What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to a range of tools used to help individuals with communication challenges express themselves. AAC supports people who are nonverbal or have difficulty with verbal speech. It helps them to effectively communicate by sharing their ideas, feelings, and make comments. AAC consists of low-tech–which includes picture boards and visual schedules and high-tech–which includes speech generating devices and apps.
RELATED: Autism AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

Why Include AAC Activities In Your Classroom?

Including AAC activities in your classroom will help all students feel like they belong. It also promotes awareness, inclusivity, and an overall understanding of AAC. Providing a supportive environment helps all students thrive and feel included in the classroom setting.
RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC

10 AAC Classroom Activities

Here are a variety of AAC activities that promote communication and engagement for users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems:

RELATED: Embracing Autism Podcast Interview on AAC🎙️
Want more practical tips on AAC? I had the honor of being a guest on the top 1.5% podcast Embracing Autism. Click the link to listen to the full interview.

1. AAC Simon Says
   
   Activity: Play a modified version of Simon Says. Let the students choose commands for the other kids in class to follow. Choose simple commands like jump, clap, or sit. Have a picture card with Simon Says that the student can hold up, along with their command. Also, have Simon Says programmed into student devices.
   
   Goal: Enhance comprehension skills and following directions while incorporating AAC into fun, active play.
   
   Extension: Allow students to take turns being “Simon” and giving instructions with their AAC device.
   
   
2. AAC Charades
   
   Activity: Have a list ahead of time of the words the students have to act out. Already have those words included on picture cards or programmed in student devices. Then when students are acting out the word, students using AAC will be able to hold up a picture card with their answer or use their device. Students using AAC may also take a turn acting out the word.
   
   Goal: Encourage student engagement and creative thinking skills. Also, increase student confidence while promoting social skills.
   
   Extension: Adapt the difficulty level by adding common phrases, instead of just using words. 
   
   
3. AAC Opinion Poll
   
   Activity: Conduct an “opinion poll” where students share their thoughts about topics, such as, their favorite foods, hobbies, or activities. Students using AAC may hold up symbol cards of yes/no to indicate if they agree or disagree with the other students. Find out student preferences ahead of time to have the cards or devices ready for students to share their thoughts. Keep a tally of the responses and then discuss the results.
   
   Goal: Provide students with an opportunity to express their opinions using AAC.
   
   Extension: Use this activity for group decision-making, like voting on class activities or projects.
   
   
4. AAC Word of the Day
   
   Activity: Have a vocabulary word of the day. Students using AAC may use their devices to create sentences with the vocabulary word. This helps the students practice using the word and it reinforce its meaning.
   
   Goal: Build vocabulary, increase comprehension skills, and encourage regular AAC use.
   
   Extension: Create a “Word Wall” where the vocabulary words are displayed for students to practice during the day.
   
   
5. AAC Weather Report
   
   Activity: Have students create a “weather report” using picture cards or their AAC devices. Students describe the current weather and share how the weather makes them feel. Have each student take turns being a “weather reporter” so they can report the weather.
   
   Goal: Encourage language skills, social skills, and practice daily communication about daily events.
   
   Extension: After the students come in from recess, have them make a prediction about the weather for the next day or the rest of the week. Then keep tally of the students that make correct predictions.
   
   
6. AAC Board Games
   
   Activity: Modify traditional board games like Candyland or Connect Four by including AAC. Students use picture boards or AAC devices to ask whose turn it is, what color they want, or to say “I win.”
   
   Goal: Make communication part of the fun while reinforcing language and social skills.
   
   Extension: Create a custom AAC-friendly board game where players must use their devices to move forward or answer questions.
   
   
7. AAC Bingo
   
   Activity: Create a Bingo board filled with commonly used AAC symbols or words. Call out or show the words or symbols. Students using AAC can match the pictures on their devices or match their picture cards.
   
   Goal: Strengthen core vocabulary skills while making learning fun.
   
   Extension: Use this activity to introduce new vocabulary words or themes.
   
   
8. Storytelling with AAC
   
   Activity: Read a story and have students use their AAC devices or picture cards to answer questions. Increase comprehension skills by also having students describe the characters and events.
   
   Goal: Improve language and literacy skills while reinforcing how AAC supports communication.
   
