TalkPath Writing {app review}

I'm back with a review of the last app in the TalkPath series: TalkPath Writing!

A little bit about this app:
-It was designed by SLPs and scientists.
-It targets writing skills (retraining or acquiring).
-It looks similar to the other TalkPath apps.
-As with the other apps in this series, there are four activities:  copying, spelling, sentence scramble, and complete the phrase!

Copying:

This activity is a pretty simple concept.  The client is given a written word and is instructed to copy the word.  The lower levels have the letters of the word in white and the rest with a gray background.  Love the natural scaffolding this provides.

Spelling:

Select the level at which your client will work.  The client is then provided a keyboard and a picture.  The client will spell/type out the pictured word.  As the levels increase, the words get longer.  There is also an option for a hint, which adds a letter for the client.  You can also press the Speak button to hear the word again.  I love the fact that the picture is enlarged for a period of time, as it makes it much easier to see!

Sentence Scramble:

In this activity, the client will be given a set of words that are scrambled up.  The client will then unscramble the phrase into the boxes provided below.  As the levels increase, the phrases get longer and the words get smaller (more to fit on the page!).

Complete the Phrase:

For this activity, the client will complete the written phrase by typing out the final word.  For example, "Knife and _____ (fork)".  There are three levels for this activity, and they gradually increase in difficulty.  In level 1, the keyboard has gray background on all of the letters.

What I Love:
-The activities correlate with the NOMS
-There are different levels for each activity.
-There are some prompts built into the app.
-It was developed by SLPs and scientists.
-The images temporarily enlarge!
-It's designed for those with aphasia after a stroke or another neurological event.

What I'd Like to See:
-Data--I've said this every time. Again, it's not necessary for the app to do it for us, but it's so much nicer.

You can try this app for free here.  The app offers an in-app purchase for the complete set of exercises.

Note: I was contacted to review this app. No compensation was receive. All opinions expressed are mine. 

January S...peachy Feedback Linky Party

It's that time again!  Thanks to Nicole at Speech Peeps for hosting another Feedback Linky Party!

If you're new, here's how it works:
The TpT sellers/bloggers look through the feedback they've received and give a shout-out to one buyer who left great feedback!  We love hearing your feedback.  It encourages us and gives us ideas for what you'd like to see! We love it, and I cannot state that enough!

This month, I was excited to see this feedback from TpT user emullens on my Vocalic /r/ Games set!!   I love that these games are such a hit.  Hopefully her students will love them and won't tire of them too quickly!!

So if you are emullens, please email me at homesweetspeechroom@gmail.com for a free product of your choice from my store!!

Be sure to check out Nicole's post for everyone who linked up!

Sand and Water Sensory Table {product review}

Note: A copy of this product and another were sent for my review.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed are mine.  This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  

I'm so excited to show you a portion of a brand new packet on Educents right now: Preschool Rocks!  This product contains 19 different activities, all geared towards preschoolers. The following are the activities included:

• A Dab of Learning
• ABC and 123
• ABC Necklaces
• Frogs & Toads Letter Matching Game
• Getting Ready for Kindergarten
• I Can Read the Alphabet
• Kitty Cat Numeration & Ordering
• Letter Books
• Math Game and Math Centers
• Mega Sorting Bundle
• My Personal Information
• Name that Shape Geometry Games with Shapes
• Preschool Math
• Real or Not Real
• Rhyming Mega Bundle
• Sand & Water Sensory Table
• Time to Rhyme

One of the activities called Sand and Water Sensory Table!  I was so excited when I was asked to review this part because one of my favorite activities to do with preschoolers is the sensory table.  We put sand, water, noodles, and various other materials in our sensory table.  Generally, we tend to avoid food because of allergies.

The packet contains the following activities:

•  Brain Research (which supports using the sand and water table
•  Teaching Tips
•  Purpose of Activities
• Twelve sand table cards
• Fourteen water table cards
• Response Sheets
• Posters (to use with task card activities)
• Thematic Word Cards

Brain Research-
These are short statements on what the research says on sensory tables and the brain.  I love seeing that it's research based!

Teaching Tips-
These are options if you do not have a commercial sensory table.  These include using plastic bins and baby baths.

Purpose of Activities-
This page lists the vocabulary words you can target with a sensory table as well as other purposes (motor planning, problem solving, etc).

Sand Table Cards-
First, the author gives alternatives to using sand.  These are listed by theme, which is great, too!

The cards all look very similar with the activities listed:

Water Table-
The cards look the same as with the sand table, describing the activities and variations you can do with them.

Response Sheets-
Some of the activities require the students to make notes/record their findings.  They look similar to this:

Posters-
This packet also contains posters to accompany the activities. These are to be laminated.

