the book Fairy Science book or More than a Princess. 5. Board games. They are a fun alternative to video games, especially during a year when our kids spent hours and hours on screens. Board games teach many skills and are a fun option for family game night. You can improve memory, attention, math skills, problem solving skills and social skills with just one game!. Memory games remain one of my favorites to improve attention, concentration, and focus. I found this adorable memory barbershop game from a shop that specializes in diverse toys for kids. I already ordered one to pair with Liam's First Cut! I hope you find these tips helpful as you continue your shopping. If you are looking for holiday books or winter-themes, don't forget to browse my diverse book list. I wish you good health, peace, and all of the joy, wonder, and magic that the holiday season brings. From my family to yours- Happy Holidays xo

Unpopular opinion: Turkey is just ok. As a matter of fact, I would be just fine without having it on our Thanksgiving menu, but my family would never allow such a thing. I bet you're probably thinking, "she just hasn't had it prepared properly." Well- I have had it brined, injected, basted and baked. We have had deep-fried, cajun and even jerked, but turkey no longer has the appeal for me that it once did. I'm also not a fan of cranberry sauce, but I digress. We are midway through the month of November and I want to remind and challenge you to move beyond turkey. I don't mean on your dinner table, rather I am talking about your therapy activities, books, and crafts. Usually I go from pumpkins and monsters straight to turkeys, but November has so much more to offer. Some families do not celebrate Thanksgiving, but teaching lessons on gratitude is universal. November is also a time to honor the contributions of Indigenous People and celebrate Native American Heritage Month (if you are looking for authentic literature by Native authors, read my blog post from Indigenous People's Day.) A few of my favorite books that feature diverse representation and focus on gratefulness are Fry Bread, We Are Grateful, and We Are Water Protectors Bilal Cooks Daal and Thank You Omu are also top choices when I am looking for stories that depict the power of friendship, kindness, sharing, fellowship, and community. These books are great for targeting inferencing skills and offer unique vocabulary. I like to pair them with a "cooking activity" like making our own version of friendship soup or playing stone soup. November also marks the beginning of the holiday season when families typically gather and celebrate. I was reminded by a student (being raised by her sibling) that families are not one size fits all. They may look different, but all family structures should be honored and respected. Some children are raised in single-parent homes, some are being raised by grandparents. The variations are endless so I also try to share stories that show different types of family structures. Who's in My Family? is a great story that shows the youngest of readers how families may look different and come in different sizes, but what matters most is being surrounded by people that you love and that love you back. Until next time, thank YOU for being here,