   Extension: Allow students to create their own story and tell it using their AAC devices.
   
   
9. AAC Song Time
   
   Activity: Sing familiar songs with repetitive lyrics–like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star–and use AAC to join in. Include symbols for key words so students can participate by holding up a picture or using their devices. By using a song with repetitive lyrics, the students will be able to anticipate which words are coming next.
   
   Goal: Encourage participation and interaction through music, while building vocabulary.
   
   Extension: Let students choose their favorite songs and use AAC to express their song preferences.
   
   
10. AAC Art Project
    
    Activity: Students create an art project by drawing, painting, or coloring. Then students discuss their artwork using picture cards or their AAC devices. Display the art around the classroom to encourage more group discussions.
    
    Goal: Promote creativity, self-expression, and social skills while integrating AAC.
    
    Extension: Have the students make comments on the artwork and share what they like.
    RELATED: Increasing AAC Awareness

Conclusion

By integrating these activities into your classroom, you’ll help promote awareness, inclusivity, and understanding of AAC. Also, it provides a supportive environment for all students to feel included. By including these engaging AAC Awareness Month Activities in the classroom, you will encourage understanding and inclusion of all Augmentative and Alternative Communication users.

Related Resources

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What Is AAC Awareness Month?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is highlighted in October every year. This time is dedicated to raising awareness about AAC and its impact on individuals with communication challenges. AAC uses alternative communication methods—such as speech-generating devices (think iPad), communication boards, and pictures—to help people communicate.

RELATED: Autism AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE

What Is AAC?

AAC is a form of alternative communication to assist people who are unable to use their voice, or have difficulty speaking. It allows individuals to communicate their wants, needs, feelings, and make comments. Most people may automatically think of speech generating devices when you hear AAC, but it actually includes low-tech and high-tech options.

RELATED: 10 Fun Activities to Boost AAC Awareness

AAC includes

• Low-Tech: picture cards, choice boards, visual schedules, functional sign language, and low tech devices. These technology-based systems include switches, communication devices (i.e. Go Talk), and buttons (i.e. Big Mac).
  
  
• High-Tech: communication devices (i.e. iPad with apps) and speech generating devices (i.e. Tobii Dynavox). Most speech generating devices also include apps that can be purchased and used on the iPad.
  
  
• Unaided communication: Non-verbal methods like gestures, facial expressions, and body posture.
  
  
• Aided communication: Picture boards, symbol systems, and technology-based systems that help convey messages.
  

Who Uses AAC?

The individuals that use AAC are not able to effectively communicate. This includes people that are nonverbal. However, it also includes individuals that have some verbal words, but are unable to effectively communicate with others. Even if someone is able to say a few words, they may benefit from AAC. Common challenges include behaviors, frustration, shutting down, and loss of self-esteem. AAC supports individuals with various conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, and speech or language disorders. It’s about providing everyone with the tools they need to engage in social interactions.

RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC

Why Is AAC Important?

Most importantly, it provides individuals with a voice. For many, AAC is not just a tool but a lifeline that allows them to express themselves, connect with others, and participate in society. Communication is a fundamental human right, and AAC empowers individuals by providing them with the means to express themselves, share their feelings, and advocate for their needs.

What Are The Benefits of AAC?

Most individuals just want to be acknowledged. They want to be heard, make comments, and to be able to express their feelings. Being able to express feelings and emotions is essential to supporting a sense of well-being. AAC also decreases frustration because individuals are able to communicate; and this leads to less behaviors in the classroom setting. What led me to focus on AAC is my son. My son has autism and didn’t talk until he was five. I used AAC as an early intervention tool to help him communicate. Now he is able to talk and communicate without using a device.

RELATED: Embracing Autism Podcast Interview on AAC🎙️ Want more practical tips on AAC? I had the honor of being a guest on the top 1.5% podcast Embracing Autism. Click the link to listen to the full interview.

3 Practical Tips For Educators

Ready to get started? Discover my tips to incorporate AAC into your classroom today.

Tip #1: For low tech AAC, Make a visual schedule for a lesson, have a choice board of preferred activities, and teach functional signs to your students like “more” “all done” or “thank you.”

Tip #2: For high tech AAC, familiarize yourself with the device and model how to use it. Start with a smaller set of options as your student learns how to use the device.

