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A Few Words About the Power of Word Choice

m twain quoteThe above quote is hanging up on the wall in my therapy room.  It is displayed directly above and in front of the table where my students sit.  It has been the focal point of many a therapy session (both planned and unplanned.)  Mark Twain’s words have proven to be a valuable source of inspiration and discussion with many of my middle and high school students.  First, we take a few minutes to read, and re-read Twain’s quote.   I often observe the expressions on their faces to determine if they are making sense of it. Are they having a “light bulb” moment?  Are they curious? perplexed? indifferent?    Their reactions have run the gamut. But nevertheless, I persist and proceed to work through an explanation of the quote’s meaning and provide them with examples.  I was so inspired by the discussions I had with my students that I decided to create a product that could teach them more about word choices.  You can find it in my TpT store.  So, what did Twain mean when he compared the lightning bug to the lightning?   Once I started researching this quote, I found there were so many interpretations, examples and responses.

Here are a few perspectives:

  • The two (a lightning bug and lightning) are nowhere close in comparison. Likewise, Twain meant that the difference between the right word and the almost right word are huge, and the two are nowhere close in comparison.  For example confusing a stop light with a stop sign when giving directions or asking for baking soda when the recipe needs baking powder.
  • “What is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug? That same HUGE difference is evident between using the right word, and the ALMOST right word. Be accurate, or you may convey a totally different meaning in your communication.”
  • A lightning bug emits a small flash of light and is not all that impressive, while a bolt of lightning is a more powerful burst of light, which is much more impressive—and can be compared to the types of words we use in our speaking and writing.   He’s saying that in writing, it’s easy enough to find a word that gets the meaning across — but if you can manage to find exactly the right word, you can make the reader sit up and say “Wow, that’s great. “

Here are a few examples: 

  • It could mean choosing “dazzling” instead of “really bright,”  “terrified” instead of “very frightened” and “rarely” instead of “almost never.”  In other words, finding one word to express an idea instead of using “helper words” like really, very and almost.   For our older students, it shows growth and maturity in their language skills when the better word is used.   Here is a FANTASTIC list (shared with permissions) of words that should be considered instead of using “VERY” words.
  • As another example: this graphic shows WEAK and OVERUSED words that should always be reconsidered when an attempt is made to use them. REALLY, THINGS, STUFF, NICE, GOOD, AWESOME, LITERALLY, BASICALLY, LIKE, ACTUALLY.  These words are vague and should be substituted with words of greater value and clarity.

word-have-power

  • Another example to consider is word choice related to the value we place on other people.  I learned a LONG time ago to ALWAYS put the PERSON BEFORE the DISABILITY.  So, when considering word choice related to people, keep these examples in mind:

SAY:  People/individuals with disabilities; an adult who has a disability; a child with a disability
INSTEAD OF: The handicapped; the disabled
SAY: People/individuals without disabilities; typical kids
INSTEAD OF:  Normal people/healthy individuals
SAY: A person who has autism
INSTEAD OF: an autistic
SAY: A person who has a learning disability
INSTEAD OF: He/she is learning disabled
SAY: A person who is deaf; he/she has a hearing impairment/ loss; A man/woman who is hard of hearing
INSTEAD OF: The deaf

  • Then there are DEGREES of EMOTIONS when discussing word choice—a.k.a. emotional vocabulary.   Knowing how to express one’s feelings in the proper manner is crucial, especially as our students mature and are faced with the challenges of the teenage years!   Identifying and using the correct emotional vocabulary also helps teach emotional regulation and awareness of one’s true feelings. HAPPY, SAD, MAD just don’t cut it anymore.  Whether it involves connecting with ones’s peers, parents, self, or teachers, you will be doing your students a huge favor if you address their communication skills via degrees of emotions.  Here is a great reference I found, (free and with permission to share from The Art of Empathy: A Complete Guide to Life’s Most Essential Skill by Karla McLaren, M.Ed. (2013, Sounds True),  however I know there are tons of great materials that address this area on TeachersPayTeachers as well!
  • Here is yet another example of word choice: Certain word pairs get mixed up all the time. Sometimes it’s because they’re homophones (sound alike/have different meanings/different spellings: advice/advise; affect/effect; led/lead, and sometimes it’s because words are similar enough to cause confusion: anxious/eager; among/between.  These are the types of words that I chose to address in the newest product in my  TpT store.   After researching many lists of commonly confused words, I came up with almost fifty word pairs that I felt were the most relevant and meaningful to the ages, grades and ability levels that I work with.  There are certainly many, many more where this came from.  I made sure to include a set of blank cards in this product so that you can add as many new words to the game as you would like.  In my product, I focused  on homophones and other words that easily cause confusion.  These are errors I see made quite a bit by my students in their writing and comprehension (oh, and the same mistakes are made by LOTS of us adults as well!) I know my “grammar police” friends are going to greatly appreciate this product!
  • “Choosing the Right Word”  was designed primarily for middle and high school students and will give them a deeper understanding of word meanings, bring  greater awareness of the importance of using the correct word in order to deliver a clear message,  and help students know when not to use “lightning bug” when they really mean “lightning!”

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I think this statement humorously depicts exactly what happens when we use the wrong choice of words!

blog post

And good old Homer Simpson got it right when he has a discussion with his daughter, Lisa,  about word choice. Here they discuss jealousy- vs- envy:

(By the way, you can view this video using SafeYouTube (just in case any inappropriate videos or ads pop up while or after viewing!)  Check it out here! 

Here are some other great resources if you are looking for MORE words that are often confused or used incorrectly.  The list really goes on and on. It was so hard to narrow down my words when I was creating this product!

http://grammarist.com/easily-confused-words/  (great word lists!)

https://www.words-to-use.com/  (Oh, how I LOVE this site!!!!!!!)

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📢 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!! 
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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
🕸️🕷️ Spider Web Pretzel Fun! 🕷️🕸️

We're getting into the Halloween spirit with a spooktacular snack! 👻🎃 
Craft your own Spider Web Pretzels in your next speech/language session----a creepy, crunchy treat that’s both fun and delicious.

The best part? It's simple! Pretzels + melted chocolate + a creative imagination = webby goodness! 🍫🕸️ 

Not only is it a tasty activity, but it’s also perfect for practicing direction following, sequencing, executive functioning and fine motor skills👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Want the LINK to the step by step recipe, language activity and post-recipe summarizing organizer?! Drop a 🎡🎡🎡 and I'll DM it to you! Or find the link in my profile.
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I CAN'T WAIT TO START COOKING UP GOOD SPEECH AND LANGUAGE WITH YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS ‼️ 🎡🎡🎡
.
#slpeeps #slpsoninstagram #slpsofinstagram #slps #slpsontpt  #executivefunctioning #schoolslp #ashaigers #middleschoolslp #cookingwithkids #speechlanguagepathology #teacherspayteachers #languagechefs #cookingupgoodspeech #cookingintheclassroom #slpbloggers #homemadetreats #kidapproved #nobaketreats #nobakedesserts #kidsnacks #speechsnacks #executivefunctioningskills

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Cooking Up Good Speech

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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

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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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