This week I am pleased to have a guest taking over the blog. Melissa is is a pediatric OT with years of experience working with children privately and in schools. Now that we are a few months into the 2020 school year, I asked her to share some of her practical strategies to help our students (and us) adjust and succeed while learning remotely. Hi! I'm Melissa DelaTorre. I am an occupational therapist, wife and mom of adorable twin toddlers Molly and Max. As a school-based OT, my typical (pre-COVID) days involved very little sitting or computer time. I didn't even have a desk at work! Needless to say, this shift to remote learning has been a big one for me and many therapists. In the beginning, I enjoyed the challenge of creating activities using household items as supplies and finding ways to make my sessions fun. But as these circumstances persist, I have had to move beyond creating fun sessions and concentrate on helping my students focus and engage for their entire remote learning experience. Here are a few ideas that have helped my students succeed in remote learning: Schedule: Remote? Hybrid? In person? Whatever it is we are all feeling the stress of our constantly changing schedules. Children, like adults, thrive with predictable routines. In a world where their routines were essentially thrown out the window, they are struggling. One way to support them is to utilize a printed, visual schedule. -For older children who can read, I found it helpful to make a weekly, color- coded schedule with each discipline, special, and teacher in their own color (extra points if these colors coordinate with notebooks!). -For the little ones, a daily visual schedule with use of easily identifiable pictures can help with transitions throughout the day. You can use clip art or actual photos of each teacher/activity. Environment: The most important and possibly the hardest factor in setting up our children for success in the home, is the environment. Our homes are full of extra distractions that are not present in school. It is important to have the proper set-up to allow our children to focus. -Seating: An ideal desk and chair setup follows a 90:90:90 rule. The child’s hips, knees, and feet are all at a 90-degree angle, ensuring proper body position. If you do not have access to child-sized furniture, there are ways to achieve this position with modifications. Books or shoe boxes can be utilized to allow your child’s feet to reach the floor. A pillow or rolled up towel can be placed behind their back to allow them to sit up straight. Simple changes to their set up may have a great impact on their ability to focus and attend. Watch for signs of poor posture and positioning such as swinging feet, slumped posture, sitting on feet, etc. and be sure to try some of these simple modifications! Distractions: I have seen a lot of AMAZING home setups where parents go above and beyond to create a school themed learning space! As much as I love the effort, unfortunately, for some, this may be distracting and over-stimulating. A computer screen provides a ton of visual input and having the alphabet on their table may actually make it harder to attend to the screen. -Blank slate: In efforts to further limit visual distractions, it is ideal to have your child facing a blank wall versus a busy room or window. -Privacy screen: If a blank slate setup is not possible, you can easily create a privacy screen by placing a cardboard box behind the computer screen to block out the background. -Headphones: Headphones have helped my students (and me) to focus during remote sessions. For children who can tolerate use of headphones, this is a great option to limit auditory distractions. Over-the-ear versus in- the-ear have proven to be more less distracting. Movement: Kids CRAVE movement and are being asked to move even less than before, while learning at home, as well as those who are physically attending school. This is extremely difficult for a lot of our children and we are seeing them struggle to adapt. Whether they are fidgeting, running away from the screen, staring at the wall, or just plain dreading their virtual session- movement can help! -Movement breaks: Movement breaks are essential to get our body and brain ready to learn. They should be done as a preventative measure so have your child take a movement break before they are too far gone. Here are some more structured movement break ideas: Balloon Breathing: Have your child fill up their balloon (belly) with air while raising their arms above their heads, then blow all of their air out while lowering their hands down. Wall pushups: Place both hands on a wall and both feet placed away from the wall to create a 45-degree angle. Slowly lower yourself until your nose touches the wall, then push yourself back up. Don't move your feet! Animal walks: Bear crawls, crab walks, snake crawl, bunny hops, frog jumps, etc. -Changing body positions: Adjusting body position and engaging different muscles can have a great impact on a child’s attention level and can be done in any environment! You can try having them sit on a pillow, a chair, or on the floor. Ask them to lay on their belly on the floor or stand/kneel at a taller table. -Fidgets: Fidgets can easily be made with items found in your home! My favorite fidgets are ones that cannot be played with or moved. I love placing velcro or taping sandpaper underneath a desk or chair. This provides tactile input without becoming a visual distraction. If your child can tolerate a handheld fidget without becoming more distracted, there are tons of DIY handheld fidgets utilizing household objects. One simple idea is a DIY stress ball made by filling a balloon with flour, water beads, or even play dough! Visual breaks: Our eyes are not used to staring at computer screens all day. Just like our bodies and minds, they require a break. “Fire eyes” is a quick visual break that my students and I enjoy during our sessions. I instruct them to make a fire with their hands by rubbing them together really fast. Once their hands feel “hot” they cup them and place them over their closed eyes and count to ten until their hands have cooled down . This provides a great visual break, as well as some tactile and proprioceptive input to help them refocus! Always remember that each child is different and what works for one may not always work for the next. Be patient with your children and be gentle with yourself! This adventure we are on is a new one and we are learning as we go. Take 5 balloon breathes and remind yourself you got this! Follow Melissa on Instagram, and if you have questions or want to chat more, email her at melissasmilestones@gmail.com.

We have made it to the last quarter of the wildest year. Is it just me or did summer come and go in the blink of an eye? Honestly this whole year has flown by- except for the moments where it seemed we were stuck on pause. September was a busy month as well. We returned to school AND my new book was published! In case you missed it Liam's First Cut is here! It is a story about Liam, an autistic Black boy preparing for his first visit to the barbershop. I wrote this book with the intention of it being a mirror for some and a sliding glass door for others. I crafted this story to give representation to groups that are often hidden from children's literature, but also to celebrate (and normalize) our differences. I hosted a virtual book release and signing on Instagram and Facebook on 9/29/20. Thank you for every purchase, share, word of encouragement, and review. If you haven't purchased your copy, you can get your copy of Liam's First Cut here. The book is also available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other resellers. I will be sharing some book companion activities soon, so stay tuned! Tomorrow is October 12th and I want to commemorate the day by sharing a few titles to celebrate Indigenous People's Day. These books were the recipients of the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Awards, which honors the very best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America. The books selected "present Indigenous North American peoples in the fullness of their humanity." Click here for a full listing of titles in all categories. **You can shop these titles below and more under my diverse book list. Before I go, can we discuss Halloween? Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I cannot fathom a year where we cannot celebrate. I have been searching for safe and socially-distant ways to dress up and share some Halloween fun. In addition to drive-thru events, visiting pumpkin patches and hay rides, I am offering this tip for all of my parents, caregivers, and craft-loving SLP friends. This tip is perfect for fall and comes from Mom and Blogger @thatmommyjoy. Check out the details from her toddler-approved painting party: Pumpkin Painting Party: (Socially Distant Of course) Grab some pumpkins and get creative. We opted for Glow in the Dark Pumpkins to spice things up this year. I think I was more excited than the kids were. I found small pumpkins at the Dollar Tree for the kids, and White and Black Pumpkins at Michaels for the adults. You can read more from Joy and find her tips for Fall and Halloween 2020 here Until next time, Shontaye