Thematic Word Cards-
These are to be printed, laminated, cut apart, and placed in the sand table.  Students will search the sand table for these cars and match the initial letter with the letter magnet.

Overall, I love this packet!  I would definitely recommend it to others.  I love that these activities are being done by teachers and still target our goals as SLPs!!   I love how many different activity suggestions the author gives, too.  This is most definitely a packet I will be using in the future!

Again, you can find this as part of a larger bundle here!  Hope you love it!

TalkPath Speaking {app review}

To continue with reviews in the TalkPath app series, I bring you TalkPath Speaking.  As with the other apps, it is an app specifically designed for those with aphasia.

There are four exercises:

Functional Word Repetition- The clients repeat the spoken word, which is accompanied by a picture. The picture and written word becomes bigger on the screen as it is spoken aloud.  As the client moves up in the levels, the words become more difficult and more abstract.

Functional Phrase Repetition- This is the same concept as functional word repetition but with phrases.  The picture also becomes bigger here as it is spoken aloud.  The phrases gradually get longer, starting with two words and progressing to five or more.

Flashcard Naming- In this section, the client will name the picture item.  There are four hint buttons long the side to help with naming.  These include a definition, a fill in the blank, a choice, and finally, text.  The hints/cues start pretty broad and eventually become specific.

Tell Me More- The client will name the pictured item and then use the buttons around the picture to give more information about the pictured item.  These include category, use, action (if applicable), properties, location, and association.

Helpful Hints:
-The "exit" button returns you to the menu for that activity (not the homepage).
-There is an option to turn of scoring, add number of tasks per activity, speak the instructions, and use uppercase letters.  This is all under settings.


Things I Like:
-It's for aphasia--many apps are child-oriented and not adults.
-It's specifically designed to address expressive language.
-There are multiple levels to each activity, which allows for an easy progression through goals.
-There are written instructions at the top.
-Four different speaking tasks are targeted.
-The activities are associated with the NOMS.
-That you can try it out for free before purchasing the whole app.

Updates I'd Like:
-Bigger pictures/buttons.  The pictures that pop up in the Functional Word and Phrase Repetition activities are good.  The buttons and pictures in the Tell Me More activity could be bigger/ arranged better.
-A way to track data over time/per user.  Right now, you can only keep it for one person at the time of use for that specific activity.

You can preview this app for free and then complete the in-app purchase for the full version!  So great that you can test it out first! Download it on iTunes here!


Disclaimer: I was contacted to write a review for this app.  No compensation was received.  All opinions expressed are mine. 

Passing the Praxis

One of the things I had been dreading ever since I picked my major in undergrad was this big test known as the Praxis.  Everyone had always told me not to worry about it.  "Do well in your classes, and you will be fine" is what they always told me.  But this is a big test, and you have to pass it.  If that doesn't freak you out, I'm not sure what will.

I took the test this past Saturday and wanted to share my experience on everything!

Basics about the Test:
-120 minutes
-120 questions
-All questions are multiple choice.
-You can mark your answers and go back and check them.
-On the computer version, you receive your score right away.
-A score of 600 is passing.

How I Prepped:
Like most, I purchased the Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology.  This is a great overview of most of the areas in our field.  Some of the girls in my program set up Praxis review sessions over the course of the summer and fall semesters.  I attended some of those sessions, which were extremely helpful.  One girl would summarize a chapter, make a PowerPoint, and led a discussion about the practice questions at the end of the each chapter.  This was extremely helpful, and I would highly recommend this to every single one of you who are about to take the test (or will in the next couple years).

I went through a chapter per day (roughly) towards the end.  I couldn't bring myself to make flash cards or write out notes for absolutely everything, so I underlined key words and phrases in the book.  For the theories, I wrote color-coded notes in a notebook to review the important elements of each.

I purchased a practice test from ETS. This is by far one of the best decisions I made.  Not only did it get me in the mindset of test taking, it prepared me for the types of questions on the test and how to manage my time appropriately.  Either take the ones on the flashdrive with the book, or purchase the ETS one.  I actually took the practice test before I had studied much.  I passed it, so that gave me a sense of peace about the test.  I knew I wanted some more wiggle room, but it gave me a starting point for studying and some reassurance.

I received a bunch of notes of encouragement from some of my closest friends!  These really helped encourage me throughout my studying!

The Night Before:
I thought I would be freaking out the night before the test.  Instead, I was at peace.  I knew a lot of prayers had been said on my behalf, and boy could I feel them! I finished the chapter I was studying earlier that day, paged through the last couple of chapters, and decided that if I didn't know it then, I wasn't going to know it. I put the book down, watched some TV, and went to bed.

I had also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my dad as a way of saying, "Good luck."  I called to thank him, and he reassured me that I would do fine and that it was a minimal competency exam (meaning 600 is as good as 800).