Tip #3: Honor all communication attempts. Whatever they communicate, go with it and reinforce what your student says. This helps acknowledge their voice and how they feel. 

RELATED: Understanding Autism Stimming Behaviors

Conclusion

AAC Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of communication and to advocate for others. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or SLP, your support makes a difference–and ensures that everyone is able to communicate. This October, let’s use this month to foster a world where everyone has a voice–regardless of how that voice is expressed.

Additional Resources

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Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Georgia. In 1955, he earned his PhD degree in Philosophy. He was the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church from 1954 to 1960. King led many marches to fight against racism and to strive for equality. He is most known for organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, for his I Have A Dream speech in 1963, and for the Voting Rights Act in 1965. He helped to advance the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Why should we celebrate MLK Day?

The Montgomery Bus Boycott helped to end segregation on public buses and King’s I Have A Dream speech united the world with his belief that all men are created equal. King’s historic march from Selma in 1965 influenced the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminating voting practices. King also received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolence. MLK Day celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a time to educate others and continue to advocate for social justice.

RELATED: Black History Month Activities for the Classroom

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activity

I like to do a project on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For the project, print out a picture of Dr. King Jr. and cut it into squares for each student in your small group. Instruct each student to color their square any way they choose. When everyone is finished, glue the pieces back together. I explain that even though each square is different, we all fit together and we can all learn from each other. Here are examples of the work:

Download Dr. King Jr. coloring page

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RELATED: Fun February Activities for the Classroom

I also like to read this Children’s I Have a Dream Book and it also has a cd of King’s authentic I Have A Dream speech. The kids enjoy looking at the pictures as they listen to the speech.

Additional Resources

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6 Fun February Activities

1. Groundhog Day -Upper Elementary-

Groundhog Day Activities-This bingo activity is great for teaching language comprehension skills. Click to print this Groundhog Day Bingo Game. As a bonus, you can edit and customize up to 20 bingo cards. Another great speech language therapy activity is this Groundhog Day Word Search. As a bonus, you can choose the difficulty level and customize your own activity. Enjoy these activities in a small group or individually. Books are another great way to work on speech language skills. Click to read my list of Groundhog Day Books for Kids.

2. Valentine’s Day -Upper Elementary-

Valentine’s Day Activities-Download my free Valentine’s Day Cut-n-Fold activity that is perfect for speech language therapy. Students can work in pairs and practice their reading skills. One student reads the clue, and then the other student has to guess the right answer. Then they get to fold back the paper to check if their answer is correct. Also, try this Valentine Symbol Sudoku activity. Your students work on repetition and recognizing patterns. Add vocabulary by describing the symbols. Books are another great way to work on speech language skills. Click to read my list of Valentine’s Day Books for Kids.

3. Black History Month -Teens and Upper Elementary-

Black History Month-February is Black History Month; an important part of our history and culture. Learn how to diversify your classroom with these little known Black History facts. In my engaging Black History Bundle; students learn about 32 historical figures and their contributions to society. Use the Black History Bundle with your students during Black History Month and beyond. I also like to do a project on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Click here to grab my Martin Luther King Jr. Activity. Look at the examples below:

Download the Dr. King Jr. coloring page:

RELATED: Martin Luther King Jr. Activities

RELATED: Black History Month Activities

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4. Dental Health Month -Upper Elementary-

National Children’s Dental Health Month-February is Dental Health Month for kids. This is a good time to talk with your students about the importance of good oral hygiene. Explain the benefits of brushing your teeth with the Painting a Tooth Activity. All you need is: paint, toothbrushes, and colored paper. Draw a large tooth on the construction paper and students take turns painting the tooth white with their toothbrushes. Another is a sensory activity with the Brushing a Tooth Activity. All you need is: a laminated picture of a tooth, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Put a dab of toothpaste on the toothbrush and students take turns brushing the laminated tooth. Books are another great way to work on speech language skills. Click to read my list of Going To The Dentist Books for Kids.

Download the tooth coloring page:

RELATED: 5 Tips To Encourage Kids To Eat Healthy

5. American Heart Month -All Grades-

Healthy Heart Awareness-February is American Heart Month; a health education program that encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle. For nearly 100 years, The American Heart Association has been educating others on the benefits of living a heart healthy lifestyle. The Kids Heart Challenge increases awareness through activities and lesson plans by grade. The Kids Heart Challenge also features posters, fun facts, and infographics to use in your classroom: Heart Healthy Activities. Educate your students on the benefits of making healthy choices and the impact it will have on their lives.

