Pupil Services Press

On Friday October 25, 2024, The Oberlin City Schools preschool program welcomed Courtney Seman from our State Support Team. Ms. Seman met with preschool staff and shared strategies and resources to help our teachers develop high-quality learning activities.

The Education Service Center of Lorain County employs a parent mentor, who assists families with navigating special education services within the school setting. Ms. Bender and her colleagues also publish a monthly newsletters for families. The Parent Mentor Minute is available through the following link: https://www.loraincountyesc.org/parentmentors4787.aspx

Gina Olszowy is Oberlin City School's Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). She is licensed in the state of Ohio and nationally certified. Ms. Olszowy serves students in preschool through 12th grade. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences from Ohio University and earned a Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from Cleveland State. She has worked in Oberlin for 10 years and has been a practicing SLP for a total of 17 years. When she is not at school, Ms. Olszowy enjoys gardening, cooking the food that she grows and traveling with her family. Keep reading for Ms. Olszowy's tips for language development through seasonal activities.

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, fall offers a wonderful opportunity for families to engage in playful learning activities that promote speech and language development. Here are some ways to incorporate language-rich experiences into your autumn activities at home.

1. Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts

Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather by organizing nature walks or scavenger hunts. Create a list of fall-themed items for your child to find—such as acorns, colorful leaves, pine cones, or even specific types of birds. As you explore, encourage your child to describe what they see, hear, and feel. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think that leaf feels like?” or “Can you tell me about the colors you see?”

Language Benefits:

• Expands vocabulary through descriptive language.

• Encourages storytelling and expressive language skills.

2. Harvest-Themed Storytime

Visit your local library or gather a selection of fall-themed books to read together. Look for stories that focus on harvests, animals preparing for winter, or the changing seasons. After reading, discuss the characters, plot, and illustrations. You can even create a story map together, drawing scenes or characters from the book.

Language Benefits:

• Enhances listening skills and comprehension.

• Promotes narrative skills and sequencing.

3. Crafting with Leaves

Collect leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colors to use in various art projects. You can create leaf rubbings, collages, or even leaf creatures. While crafting, talk about the different types of leaves, their colors, and textures. Encourage your child to express their ideas about what they are making.

Language Benefits:

• Develops fine motor skills while using scissors and glue.

• Boosts descriptive language and creativity.

4. Cooking and Baking Together

Fall is a great time for baking seasonal treats like pumpkin bread or apple pie. Involve your child in the process by letting them help measure ingredients, mix, and decorate. Use this time to talk about the steps in the recipe, the ingredients, and the textures and smells of what you’re making.

Language Benefits:

• Teaches following directions and sequencing.

• Introduces new vocabulary related to cooking and food.

5. Fall-Themed Puppet Shows

Create puppets using socks or paper bags and put on a fall-themed puppet show. Encourage your child to create a story that includes characters like a squirrel gathering acorns or a family of pumpkins preparing for Halloween. This can be a fun way for them to practice dialogue and storytelling.

Language Benefits:

• Encourages imaginative play and creativity.

• Enhances expressive language and social skills.

6. Outdoor Games with a Twist

Turn traditional outdoor games into language-learning experiences. For instance, while playing “Simon Says,” incorporate actions related to fall (e.g., “Simon says jump like a squirrel” or “Simon says pretend to rake leaves”). This adds an extra layer of fun while promoting listening skills.

Language Benefits:

• Supports understanding and following directions.

• Promotes vocabulary related to movement and action.

Conclusion

Fall is a perfect time to combine the joys of the season with opportunities for speech and language development at home. By engaging in these playful activities, you not only create lasting memories but also nurture your child’s communication skills. Remember, the key is to keep the experiences fun and interactive—after all, learning through play is the best way to grow!

When considering a child’s eligibility for speech or language services in a public educational agency (i.e. school) three factors must be in place:

1). The presence of a communication impairment

• Language impairment

• Articulation impairment

• Fluency impairment

• Voice impairment

2). A documented adverse effect on a student’s ability to access and make progress in the general curriculum. The presence of an adverse effect is based on evidence, not opinion.

3). The child demonstrates an educational need that requires specially designed instruction.

Certainly, many students could benefit from speech or language therapy. However, when determining eligibility in an educational setting, the question is not, “Could this child benefit from speech therapy?” Rather, the question is, “How is the speech/language impairment preventing the child from accessing the curriculum, making progress and participating in the school experience?

• A student can demonstrate communication differences, delays or even impairments without demonstrating an adverse effect on educational performance.

• Only educational disabilities and not impairments are addressed in special education law.