The Speech Source

In today's episode we talk about some of our favorite pretend play toys!  Make sure you listen to the Episode before this, Episode 26, to hear why we love pretend play so much and why it's important for speech and language development.  Some of our favorites: Our Generation Brand at Target - The School set, backpack set, school supplies set School calendar and weather pocket chart  Melis...

Mary and Kim talk about the importance of pretend play, examples of pretend play, and ways to encourage and model pretend play for your kids.  Pretend Play ages and stages article referenced: The Land of Make Believe (hanen.org) Check out more information and all of our resources at www.thespeechsource.com  Follow The Speech Source on Instagram - @thespeechsource  Also, if you haven't done so...

We absolutely love art and creating with kids! Having great art supplies can be enjoyable not just for your young artists but also work on speech, language, and even feeding concepts! Here are our top picks: Dauber Dogs Dot Markers Paint by Sticker books Ooly Rainbow Sparkle Metallic Watercolor Gel Crayons  Caryola Silly Scents Washable Chisel Tip Markers  About “FF” Friday Favorites: Every Friday...

Part 1 of Tips for Picky eaters gives 4 easy to implement strategies to use at home to help maximize opportunities for kids during mealtime.  Whether you have a very picky eater or not, these are great ideas to help create a stress free and encouraging environment for mealtime at home.   Stay tuned for Part 2 which will give tips 5-8! Check out more information and all of our resources at www.thes...

Today's special Friday edition is all about dress-up, costumes and why we think it's a great idea to have a collection of these! About “FF” Friday Favorites: Every Friday Kim and Mary share their favorite of a certain category - books, games, art supplies, outdoor toys, music...the list goes on! Look for Friday Favorites "FF" in the title for more of these short and sweet episo...

Today we talk with Lindsey Hockel, speech pathologist, influencer, and owner of Speechy Things.  Lindsey is an expert in many areas, but in this episode we talk about her expertise in the speech sound "r" and how she landed in that space.  We talk about her business Speechy Things, the Teachers pay Teachers platform, motherhood, her mysterious cool-girl side and stint as a barista, and e...

In today's special episode, Mary (our feeding therapy expert!) talks about her favorite allergy friendly treats.  She also shares her personal experience with how her family has had to adapt and find certain foods that fit their needs.     Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech and language development.  From books and toys to ga...

Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech and language development.  From books and toys to games and songs, we talk about how we use each one and specific areas they target.  This is a GREAT way to build developmentally appropriate little libraries, game closets, toys bins and more! Today we talk about the puzzles: Melissa and Doug Magn...

Today we talk about the books: The Biggest Pumpkin Surprise Ever  What Am I?  Halloween  Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech and language development.  From books and toys to games and songs, we talk about how we use each one and specific areas they target.  This is a GREAT way to build developmentally appropriate little libraries,...

Parent Perspective: Kellie Wright, mom of 4 and co-owner of Cowtown Clay in Fort Worth, joins Kim and Mary to talk about her experience during and after as a NICU mom.  She shares what was most difficult, how she found her support, her journey through therapies, and much more! Check out her company at https://cowtownclay.com Check out more information and all of our resources at www.thespeechsourc...

Two of our all time favorite toys, especially for children who LOVE tinkering, opening and closing, puzzles, and wheels.  Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech and language development.  From books and toys to games and songs, we talk about how we use each one and specific areas they target.  This is a GREAT way to build developmenta...

These games are perfect for learning the early skills of turn taking, winning and losing, good sportsmanship, and early language and conversational skills. Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech and language development.  From books and toys to games and songs, we talk about how we use each one and specific areas they target.  This is...

Meet Lindsay Jones, M.S., CCC-SLP.  She is a speech pathologist and owner of The PlaySpace, a drop in playcare space with locations in both Fort Worth and Willow Park.  She talks with us today about how she transitioned from the pediatric in-patient setting at a major children's hospital into creating The PlaySpace.  What toys work in her setting, what toys don't work, what she looks for...

This is a very special episode about some REALLY good books for children.  Kids' social-emotional health and wellbeing is so important and books can really help facilitate talking about these issues and model ways to self-regulate or ask for help. Kim and Mary talk about their needs for big emotions books for their children based on family life events and share their favorites in hopes that i...

In this episode, Mary and Kim talk about the importance of imitation skills and how they are foundational for speech and language development.  Music, games, and all types of examples on how you can increase these skills in a FUN way with your kids! Check out more information and all of our resources at www.thespeechsource.com  Follow The Speech Source on Instagram - @thespeechsource  Also, if you...

Super interactive and highly engaging books for toddlers and young children. These are our two favorites! Today we talk about the books: Press Here by Herve Tullet      https://amzn.to/3bdJnzH My First Search and Find:  Things that Go    https://amzn.to/3POLp8r Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech and language development.  From boo...

Today we talk about the Toys! These are great baby and preschool toys for children. Mary and Kim talk through how they use these toys to work on language concepts with children. Melissa and Doug Smoothie Maker Blender Set https://amzn.to/3ug5BqU Playskool Busy Ball Popper https://amzn.to/3I82N4V Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech...

In this episode, Mary and Kim talk about the importance of the first 1000 days in the life of a child.  What parents and caregivers do to increase conversational turns, which in return increases language development and cognitive growth.  They discuss articles that have come out in the last several months discussing what was lost language wise over the last couple of years in our little ones, and...

Today we talk about the Puzzles! Puzzles are a great way to work on early speech, language, and cognitive skill development with children. Listen as we talk about each puzzle and why it is a favorite on our shelves! Melissa and Doug Farm Animals Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle https://amzn.to/3OlilnT Melissa and Doug Farm Sound Puzzle https://amzn.to/3Htpq3e My Time of Year (Seasons) Wooden Puzzle https:...

Top games for preschool and early elementary school children. We love playing these with our own children and our patients! Today we talk about the games: Headbanz   https://amzn.to/39vVCXc Shopping List    https://amzn.to/39iBbgq Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech and language development.  From books and toys to games and songs,...

Mary and Kim talk about all of the different categories that fall under the speech umbrella (articulation, receptive and expressive language, pragmatic language, feeding and swallowing, voice and fluency).  What is a comprehensive speech evaluation, what do we look for in an evaluation, when to seek out an evaluation....all the questions answered!  Plus, both of our options on the "wait and s...

Mary and Kim talk about all of the natural language opportunities in our community, what our kids have missed out on the last couple of years, and the importance of getting back into some of these environments to help increase early speech and language skills.  Free resources highlighting specific community activities and opportunities can be found on the website! Check out more information and al...

Professional Perspective: Meet Whitney McMullin, M.S., CCC-SLP.  She is a pediatric speech pathologist living in The Woodlands, TX.  She talks with us today about speech therapy in the home environment, parent training, easy and applicable language ideas we can all do, some great book recs and much more.  Plus she is FUN-NY!!!   Books mentioned in episode: Oh Crap!  Potty Training by Jamie Glowack...

The most giftable books for the next baby shower or birthday party for a toddler! These are top books we love to read with children and work on language concepts. Today we talk about the books:  Baby Nose to Baby Toes      https://amzn.to/3zCtfkW  Brown Bear, Brown Bear    https://amzn.to/3NIuR0J Each Friday Mary and Kim talk about two of their favorite activities that encourage and promote speech...

Meet Mary Brezik and Kim Dillon, two pediatric speech-language pathologists ready to share, connect and collaborate with parents and providers in the community. In today's episode we share a little bit about who we are, why we felt the need for creating this podcast, and how we hope to make a difference in sharing our thoughts and expertise in the areas of speech, language, feeding and play....