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with "SpeechSnacks" that Inspire Children to Speak Well and Eat Well!

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SpeechSnacks Blogiversary Celebration Guest Post and GIVEAWAY: DAY 5 {Healthy Options for Feeding Therapy from Speech2U}

 

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I’m really excited for the opportunity to be part of Speech Snack’s 2nd year blogiversary.  Rose does a fantastic job combining healthy foods and cooking with speech and language therapy.

About 10% of my caseload is feeding clients.  I don’t blog a lot about feeding therapy techniques because I think that these kids really need services from a feeding team and trained professionals.

Suzanne Evans Morris is a FANTASTIC resource for feeding information papers and ideas.  I was lucky enough to go to one of her courses on transitioning children from G-tubes when I was in grad school.  One of my favorite papers of hers is on different food progressions for biting and chewing.

One of the techniques that I do use is grading my food choices based on how “easy” it is for my kiddoes to manage from an oral motor standpoint.  With my feeding clients, I tend to use single textured foods until we are closer to discharge.  For instance, I can alter the food’s taste, consistency or size/shape in order to make the food more manageable for my clients.

One of my favorite consistencies to use in therapy is called a “meltable hard solid” This is a term used by Dr. Kay Toomey from the SOS Approach to Feeding.  A meltable hard solid is a dry food that becomes moist and is able to be swallowed with minimal effort.  Puffed corn is an example of a food that is easily managed and almost melts in your mouth.

Once they are able to manage that, I try to find foods that you can put in your mouth and chew 1-2 times but also maintain their shape-so that they don’t get scattered all around the mouth (requiring more tongue movements.  Instead they stay on the molars and kind of mush together when you are chewing them.  Mush is probably not the most technical word I could have used.  

One challenge in working with these patients is finding foods that are easy to manage and healthy for children to eat.  Cheri Fraker, OTR uses a Food Chaining Approach which links foods currently in a child’s repertoire to more advanced foods.

I will generally try to get my clients to accept more liquids and smoothies as this is a great way to get in some vegetables and protein while discussing small changes in food/taste.  Does the shake taste different if we add in one spinach leaf?  What if I could get them drinking Kale shakes?  The bright green color throws them off though.  I’ve got to think of some cool names for them: Hulk Juice, Green Lantern Shake, Tree Shakes….

Another food that I try to build up with my clients is popsicles.  The cold can be good for triggering swallowing-and it’s another way to add some vegetables in.  In general I work towards having kids accept that the vegetable is in the smoothie/popsicle vs. trying to hide it from them.  It’s a trust issue.  

The Zoku Pop Makers are awesome for using in feeding or traditional language therapy.  They freeze a popsicle in about 5 minutes.  I tried Blueberry Kale (I’m on a Kale kick, obviously….) this week at home.  For feeding kids, I work on accepting different fruits as well as temperatures and how to lick foods.  For my language kids, I work on adjectives like cold, verbs like lick, bite, freeze, pour, stir, get and put.  I can take pictures of the activity and work on sequencing.

Here are a few other products I’ve found really helpful for using in feeding therapy:
FREEZE DRIED FRUITS/VEGETABLES:

Freeze Dried Fruits are a great way to introduce fruits and vegetables to kids as they are dry and more similar to a chip.  I usually check the consistency before offering to my clients.  For instance, the peach freeze dried fruits require one big chew and then kind of melt and stay in one place.  The pineapple ones require a lot of chewing.  The dried carrots were very difficult to eat and small enough to be a choking hazard.

Once opened, these snacks tend to go stale fairly quickly.  I will use these as snacks in speech or language sessions.  We might take them and talk about foods that are crunchy, more crunchy or the crunchiest.

BEAN CHIPS:

If I have clients that LOVE to eat chips-I might try these chips because they have about 4 grams of protein per serving.  The brown bean chips require more chewing but the white bean chips hold their shape in your mouth and only require a few chews before they are ready for swallowing.

I do have a oral motor/feeding evaluation FREEBIE for Speech Snack’s Readers.

That’s my post for today.  Congratulations Speech Snacks on reaching 2 years!

ALL GIVEAWAYS are open until September 8th at midnight!!  Enter one or enter them all!!!   Click on each apple to go to the links!