Download These Health Conscious Infographics:

6. Random Acts of Kindness -All Grades-

Random Acts of Kindness Week-Celebrated each year from the second week of February. Random Acts of Kindness is near and dear to my heart because I recognize the significance of being kind. I try to be kind to everyone because you never know what someone is going through. It’s important to show kids that even one small act of kindness means the world to someone else. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation strives to make kindness the norm through education and free resources. They provide resources for teaching kindness in our schools, at home, the workplace, and in the community. Kindness at School by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers a wealth of resources to use in your classroom by grade. By teaching children to be kind at an early age, the world will be a much better place. Click to download Kindness Resources that include: posters, coloring pages, calendars, and more to use with your kids today!

So during this winter season, try these engaging activities with your students. Create lasting memories and help chase the winter blues away.

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As a parent of a child with autism, I know how frustrating it can be to find Christmas gifts your child will actually enjoy. Over the years, I have bought dinosaurs, cars, trucks, and trains (just to name a few). My son would show the initial excitement of tearing off the wrapping paper to see what Christmas gift was inside. However, beyond that he typically lost interest. The new toys would sit on a shelf and he would not play with them. I’m sure I’m not the only parent that has wondered, What do I get my autistic child for Christmas?

RELATED: AAC Resource On-The-Go FREEBIE

After trial and error, I have found gifts that my son actually enjoys and that we can play with together. So I have created a holiday gift guide for kids with autism that I hope you will find helpful too. For the 12 days of Christmas, I have 12 Christmas gift ideas for children on the autism spectrum. For all my Teachers, OT, PT, and SLPs you can also use these items in the classroom with your students!

Tetris Pop-it Puzzle

This is great sensory toy and engaging at the same time. My son loves Tetris and pop-it fidgets; so this was the perfect item. He enjoys playing with the pop-its and putting them together like a puzzle. My son was able to assemble the puzzle several times without my help. He enjoys humming the Tetris song as he assembles the puzzle and it’s an activity we can do together. You can also use the pop-its to create your own puzzles.

Pop-it Pencil Case

Speaking of Pop-its, my son loves the Pop-It Pencil case. He is able to keep all of his pencils, crayons, erasers, and other art supplies in it. The pencil case zips up and is easy to keep clean. He uses one at home and one at school. This item is a great sensory tool, it’s functional, and fun at the same time.

Sensory Body Sock

A full body wrap made of a lightweight fabric that stimulates deep pressure. When my son puts this on, he feels calm, more balanced, and it helps him focus. The body sock comes in a variety of colors and sizes; and it snaps in the front. The stretch fabric makes it easy for my son to put on and take off.

Sensory Pea Pod

An inflatable sensory chair that snuggles your child in a hug. It provides deep pressure and helps your child feel safe and secure. It’s made of vinyl and built to last. My son loves to sit in his sensory chair to read books and listen to soothing music on his headphones. For added comfort, he sometimes likes for me to put a blanket on top of him. The sensory pea pod comes with an air pump and inflates in minutes. It’s light weight and easy to carry around.

RELATED: Autism Blog Posts, Sensory Friendly Christmas Holiday Activities, and 6 Fun Holiday Activities for Speech Therapy


Sensory Crash Pad

A landing zone for children to jump and crash into for sensory input. It helps children to get rid of some of their excess energy; therefore, helping them to relax. My son enjoys jumping and laying on his sensory crash pad; and it is also very calming for him. The cover is made of a nylon material, so it’s easy to keep clean; and has foam blocks on the inside. It’s firm on the outside and soft enough for kids to jump on without getting hurt.

Weighted Blanket

This sensory item provides deep pressure that calms and soothes the nervous system. It helps to reduce sensory overload, which leads to better sleep. My son enjoys using this weighted blanket at night and sometimes he will use it while reading on the sofa. It has a general calming affect and it helps him relax. The fabric is very soft and smooth to the touch; it also doesn’t get too hot while sleeping.

