Enjoying Therapy

One of the things I’ve noticed about my therapy this year is that I’m really enjoying it. I’m officially retired and only working two days a week with a small caseload. Why shouldn’t I be enjoying it?

But to get to the point, I’m having a good relationship with my students-showing interest in them, being patient, joking with them, praising them when they do something well and treating them with respect. And they are making progress. As a result, I have no discipline issues.

One of my 3rd grade students used to come into my room with that “deer in the headlights” look. It turns out he has severe apraxia and is difficult to understand. He’s worked hard and has become much more intelligible. I’ve given him lots of praise (which he eats up) and he works hard at home doing his exercises.

Another student, an 8th grader, could not read when he came in at the beginning of the year and was extremely belligerent when he came to therapy. We worked on his phonemic awareness skills which were around the kindergarten level when we started. After a couple of months, he’s like a different kid. He’s probably reading at a 3rd grade level now (also getting RSP services daily) and his attitude is great.

I know some of you reading this are saying that my caseload is enormous, and I don’t have time for anything. However, if you treat kids with dignity and respect, help them improve and enjoy your interactions with them, it can change everything!

Stephen Sacks
SATPAC Speech

Upcoming presentations are February 7 and 8 in Phoenix, AZ and April 26 in Elk Grove, CA. I’m also scheduling an advanced SATPAC workshop in Elk Grove either April 25 or 27 for people who are already SATPAC users. Here is the link: https://satpac.com/sacks-workshops/

Because I want SLPs from all over to use and understand my program, I have a .6 CEU ASHA webinar that is basically the same as my live presentations. Go to the SATPAC website for details. Here is the link: https://satpac.com/workshops/webinar

Looking for professional development for your school district or organization? Contact me steve@satpac.com for details.