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« SpeechSnacks Blogiversary Celebration Guest Post and GIVEAWAY: DAY 4 { “Using Foods to Connect with Your Students” from Speech Language Pirates}
SpeechSnacks Blogiversary Celebration Guest Post and GIVEAWAY: DAY 6 {“Using Food to Learn About Five Senses” from Communication Station Speech Therapy} »

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👋 Just stopping in to welcome some new follower 👋 Just stopping in to welcome some new followers and share a little bit about  my other account...The Kidz Kitchen @thekidzkitchenofnj , with you. 

The Kidz Kitchen is a unique, hands-on cooking program where kids come together to cook, create, communicate, and collaborate in every class. 🍎👩‍🍳✨

The Kidz Kitchen is more than just a place to learn how to make delicious recipes — it’s the heart and soul of my journey as both a speech-language pathologist and a passionate home cook and baker. 💬🥣 

For years, I created themed snack activities during my speech and language sessions to make learning fun and engaging. What began on my blog, Cooking Up Good Speech and Language (www.speechsnacks.com), has grown into a dynamic, in-person experience where those same ideas have come to life!

Each Kidz Kitchen class blends language development with culinary creativity. We focus on building essential communication skills — like following directions, using rich vocabulary, staying organized, and working as a team — all while making fun and tasty dishes together. It's learning that sticks… and tastes good too! 🌟
📢 We are loving how this SLP is using our Natio 📢 We are loving how this SLP is using our National Speech-Language-Hearing Month product! 💬🧠👂

Check out this creative display outside her speech room where students can cast their vote on whether statements are facts or opinions using our Fact/Opinion cards. 🎉 What an engaging and interactive way to boost awareness of speech, language, and hearing while also teaching a valuable critical thinking skill!

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate this month in your school? Head over to my TpT store to grab this resource—it’s packed with activities to promote National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in a way your students will love! 💙

Drop a 👍 and I'll share the link,  find it in the profile link.  or head to my TpT store: SpeechSnacks.

 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/National-Speech-Language-Hearing-Month-Activity-Packet-1230808
If you follow my other account @thekidzkitchenofnj If you follow my other account @thekidzkitchenofnj, then you know I'm not just an SLP, I'm also "Chef Rose," owner of The Kidz Kitchen--Where Cooking and Communication Go Hand in Hand. My cooking classes for kids teach a blend of culinary skills and communication concepts.

Have you seen the viral AI-generated action figures #aidoll taking over your feed?? — Meet Chef Rose—Collector’s Edition! 👩‍🍳✨ 

We’re jumping on the bandwagon and having some fun by creating our very own AI doll--- complete with our logo apron and some fun cooking accessories!

The real Chef Rose will be in action in @thekidzkitchenofnj this weekend with her amazing Junior Chefs, whipping up a delicious springtime treat featuring flaky puff pastry, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh sliced berries. 🍓🥐🍦
Flashback to Day One in The Kidz Kitchen! It’s Flashback to Day One in The Kidz Kitchen!

It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, we opened our doors for the very first time, welcoming young chefs into our kitchen. In just two weeks, we’ll kick off YEAR TWO with our Spring session, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Swipe through these photos from our very first day—featuring Chef Rose (owner),
our amazing assistant chefs Marie and Allie, and our very first morning and afternoon classes of junior chefs! We’ve come so far since that day, learning, growing, and teaching countless kids the joy of cooking.

We’ve learned SO MUCH, grown as a team, and taught so many amazing kids the joy of cooking. From mastering kitchen skills to building confidence and friendships, this journey has been incredible.

We can’t wait to welcome back our returning junior chefs and meet a whole new group of future foodies. The countdown to March 15th is ON—let’s get ready to cook, create, communicate and collaborate!
Feeling incredibly honored to have written a piece Feeling incredibly honored to have written a piece for The ASHA Leader, the national magazine published by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association about my business, @thekidzkitchenofnj

As a speech pathologist with years of experience, bringing my passion for cooking and communication together through The Kidz Kitchen has been a dream come true. 🌟

I’m so proud to share my story in this publication and hope it inspires others to follow their dreams too.
👩‍🍳👨‍🍳👩‍🍳👨‍🍳👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

You can view the full article in the bio link.

