Balance Work with Breaks

Neuropsychology shows that taking intermittent breaks helps reset and refocus the brain to work better.

We have a concept in speech therapy called "Drill and Kill".  We need to make sure to provide breaks every 10 minutes for 1-2 minutes. (Use a timer, time can escape). Put the fun in therapy; they can actually practice saying their word or phrase in a relaxed way while taking turns during their break too." under less pressure.

In Speech Therapy, the idea is to get lots  and lots of practice, called "mass practice".  It helps motor memory, muscle memory set in.

Then we want to practice across days, people, places and situations, called "distributive practice". This helps generalize the new motor skills.

In order for the brain and muscles to engage optimally, we need to take BREAKS.  They can be 1-5 minutes.  Here is a list of breaks.

Physical outlet; toss and catch games,  walking, marching, stretching. balancing, musical chairs or mats, flicking objects,Table top activities; bingo, angry birds, bouncing balls, magnet tosses, 

Cognitive outlet;  hide and seek objects, flashlight search, categorize - Secret Squares,  Quick Cups, Bounce balls, Minute to Win it type games, patterns with color sticks, blocks shapes. matching, puzzles, quick card games, Spot It game, 

Creative outlet; stickers,  dot art, cut and paste, coloring pictures, playdough mats, leggos, blocks,  etc. 

"Simplify" Last Thursday's Thought

Theory of Simplicity

"If you can't explain it simply you don't understand it well enough." Albert Einstein

This is so true with so many professions.  Why should people care what you have to say?

 Speech and Language Therapists, you should read scientific papers and know how it effects clinical decisions but be able to explain the rational and main message in simple clear terms to your clients.

Remember, if you clients can't "buy" into it, they aren't going to use it or value it.

Some people think if you are too simple people won't take you seriously but in reality clear simple messages empowers your clients.

We want the simplest directions to get somewhere not the most complicated way!

Thursday Thoughts for Therapy: "Why should I care?"

I'm reading a good book on kindle currently, called "The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs.
I"m  6 chapters into the book and it's  intriguing .  Some things I knew and some chapters have shed some needed light.
The message I've pondered on was when you share a presentation answer the audience's questions, "Why should I care?"  

I liken this to when you teach a class or  teach one student.

I realized when we work with young or older clients, we need to make sure we address that same question.  We tend to think of this as a "rationale".  Why should I do that?  Or why is this better for me?""How does this benefit me?

Yesterday, I asked one of my preteen client, "Do you know why I want you to do this?"  By her facial expression and off reply, I knew I had to do a better job explaining.  I said, "When I ask you to do something, You should have a very clear understanding why its important to you and how it benefits your life."  "You want to make sure the reason is super clear."  That led us into a great experience during the session.  She actually was more receptive  than previous sessions.