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Char's Blog

(#48) The Problem with Literacy Programs [facts from Edweek.com]

by Charlotte Boshart | 19 March, 2019 |

Teachers in my last elementary school were unhappy with their reading curriculum and were doggedly focused on finding something better.  Turns out, this is not an uncommon occurrence in many schools. Maybe even yours.

(#47) The QOE: A Free Oral Mech Form to Use with Your Kids

by Charlotte Boshart | 12 March, 2019 |

The QOE includes the same five categories and oral-facial items as last week’s Therapy Matters. It's all on one page which makes it easier. It’s a check sheet with a few “comment” write-in areas.

(#46) The Quick 5-Phase Oral Mech Exam

by Charlotte Boshart | 05 March, 2019 |

The mouth is the source of speech and we can’t ignore it. I want to know the condition of the mouth I’m working with so I can adjust my therapy to the needs of the child.

(#45) Six Strategies to Use When Imitation Doesn't Work

by Charlotte Boshart | 26 February, 2019 |

Squeezing in time to find, read, interpret, and figure out how to apply the results of research articles is difficult at best.  If you have the same conundrum, I hope this once-a-month Research Review helps fill your needs.  This is a good one.

(#44) Seeing Life Through the Eyes of a Child

by Charlotte Boshart | 19 February, 2019 |

Most children know how to play but some don’t. They have no sense of venturing beyond the walls of familiarity. ‘Play’ is a good thing, and an influential part of communication.

(#43) Two Easy & Excellent Recording Apps to Use in Therapy

by Charlotte Boshart | 12 February, 2019 |

Recording our speech-kids in therapy is a no-brainer. But what’s the “best” app to use to record them? Are some recording apps better than others? I think so.

(#42) Does a Palatal Expander Interrupt Speech Therapy?

by Charlotte Boshart | 05 February, 2019 |

Has a child ever walked into your therapy room and he sounded 10 times worse than he did last week? Chances are he's been fitted with a palatal expander.  So, now what?  Sometimes the answer is obvious, but sometimes it isn't. 

(#41) Hope You Like the New Plan

by Charlotte Boshart | 29 January, 2019 |

I’m changing things just a bit. Starting next week the topics will be more organized and designated. But, as always, the objective is to share practical info and ideas that you can apply with your therapy-kids.

(#40) How to Do the Two Carryover Phases of the ORP (Part 4)

by Charlotte Boshart | 11 December, 2018 |

The Timeline Phase is the first of the two carryover phases. Timeline oral resting posture practice requires him to pause, focus on his mouth, and assume positions with his lips, tongue, jaw, and nose that are new and unfamiliar.

(#39) Step-by-Step ORP Prep-Phase Therapy (Part 3)

by Charlotte Boshart | 04 December, 2018 |

The process of developing and establishing a child’s speech pattern may also be dependent on changing and establishing a new oral resting posture. The two are inextricably connected. Here's why....

(#38) A Step-by-Step ORP Analysis Guide (Part 2)

by Charlotte Boshart | 19 November, 2018 |

“If I just stim the speech sound and the child makes it, do I still need to do oral resting posture therapy?”  To make that determination, analyze the child’s lips, tongue, and jaw and make sure they are in their optimum positions to facilitate good speech contacts.

(#37) Eight Reasons Why the ORP is Influential in Speech Sound Therapy (Part 1)

by Charlotte Boshart | 13 November, 2018 |

What would you think of I said that “carryover”—one of the biggest challenges in our profession, and something we do toward the end of our therapy—is best addressed at the beginning and throughout therapy? Crazy?  I don’t think so....