Day of the Test:
I woke up after about 7 hours of sleep.  Considering this is what I generally had been getting and was planning on way less, I was extremely happy.  I ate a small breakfast and attempted to study.  I was starting to freak out.  My test was at 12:30pm, so I had to wait all morning.  Those hours were BRUTAL.  If you go to take the test, I highly recommend taking one in the morning.  I didn't have a choice of times when I went to sign up...

Anyway, the testing center was about 20 minutes from my apartment, so I decided to leave an hour or so early and stop and get some lunch somewhere.  Luckily, one of my friends had taken a test at that center back in August, so she told me what was around.  I knew my stomach didn't want much, since it was full of butterflies.  I also knew I needed something, or I wouldn't make it through the test.  I settled on an Uptown Salad from Potbelly because it has chicken and fruit on it.  I figured some protein and natural sugar would be a good tide-me-over until I could eat later.

I arrived at the test center about 35 minutes early (you're supposed to be there 30 minutes early).  One of my friends from my program walked out of the testing room and was smiling.  She had passed!! It was so good to see a familiar face that morning and to have the assurance that our preparation was enough for us to pass! It was a quick boost of confidence.

I went in to the testing room, took the test, and came out barely able to speak.  I had passed!! I was fighting back tears as I walked out.  The woman asked if I wanted my score written down, and I said, "No.  I know it. All that really matters is that I passed."  She congratulated me and sent me on my way.

As soon as I got in the car, the tears started coming down.  I had just passed one of the most important tests of my life.  Everything I had been working for the last 2, 6, or 19 years had been worth it.  Once I got myself together, I called my family and friends to let them know the good news!   I spent the rest of the day celebrating with friends!  

On Sunday, I finally felt tired.  My whole month of holidays, studying, etc. had come to an end.  All of the stress was gone.

In case you were wondering, my score was about 70 points higher on the real test than the practice.  Again, I hadn't studied for the practice.  That shows you how much studying can help!!

Helpful Hints:
-The usual: Arrive early. Dress comfortably.  This doesn't necessarily mean yoga pants, but that's what I did!   Whatever you're comfortable in--everyone is different!  Eat something before the test. Go to the bathroom before the test. The clock keeps counting down when you get up and leave the room.
-Study the book and your notes from both undergrad and grad school.
-Take a practice test.  Some of the questions were the exact same or very similar.
-BREATHE.
-Answer everything, but mark the ones you're not sure about.  You can go back and review them.
-Trust your instincts. If you're anything like me, your gut is usually right.

Areas to Study:
-Normal speech and language development
-Articulation and phonological disorders
-Different types of aphasia
-Theories of stuttering and stuttering treatment
-Types of standardized testing
-Different legislation and what each one mandates
-Motor speech disorders
-Hearing screenings/testing
-Bilingualism and how being multicultural influences decisions regarding speech and language


Well that was my experience. I have to say I'm glad it's over, but also that my two universities prepared me fairly well for the test.

Good luck to all of you taking it soon (or in the future)!!!  As my friends kept telling me, you're going to rock it.

New Year's Resolutions

I'm a little late to this party, but nevertheless, I am here.  As I mentioned yesterday, it's been a crazy start to the year, especially the last few days.  I wanted to write out my resolutions for all of you and challenge you to do something with me.

My Resolutions/Goals:
-Reading for pleasure--For so long, I've been reading for school.  I forgot my love for reading because I began to dread reading such big medical textbooks.  This year, I want to read for pleasure.
-Blogging more and creating more materials
-Learn about another area of the field that I haven't learned all that much about
-Find a job!
-Beginning the day with a positive thought
-Unplugging for a little bit each day (this means no tv, phone, computer, or iPad)


-Last but not least, count my blessings.  I got the idea to do a blessings jar.  Just write down the little moments where you feel blessed.  They can be big moments too.  So often I forget how BIG I'm blessed.  I want to look back on my year next January and see the shower of His blessings.

Who's with me??

TalkPath Reading {app review}

This has been quite the week, friends!  We got hit with a pretty big snowstorm, which resulted in 12.5 inches of snow!  I love snow, but my city was NOT prepared for it.  We had to deal with some less than stellar circumstances, including heat not working super well.  No heat= not productive.  In the meantime, I'm trying to study for the Praxis.  Not happening very well...

Anyway, onto today's topic!  Last week, I introduced you to a new series of apps called TalkPath from Lingraphica.  The next app in the series is TalkPath Reading!  Take a look and see what you think.

There are four activities: Matching, Word ID, Describe the Picture, and Sentence Completion.  As with the last app, you have a choice of levels.

