Picture Box Storage in Speech Therapy
Do you use a schedule in speech therapy?
Keep reading, because I have TWO great freebies for you today!!
My two main uses for picture boxes are:
1. A speech schedule organization for all my schedule pieces
2. Articulation storage for mini pictures for grab n go activities including crafts, worksheets, gluing etc
I want to give you a couple freebies for using picture boxes in your speech rooms for storage since I just LOVE these containers so much. You can find them here.
Firstly, let's review some evidence behind using visual schedules, especially for students with autism:
"Individuals with ASD have greater difficulties coping with unstructured time than neurotypical people and benefit from increased structure in their lives" (Van Bourgondien et al. (2003). Some advantages to visual schedules include:
Utilizes the individual’s visual strengths and therefore provides a receptive communication system to increase understanding;
Helps the individual to learn new things and broaden their interests;
Provides tools that allow the individual to use skills in a variety of settings;
Can increase the individual’s flexibility;
Helps the individual remain calm and reduces inappropriate behaviors; and
Helps the individual to develop independence and resulting self-esteem."
(Mesibov et al., 2005)
I ALWAYS use a schedule in speech, regardless whether my student does or does not have autism. I always feel that it makes my session predictable, which makes things flow much smoother for my students. I personally prefer knowing "what's to come" (i.e. at faculty meetings, the dentist... you get the idea). I tend to keep my visual schedules open ended. For example, I may put "iPad work" instead of the specific work we'll be doing. Or I might just write "sentences." This allows flexibility for myself. However, my students who do have autism definitely benefit from more specifics, and then we gradually fade to the more general schedule (working on the independence!)
The best part is that all those tiny pieces stay together in one nice container (helllooo easy organization!)
To get my free schedule board and icon template, just click here.
**TYPE B TIP** For the schedule board, I laminate 5-6 blank pieces (you'll find blank ones in your free download) so that I can simply use a dry erase marker and write right in the schedule. This is perfect for those times I need some flexibility, i.e. to show my student who struggles with large school events that there is an assembly after speech. So be sure to laminate a couple blank pieces, too!
Curious how I use these for articulation?
Mini articulation picture storage! I'm always doing random crafts and/or cut and glue activities. By having these already prepped, I can just grab the sound box for that student's goal, and we're good to go. Grab my free labels for articulation HERE.
The mini articulation cards shown above are no longer available in a free format online, but you can find similar ones for FREE here!
And lastly...
I store all my basic concept cards in my task boxes! I grab the set we're working on, some mini erasers or fun wands, and I've easy grab n go practice. Grab these basic concept cards here (they're in a digital format, too!).
**TYPE B TIP** Mini erasers can get a little disorganized (and somehow I start finding them under every chair and surface in my speech room... and my pockets when I return home LOL). Throw them in these task card boxes! Can also double as a mini sensory bin, too!
Leave a comment and let me know how you LOVE using photo boxes in speech therapy!
Happy organizing!
