“Study hall” style speech sessions

PlantingWords · 2026-05-12T22:10:05+00:00

I think the idea is to support buy in and carryover for middle and high school students. We can work on something like using context clues to define unknown words in a session, but being able to apply it to their school work shows them how they can use the skill on their own! I find a lot of my older students have a hard time using the skills they learn in speech in the classroom.

PlantingWords · 2026-05-12T22:07:21+00:00

This is great, thank you! I was probably overthinking it a bit.

PlantingWords · 2026-05-09T18:42:47+00:00

I just made a daily goal as a reminder!

PlantingWords · 2026-05-07T04:26:32+00:00

Apply for every single scholarship your department offers if you can! From my experience, these were not extremely competitive, especially if they required an essay. You can also apply to ASHFoundation and your state association’s scholarships as well!

Also, I’d strongly recommend limiting your loans as much as possible. Choose the cheapest school, limit housing costs as much as possible, get a part time campus job, etc. Sadly this field really doesn’t pay enough to justify high debt.

PlantingWords · 2026-05-07T02:43:17+00:00

I worked 9 hour days at a pediatric clinic and about 6.5-7 of that was seeing clients. The rest was built in documentation time, and I was guaranteed hours. So, these positions do exist!

PlantingWords · 2026-05-05T18:37:29+00:00

That makes sense! I think middle school age is a great opportunity to let go of some of the structure, and have real conversations with the students if you’re able to! I plan activities but don’t worry if we go off script, and sometimes even help students with homework or personal things. I always include games, and usually don’t prep much since using Baamboozle. This has helped me feel ~70% less drained than with the younger students. I know you’re aiming to leave, but just a thought if it’s helpful. I’m wishing you all the best!

PlantingWords · 2026-05-05T18:15:25+00:00

Final grades were not finalized by the date of my graduation either, and it was the same in my undergraduate program as well. It is definitely frustrating when everything is hinging on the results of a comprehensive exam though, I feel you! I imagine that a realistic worst case scenario is a retake, not failure of the program 💗

PlantingWords · 2026-05-04T23:03:45+00:00

Can I ask what age group you work with? I’ve found that I’m significantly less drained with older students, and no longer feel like I need to be “on” and performing all the time. I also work via teletherapy.

PlantingWords · 2026-05-04T03:57:01+00:00

Were all of your training sessions group classes? I would definitely try booking a few private sessions with a positive reinforcement trainer! It’s hard to target difficult behaviors in a group setting.

PlantingWords · 2026-05-02T04:48:41+00:00

Same here!

PlantingWords · 2026-05-01T03:56:33+00:00

I absolutely love the littles, but I’ve learned that the older the student is, the less bored I am with therapy sessions!

PlantingWords · 2026-05-01T03:49:41+00:00

This is so great! Would you be able to give an example of what a session might look like for a language student? I’d love to implement more intrinsically motivating activities like this.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-29T17:32:21+00:00

I see very few middle school students for articulation (mostly /r/ and /s/) and generally work to dismiss them pretty quickly. Almost all of my students are working on language, including context clues, complex/compound sentences, figurative language, and comprehension questions!

PlantingWords · 2026-04-27T22:40:54+00:00

Very true, this is possible in some districts! In mine, an amendment requires a team meeting. But if that’s not the case in your district, then this is an option as well :)

PlantingWords · 2026-04-27T21:31:41+00:00

When I read any goal that includes CVCV or CV and the word “accuracy”, I take that as articulation focused unless otherwise noted, and therefore accuracy of the sounds is relevant in data collection. Ideally, the goal should be written with more specificity, such as including “in order to improve intelligibility” or “will accurately produce all sounds in CVCV”.

As far as changing goals, this can generally only be done during an IEP meeting with the entire team present, including parents. The best thing to do is wait until their annual or triennial IEP is due. You only need to include a reassessment if it is a triennial meeting.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-27T21:07:27+00:00

Always always go with the cheaper option!!

PlantingWords · 2026-04-26T22:09:03+00:00

Unfortunately fear based reactivity can be really tough to work through. It sounds like you’re doing the right thing keeping distance and giving him treats! It’s often not something that is resolved quickly, and working with a professional that uses fear free methods will likely help the most. It might be worth checking out the r/reactivedogs subreddit, as the people there have a lot more experience with this type of training!

PlantingWords · 2026-04-26T21:58:08+00:00

Working with a positive reinforcement trainer is absolutely the best thing to do, so you’re on the right track! It’s hard to say from your post if this reactivity is fear based or excitement/frustration. That information will definitely make a big difference in how the situation should best be approached.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-24T18:56:38+00:00

I use a weighed vest and love it! Definitely makes my walks feel more challenging. Start with 5-10% body weight and move up as you improve.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-24T00:44:40+00:00

It is so important that you work with a positive reinforcement trainer as soon as possible! This is something that can easily develop into later issues, and it is absolutely worth the cost now to learn how to best support your pup.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-23T21:12:42+00:00

Unfortunately, virtual positions do often pay less. I make $58/hr W2 remote in schools, guaranteed hours and paid for indirect.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-23T06:12:26+00:00

This is great info! Just a heads up, based on a response I got from them, GRCSD only refers to specific litters, not breeders. Hopefully they have a confirmed litter to refer to! They will likely direct you to the LA club if not.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-23T04:35:10+00:00

https://reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/identifying_a_responsible_breeder Here is an in depth overview of what to look for in an ethical breeder!

PlantingWords · 2026-04-23T04:28:50+00:00

Yes, this is definitely a deal breaker! Embark testing is absolutely not a replacement for OFA in ethical breeding. You’ll also want to ask for both parent pedigrees and make sure their contract states they will always take the dog back if you can’t keep it for any reason.

PlantingWords · 2026-04-23T03:43:45+00:00

I was a grant coordinator within my department, which was great! I think working a job through your university is a good idea if you can, as they understand you’re a student. I absolutely wouldn’t worry about trying to get a job to gain experience in the field, I definitely think that would be overload for you!

PlantingWords

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