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Dear Parents,
Welcome to the St. Mary-Basha Speech and Language Program! I am very excited to spend time working toward the goal of improving your child’s speech and language skills in order to help them to be successful in their classroom communication skills, as well as in their overall academic skills.
I would like to tell you about my program, but first I would like to (re)introduce myself to you. I have been a Speech and Language Pathologist in Arizona since 1982. This is my sixth year to be blessed by being here, at St. Mary-Basha. I received my Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing in 1982 from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and my Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology in 1990 from Northern Arizona University. I am certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association, the Arizona Health Department, and the Arizona Education Department. I have three beautiful children who attend St. Mary-Basha, and one alumnus. My husband, Jerry, and I have been married since 1983.
My goals for this year are to improve the skills of speech and language in each student who demonstrates the need for assistance in these areas. I will do this by:
- Increasing articulation of speech sounds to (and above) an age-appropriate level. I believe in early intervention and believe all kids can and do learn to use appropriate speech skills at an early age. Therefore, you will see me working toward the use of clear articulation even at the kindergarten level, in order to help students to be able to discriminate between correct and incorrect production and to, hopefully, use correct speech sounds. By using an early intervention approach, I hope to help students before poor speech habits are formed and hard to correct, and before difficulties in learning to read and write occur.
- Increasing phonological awareness skills- especially in grades K-2. Phonological awareness involves, not only articulation of speech sounds, but also becoming aware of the sounds within words through sound matching, manipulation, rhyming, syllable awareness, and word manipulation within sentences. This skill is essential to successful spelling, writing and reading.
- Increasing receptive and expressive language skills, particularly in the areas of:
a. morphology/syntax- includes grammar, sentence formulations (simple to expanded forms) and question comprehension and use.
b. semantics- includes specific word finding, definitions, describing, associations, categorization, concepts, compound words, homophones, antonyms, synonyms, similes, metaphors, proverbs, and idioms (figurative language).
c. social language- includes non-verbal skills such as body language, eye-contact, class presentation skills as well as small-group and one-on-one conversation skills. Additionally, general study skills such as note-taking and following directions will be addressed as needed.
- All of the above language/communication skill areas will be addressed within the contexts of book talks, language worksheets/activities, games, and dramatic role play activities. Other communication areas as needed such as voice (i.e., hoarseness) and fluency (stuttering).
You can expect to see homework coming home- especially articulation drills. It is of utmost importance that this home practice is worked on with you there to listen and engage in the activities with your child, as speech improvement best succeeds with interactive practice and drills.
I will occasionally send home helpful hints for assisting your child at home, but am always open to any questions or suggestions you may have.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me at school at 480-963-4951, ext. 108.
Eileen Marfe, M.S., CCC-SLP
P.S. Below are some links you and your child can explore for ideas/suggestions for additional home practice and activities for increasing and expanding communication skills. God Bless.
Fun Activities
http://www.1-to-z.co.uk/activities.asp
"In this section you will find fun and challenging activities! Meet Electrico, Mr Robot and Dr McAbracadabra. And you can test your math with Crocodile. There is some artificial intelligence here to adapt to your level."
Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/health/cmhealth/Speech/2001/Lowrie/index.html
Jenny Lowrie's award winning site clarifies the difference between phonological and phonemic awareness. It includes activities useful for both practitioners and parents, a description of stages of development for phonological awareness, and a list of reference material and links to related web sites.
Whitney's SLP
http://www.wy-os.net/speech/speech.html
Wyoma Clouss, MS, CCC-SLP, provides a wonderful look into the role of a Speech Language Pathologist in public elementary schools. This site is a "must see" for those considering entering this profession, as well as parents who have any concerns about their child's speech and language skills development.
Speech & Language Milestone Chart
http://www.ldonline.org_indepth/speech-language/lda_milestones.html
From the LDOnline, the interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers and children.
SLPs, Literacy, and Inclusion
http://www.wy-os.net/speech/speech.html
Wyoma has also created this site which explores the benefits of inclusion programs and interactive reading aloud. The site includes an extensive list of recommended books. Whether you're an educator or a parent, you will find much of value here.
Speech Therapy Activities
http://www.speechtx.com/
"Speech-Language Pathologists are continually looking for new activities. This site has a variety of printable activities and ideas for different ages, all FREE! Help yourself and share with your colleagues. Parents are also encouraged to enjoy the activities."
On J. Mitchell's site you'll find easy to use articulation cards and pictures to help improve your speech, language references and book reviews, information on Phonological Awareness and Phonemic Awareness, ideas and information to help integrate technology into the profession of speech and language therapy, and archives of the monthly newsletter.