February 27, 2012

Materials Monday - Voice Chart

I really enjoy following blogs that offer free materials for other SLPs. However, since I am still in graduate school, and I don't have a job yet, I don't really have an opportunity to make too many materials since I don't really have a caseload. I've decided that I will upload free materials for others to use on Mondays, and if for some reason I don't have any new materials that Monday, I will highlight some great materials from other blogs.

You do have my permission to download any attached items and use them with your own caseload. However, please give credit where credit is due. Thank you!

It is rare to have students with voice issues when working with the elementary-aged population in schools or private practices. When I had an internship a few years ago, I was working with a kiddo with a voice problem. He frequently misused/abused his voice, so we had to constantly discuss how to use his voice appropriately in a multitude of situations. I ended up creating this vocal chart, and while it's really simple to use, it helped my student tremendously.



The instructions are included in the download, but I'll highlight the item here. The main purpose of this activity is to identify when the student misuses his voice and to brainstorm ways to change this behavior. I find it's great to try and include the parents as much as possible. However, this is really difficult if the parent isn't willing to participate. If you get a difficult parent, instead of having them sign off on the sheet every night, you can have your student sign off on the sheet and then discuss his vocal behaviors each day with him (even if it's just a quick 5-minute meeting every morning to discuss his behavior the day before). Rewards are really important for this activity as is praise. Make sure you reward him every week that he returns the sheet signed (the reward could be something as simple as an extra sticker or a chance to pick the activity/game for that session).

Let me know what you think! Have you ever had to work with a student with vocal abuse issues? What activities did you do with him/her?

Look forward to next Materials Monday. I plan to upload a card game I made from scratch to improve vocal abuse/misuse.

Click here to download the vocal chart!

Click here for a blank chart!

No comments:

Post a Comment