#thekidzkitchenofnj #ashaigers  #KidsInTheKitchen #CookingAndCommunication #cookingskills #cookingwithkids #CommunicationSkills #CulinaryAdventure #kidscookingschool #childrensculinaryinstitute #kidscookingactivities #kidscancook#slpeeps #slpsoninstagram #slpsofinstagram #slps #slpsontpt  #executivefunctioning  #schoolslp #cookingwithkids #slpsontpt #speechlanguagepathologists #languagechefs #cookingupgoodspeech #cookingintheclassroom #slpbloggers #lifeskillsforkids #instaspeech #instaslps
✨DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN?✨ (A marshmall ✨DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN?✨ (A marshmallow one, of course!) ☃️❄️

Skip the store-bought hot chocolate and make the winter season extra special! Teach your students how to whip up super simple, homemade hot chocolate while exploring tons of language concepts along the way in my LANGUAGE-RICH RECIPE RESOURCE: LANGUAGE CHEF!👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

This activity is perfect for warming up your sessions after the holiday break and is a ⭐️FREE⭐️ resource in my TeachersPayTeachers store!

☕️ Fun. Engaging. Educational.
Want to check it out? ❄️ Link in my bio or drop a ☃️ below, and I’ll send you the link!

#HomemadeHotChocolate #slpeeps #slpsoninstagram #slpsofinstagram #slps #slpsontpt #executivefunctioning #schoolslp #ashaigers #middleschoolslp #cookingwithkids #speechlanguagepathology #teacherspayteachers #languagechefs #cookingupgoodspeech #cookingintheclassroom #slpbloggers #homemadetreats #kidapproved #nobaketreats #nobakedesserts #kidsnacks #speechsnacks #executivefunctioningskills #instaspeech #schoolslp #slpsoninstagram #slpsofinstagram #speechsnacks #cookingupgoodspeech #snowmansoup #speechlanguagepathology #sped #cookinginspeech
DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWFLAKE⁉️❄️❄️ DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWFLAKE⁉️❄️❄️❄️
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We created a winter wonderland in tne speech room while working on DIRECTION FOLLOWING, SEQUENCING, AND VOCABULARY, (symmetrical, unique, secure, seasonal) , /s/ and /s/ blends.
.
This craft is called an ARIZONA SNOWFLAKE. Can you figure out why??? I asked my students to tell my why they think this is the name. Some struggled, so I gave them clues to help them reason through and connect the dots. 
.
For this project you will need 8 paper lunch bags. Secure them together with a bead of glue down the middle of each bag ( I chose to do this part by hot gluing them but a good glue stick will als do the job.) The students needed to make sure the bags were neatly layered directly on top of each other and all facing the same direction). Next they drew a pattern on one half of the bag and made a symmetrical design on the opposite side. They used scissors to cut through the layers of bags ( with assistance if needed). They opened and spread out the bags from each end.... and like magic.... our SNOWFLAKE came to life!! 
.
This low cost, low prep activity has been a hit with my older students. Have fun making snowflakes in speech this holiday season!!
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#speechlanguagepathology #slpsoninstagram #slps #speechtherapy #schoolslp #ashaigers #slpsontpt #slpbloggers #instaslps #instaspeech #slpsoninstagram #slpsofinstagram #middleschoolslp #seasonalcrafts #snowflakecraft #craftsinspeech
🚨 HOLIDAY ALERT! 🚨 Are you "hungry" for fres 🚨 HOLIDAY ALERT! 🚨 Are you "hungry" for fresh ideas to add fun, functional communication to your therapy sessions or classroom?

🌟 LANGUAGE CHEF has you covered with simple, multisensory, language-rich recipes that will keep your students motivated and engaged this holiday season!

🎅 Here's what's on the menu:
✅ Rudolph Apple Slices
✅ Grinch Hearts
✅ Snowman Bagels
✅ Reindeer Sandwiches
✅ Snowy Popcorn
✅ Grinch Fruit Kabobs
✅ Veggie Bagel Ornaments
✅ Snowman Hot Chocolate
✅ Holiday Cookie Bites … and MORE!

Drop a 🎄 for the link to these recipes and all the language extension activities in the WINTER EDITION of LANGUAGE CHEF!

Let’s start cooking up good speech and language together this holiday season!

#slpeats #speechsnacks #instabaker #cookingwithkids #cookingupgoodspeech #bakersofinstagram #fallbaking #instaspeech #instaslps #slpsoninstagram #cookingwithkids #schoolslp #ashaigers #fallcookies #sped #lifeskillsforkids
WHAT A DILLEMA‼️I try to guestimate correctly, WHAT A DILLEMA‼️I try to guestimate correctly, but every year I seem to buy more candy than I need! So now what do I do with it all? 😕

A. Bring it to work for my students and coworkers?
B. Throw it out?
C. Bake up some 
CANDY BUCKET COOKIES❓️‼️🍫🪣🍪

If you guessed C, you are correct! Although A and B would probably be better for my health, the creative, sugar-addict side of me is winning this battle.

