Back to School: Preparing for Another Year

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Back to School

Image source: Zatchels.com

Whether you are eagerly anticipating the sounds of the school bus or are already experiencing premature empty nest syndrome, there’s no denying that the start of another school year signals a transition for your child. Preparing your child to go back to school requires so much more than just buying him school supplies and the latest fashions in celebrity-inspired clothes. If your child has a speech disorder, you’ve probably already spent the summer doing language enrichment activities. Now it’s time to review his Individualized Education Program (IEP) and talk to the school district about changing it, if necessary. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with your child’s new teacher and/or new special education teacher.

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Cochlear Implants: After the Surgery

by Jacky G. Hearing Loss
Boy with Cochlear Implant

Image source: Letthemhear.org

A child who receives cochlear implants has the opportunity to learn to perceive sound and develop speech and language skills. However, he will not be able to use the cochlear implant immediately after surgery. It typically takes three to six weeks for the ear to heal. The ear must heal before the surgeon attaches the external transmitter. Furthermore, it is important to remember that cochlear implants are not a cure for hearing loss. Speech therapy is critical for the best possible outcome. Your child must learn how to use his cochlear implant.

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Cochlear Implants: What to Expect During Surgery

by Jacky G. Hearing Loss
Cochlear Implant Diagram

Image source: Kidshealth.org

Cochlear implants are not a cure for hearing loss, but they can provide an opportunity to perceive sound. Research has shown that if parents are going to have their children undergo cochlear implant surgery, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later. Doing so can greatly improve the child’s speech and language development so that they are on target with their peer groups. While every surgery is serious and should not be considered lightly, it may reassure you to know that cochlear implant surgery has become routine. It may even be performed on an outpatient basis.

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The King’s Speech: How George VI Overcame His Stutter

by Jacky G. Speech Disorders
King George VI Salutes

Image source: 2db.com

You might be surprised at how many famous people have struggled with a speech disorder. James Earl Jones developed a stutter as a child. So did Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Tiger Woods. Influential orators have also dealt with the issue, including Winston Churchill. And King George VI’s stuttering problem was made famous by the Hollywood hit, “The King’s Speech,” starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. While the screenwriter took certain liberties with historical facts (the compression of events into a shorter time period, for one), this can be forgiven since the primary focus of “The King’s Speech” is how George VI overcame his stutter.

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Sight Words Apps for Beginning Readers

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child Using iPad App

Image source: Blogs.collegiateschool.org

As your child learns to read, you’ll probably encourage him to cope with the tricky words by sounding them out. But some words do not have straightforward spelling and they cannot be easily sounded out. These words are called “sight words,” and for better or worse, they are used quite frequently in English. Your child will have to learn to recognize them on sight (hence the term, “sight words”). This collection of words is also referred to as the Dolch word list. Encouraging your child to memorize sight words can greatly improve his written communication skills. Your child’s speech-language pathologist (SLP) can offer advice about improving your child’s reading and writing skills. You can also check out this list of apps that are designed specifically to teach children sight words.

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