Is your child nervous about heading back to school? Or maybe it is you? Are you a parent, educator, SLP, or school employee with anxiety over the start of the school year? The beginning of any school year can be anxiety-producing, but this year is full of unusual dynamics and many new challenges. Some students here in NJ will be starting the year 100% remote, while others will have a hybrid program consisting of in-person and remote learning. It is all quite nerve-racking. I found a great article from The Child Mind Institute to help manage those back to school worries. The authors offer practical strategies to help you help your child cope with anxiety and give them ways to tolerate and get through situations. I also wanted to offer a few tips of my own specifically for parents with children who have speech and language disorders and receive related services. If you are a professional that works with children, you may want to share these tips with the families you work with as well. Ask your therapist (OT, PT, SLP) about materials he/ she plans to use during your virtual session. It helps to be prepared in advance and have all of those items handy. Whether it is scissors and glue, or materials for a fun hands-on activity, having all of the necessary items in pace will help your child be prepared and stay focused. Does your child's therapist integrate play in their therapy? Send a note and let them know what board games/ card games/ toys you have at home. They may be able to plan activities using what you already have. Books! Teachers share books in class and many speech language pathologists use books in therapy too (I definitely do!) Ask your teacher/ therapist for book titles that are planned. Many books are now available on YouTube for free. You may even be able to find a link that shows the author reading their work or a famous celebrity like Oprah! The American Speech-Hearing Language Association (ASHA) is also providing parents with very specific solutions for common challenges that parents may face. You can read the list of strategies here. Before I go, I also wanted to offer you a few book titles that are helpful in easing worries and building confidence. It's important to acknowledge the array of emotions we all are feeling these days and that includes our children and students. Here are 5 books that help support, nurture, and empower little people. Be well, ~Shontaye

I am excited to feature a guest blogger for this post. Khalia Murray is the Founder of Ms.Murray's Corner and is here to offer some practical tips for adjusting to the start of this (unusual) school year. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA and has been an educator for six years. Khalia is committed to ensuring students reach their academic potential. You can learn more about Khalia at www.msmurrayscorner.com and look for future posts offering virtual learning tips for educators. Virtual Learning is a brand new experience for many students, their families, and teachers! We are all learning and growing together through this process. I would definitely tell parents to give their children, their teachers and themselves "grace". There may be technical difficulties, your child may feel over it for the day, or their teacher may send out the wrong link. It's okay! TAKE A DEEP BREATH, relax for a minute, then give it another try. Parents should be encouraging and an active participant in their child's online learning experience. Parents, YOU GOT THIS :) Don't ever doubt yourself! Here's another tip. Make it fun for them! During a break, allow them to do something fun that they enjoy before having to sign back on. GoNoodle, Just Dance, and Kidz Bop are awesome for quick wiggle breaks. Kids love treats! At the end of the day or week, provide some incentives. The Dollar Store and Target's Dollar section are great places to find small, inexpensive trinkets to create a Treasure Box for your child. Having a "Fun Friday" at the end of the week would also make their day. Game night, movie night, or arts and crafts  go a long way. If your child is having trouble with specific content or a topic, ask their teacher for some additional help or seek outside Virtual Tutoring. Your child may benefit from a one-on- one session. During the pandemic I created a Virtual Tutoring Company, Ms.Murray's Corner. I provide one on one services to students in Pre-K through Second Grade in Math and Literacy. Some of my favorite child-friendly applications are Reading A-Z, Starfall, ABC Mouse, Boom Learning, Zearn, and Khan Academy. Thank you again for these tips Khalia and for your insight. You can learn more about Khalia Murray at www.msmurrayscorner.com and look for future posts on her site offering virtual learning tips for educators. Best of luck and stay safe, Shontaye

This year has been beyond unpredictable to say the least! Our in-person school year ended abruptly and now our summer is ending and we must prepare for schools to reopen. What does that look like for you? in NJ, parents have been given the option to select a remote learning program or students can participate in an in-person hybrid model. I still don’t know what any of this means for me as I return to providing school-based services. It has left me with a great deal of uncertainty as a parent as well as a professional. I have come to terms with the fact that some of my therapy activities will have to be temporarily abandoned and/ or revised to ensure the safety of my students. As much as I love to use sensory bins in school, I know that is one activity that will have to be modified. If you are looking for fun alternatives to sensory bins, visit Fun in Speech for some great (and low cost) suggestions. Whether we are learning in-person or remotely, I certainly will continue to use diverse picture books and literature in therapy with my students and clients. Sharing books is my favorite way to target speech and language goals, but I also love them for all of the real life messages that they impart as well. So to get ready I have curated a list of books that I am preparing to share with my kiddos at the beginning of the school year. These books are some of my personal favorites that encourage, empower, build self-esteem, and spread the message that everyone is welcome. (*Parents, these are great books to read to your own children too. You may even want to suggest/ gift some to your child's new teacher. ) Not only do these books feature characters from diverse backgrounds, but they also tell stories of children who have diverse experiences. No matter what is going on in the world, I will begin the year by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment because everyone should be seen and heard. You can view my back to school book list here. However your school year begins, I wish you all a great year. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your summer! Shontaye