This recipe is a great way to support DIRECTION FOLLOWING, SEQUENCING SKILLS, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING and SO MUCH LANGUAGE! 
.
Here's the recipe:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups leftover Halloween candy (chopped)
Beat butter and sugar until smooth....beat in vanilla and eggs...add flour, baking soda and salt...slowly stir in candy pieces...plane 2 tablespoon scoops of dough onto cookie sheet spaced 1 inch apart...press extra candy pieces on top of each scoop....bakes at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes until browned around edges....let cool 5 minutes....enjoy!!!!!🍪👨‍🍳🍪👩‍🍳
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#slpeats #speechsnacks #instabaker #cookingwithkids #cookingupgoodspeech #bakersofinstagram #fallbaking #instaspeech #instaslps #slpsoninstagram #cookingwithkids #schoolslp #ashaigers #fallcookies #sped #lifeskillsforkids

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  • Learn a variety of spring-themed vocabulary while playing a mathematical game!  Sentence examples and graphic organizer included.
  • Your students will love these fun April Fool's practical joke scenarios! Predict what might happen next and and identify feelings with this fun product.
  • This fun language game contains a collection of "green things" that can be used in several different ways: for RECEPTIVE LANGUAGE: Give your student THREE clues or THREE adjectives describing an object and ask them to guess the object. (played similar
  • FREE!  I've created a craftivity (or cork-tivity!) for St. Patty's Day that can be used as a speech and language reinforcer--something for all ages/ability levels.
  • You've heard of Trip Advisor® , a tool that helps you plan your next vacation. Now you can work on language skills while taking a vacation to the Emerald Isle!  Great for middle/high school students!
  • Help your older students identify and define figurative language concepts with this fun St. Patty's Day activity
  • A snack fit for an Olympian! Easy to make with your speech students. Great for direction following and sequencing (plus a few comprehension questions included!)

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Cooking Up Good Speech

4 weeks ago

Cooking Up Good Speech
How cool is this?! An AI-generated podcast was created all about my business, The Kidz Kitchen of NJ, citing the article I recently authored in The ASHA Leader, and sharing how it all began with my blog, www.speechsnacks.com, and my digital language-based recipe resource, Language Chef. Give it a listen if you’re curious! notebooklm.google.com/notebook/3a2308fd-f423-4551-968a-e774106d95f3/audio ... See MoreSee Less

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Cooking Up Good Speech

4 weeks ago

Cooking Up Good Speech
📢 We are loving how this SLP is using our National Speech-Language-Hearing Month product! 💬🧠👂Check out this creative display outside her speech room where students can cast their vote on whether statements are facts or opinions using our Fact/Opinion cards. 🎉 What an engaging and interactive way to boost awareness of speech, language, and hearing while also teaching a valuable critical thinking skill!Looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate this month in your school? Head over to my TpT store to grab this resource—it’s packed with activities to promote National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in a way your students will love! 💙https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/National-Speech-Language-Hearing-Month-Activity-Packet-1230808 ... See MoreSee Less

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Cooking Up Good Speech

4 months ago

Cooking Up Good Speech

Cooking Up Communication in a Kitchen Classroom

leader.pubs.asha.org

An SLP uses culinary instruction to build children’s vocabulary, problem-solving, and language skills—while they connect socially.
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Cooking Up Good Speech "" updated their status.

4 months ago

Cooking Up Good Speech

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Cooking Up Good Speech

8 months ago

Cooking Up Good Speech
Did you know September 19th is "Talk Like A Pirate Day?" A pirate theme is fun any time of year, especially when September is often too warm to think about pumpkin spice! It's a great theme for Halloween and the summer months as well!Pirate Snack Mix is a step-by-step visual recipe (using full-color photos) for addressing communication skills with all ages and ability levels from my recipe resource ©LANGUAGE CHEF. This activity includes the following:•lesson plan page•full-color step-by-step recipe VISUALS (using real photos)•written directionsFollow-up language extension activities:•Rate the Recipe feedback sheet•Recalling & Sequencing the recipe steps (visual activity)•Recipe Summary Organizer (written activity)•Pirate Mix Memory Game•Talk the Plank! Walk the Plank! Vocabulary game for younger students•Pirate Language Loot Vocabulary game for older studentswww.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LANGUAGE-CHEF-PIRATE-EDITION-Language-Skills-Cooking-Visual-R... ... See MoreSee Less

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