For Matching, there is a number, letter, word, or sentence at the bottom.  Generally speaking, the client will read that bottom line and then match it to the correct on in the top line.  They can also click the "speak" button to hear the letter, number, words, and phrases. to be read aloud.  The patient/client will then touch which written letter/number it matches.  The free app gives you 5 opportunities.  The first level begins with single letters and numbers.  By the third level, there are sentences.

For Word ID, the same concept holds true here.  This time, it's a word at the bottom, and the client has to match a picture.   Again, the levels increase the difficulty.  There are four levels here.  One thing I love about this one is that it gives you a "text" option, where the client can put the text for each word!  I know many clients who would need this, so I'm loving this option!

For Describe the Picture, a picture is given at the bottom.  There are sentences or words given at the top.  The client will choose the correct one.  The client has the options for the options to be read aloud. Just hit the speak button.  I love this feature!

For the sentence completion activity, the client is given a sentence and has to fill in the blank with one of the choices listed.

Things I love about the app:
-It allows for different levels and some scaffolding.
-I really like that there are four different ways to target reading.
-I like the options that have it speak or write out the words/sentences.
-Again, it's for adults!
-As with the last app, it gives written instructions at the top.
-I love that you can try it out for free before purchasing the full app.

One thing I'd love to see:
-This is the same as last time, but I'd love to see a way to have an accuracy score.  This allows for easier data keeping.

This app is FREE (with in-app purchases available for the full version).  You can find it here.

Blogger Secret Santa

Some of my close SLP blogger friends and I decided to do a Secret Santa for Christmas this year!  It was SO fun getting to know them better and shop for them! I had so much fun picking out personalized gifts and surprising my blogger! Hope she loved it!

My gift from my Secret Santa arrived in this lovely package!  I love these cute bubble mailers!

This was everything that was hiding inside:

I asked my Secret Santa for something that represents her state.  She gave me The Polar Express, which is written by someone from Michigan!!  She also bought me this really cute necklace that has the state of Michigan in it!  I LOVE these because I went to school in Michigan!  They will most definitely get put to good use!

She also included some yummy hot chocolate and a Starbucks gift card! Cannot wait to use both of those. Seriously love me some hot chocolate and Starbucks!

She also gave me an awesome band that will be great for yoga and stretching!  You can see that pictured above.

I am so in love with all of these gifts.  Thank you SO much, Jessica (from Consonantly Speaking)!!!  You're the best! :)


I had Maureen from The Speech Bubble!  Check out what I got her here!

TalkPath Listening {app review}

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack.  I enjoyed some time off from blogging to spend time with family and friends for the holidays.  I celebrated SIX Christmases with various family members and some with my boyfriend's family.  It was a beautiful time of celebration, but a little CRAZY!

Side note- as I am writing this, the snow is falling.  It is like I'm living in a snow globe!!  So as always, be safe and stay warm, but enjoy the weather :)

Now, I have a series of app reviews for you!  Today is Day 1.  Lingraphica has developed a new series of apps! You can find out more about them here.  Today, I'm reviewing TalkPath Listening!  Take a look.

When you first open the app, you see this screen with four choices of games/activities.  Just click on the choice!  The app will announce the choice, too!

Once you select your activity, the next screen will give you a choice of levels. Select the level and then touch start.  

For Word ID, the client will hear a word spoken aloud and will select the correct picture that goes along with the word.  For example, the app says "Egg" and the client will touch the picture of the egg.  It goes through a series of five photos, and it counts them in the upper right corner.

With each level, the number of photo choices increases.

The second activity is Complete the Phrase.  Again, choose the level.  The app will read a phrase and then pause where the client should fill in a word.  For example, "pancakes and _____" (syrup).

The next activity is Answering Questions.  As the other activities, choose the appropriate level.  The app will ask a question such as, "Who has the biggest nose?" The client will select the appropriate picture.

The fourth and final activity is Following Directions. The app will give directions for the client to follow.  These can increase in complexity with the different levels.

Other features of this app include information about the app and various settings you can change.  See below for more info.

There you have it!

Things I like about this app:
-It announces the action at the same time you or the client presses that button.
-It has a variety of activities.
-It's for adults! (yay--not many are for adults!)
-It has the client correct their answer when they have answered incorrectly.
-Written instructions at the top of each activity!  This helps the client so much.
-It's straightforward and easy to use.

Things I'd like to see added:
-I really wish the pictures in the activities were bigger. My clients have vision issues (poor eye sight, poor acuity), so bigger pictures would definitely help out.
-A way to keep score and a screen at the end that shows the results of that activity (i.e. Client scored 3/5, missed 2 verbs, scored 100% on nouns).

This app is FREE with an in-app purchase for the full version.  All of the activities are the same with the purchase of the full version--there are just more of them!  You can download the app here.

Enjoy!