Grab my Winter Cut and Fold FREEBIE for more Winter Themed Activities.

Books

Books are a great way to engage with your child and spend some quality time. These are three of my son’s favorite books: All Cats Are On the Autism Spectrum. This is a great book to talk with your child about autism. It talks about all the great things about being on the autism spectrum and also the challenges. Your child can even take it to school to share with their class.

Another favorite is Ricky, The Rock That Couldn’t Roll, which teaches children about empathy and the importance of including others. It is also a great story about friendship and how the characters in the book all work together to achieve a common goal.

Finally, The Invisible String is also one of our favorites. If you have a child that has separation anxiety, then I highly recommend this book. It is also a great story to talk with your child about friends that moved away or the loss of a loved one. It teaches children that we are always connected with an invisible string; and that we are never far apart.

Kinetic Sand

Kinetic Sand is also another great activity that provides sensory and tactile input. It’s made from natural sand, but it sticks together for easy cleanup. My son really enjoys his kinetic sand set. I recommend keeping the kinetic sand in a sealed container.

Jumbo Floor Puzzle

Picasso Tiles

A fun and engaging activity that encourages creativity. The tiles are magnetic and stick together to build and create a masterpiece. My son saw these at the local library and we liked it so much, we got some for home! It’s also good for working on colors and shapes. You can encourage social skills by playing this activity with your child.

Whale Sensory Nightlight

Let me start by saying this item is so much more than just a nightlight! This nightlight is by far one of my son’s favorite sensory items. The whale lights up and is made of a soft squishy material. When you push on the whale, it lights up and changes colors. It has a total of 7 different colors that are static or rotate. My son finds this to be very soothing. He uses this anytime we are going to unfamiliar events, large gatherings, or other settings that may cause him to be anxious. It charges, so you never have to worry about batteries. Definitely a must-have and it’s a great calming activity!

Best Gifts for Autistic Kids

I hope that you enjoyed this Christmas list and it gives you some great ideas to use with your child this holiday season. I have included all of the things I find to be successful with my son. Leave me a comment and let me know how these activities work for you!

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It’s the season for ice cream, swimming, the beach, and hanging out with friends by the pool. While school is out, you need activities to keep your kids active and busy. If you’re working summer school, you may also be looking for engaging summer lesson plans and activities. These 6 Fun Summer Activities will make planning a breeze and keep your kids actively engaged.

6 Fun Fresh Summer Activities

1. July 4th Fireworks Crafts
   
   July 4th is the time for fireworks and barbecues. If you’re looking for fun July 4th activities to try with your kids, then look no further. These diy crafts are fun for the entire family. All you need is paper, washable paint, straws, and tape. This craft is easy to make and clean up is a breeze.
   
   Read my blog post on this fun summer craft: July 4th Fireworks Craftivity
   
   
2. Summer Bingo (Elementary)
   
   This Summer Bingo activity is an excellent tool to work on language skills in the small group setting. Practice answering Wh- Questions and making inferences at the same time. Each question card includes a “wh” question and picture of the answer.
   
   Fresh take on Bingo: Summer Bingo
   
   
3. Summer Sequencing (Upper Elementary)
   
   This Summer Sequencing activity will encourage written expression, inferencing, and encourage more utterances. Sequence cards, complete inferencing worksheets, and create sentence strips. Kids will also work on problem solving and story comprehension.
   
   Summer Sequencing Fun: Summer Sequencing Activity
   
   
4. Summer Speech Homework (Elementary)
   
   This activity is perfect for sending activities home with your students for the summer. Encourage your kids to use their language skills by answering comprehension and descriptive questions. Each packet is also customizable to suit the needs of your students.
   
   Make speech summer homework a breeze: Summer Speech Homework
   
   
5. Summer Journal (Upper Elementary)
   
   This journal will help your students keep track of their summer vacation. They write about the fun they had, time spent with family, and the holidays. Students will work on their comprehension skills and written expression at the same time.
   
   
6. Summer Reading Log (Elementary)
   
   Encourage your students to continue their reading over the summer. Students log their books, authors, and the date that they read. Encourage your kids to continue their reading literacy and story comprehension over their summer vacation.
   
   
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Downloads:

• Activities 5-6 may be found on www.abcteach.com

By using these activities, help make your summer a breeze! You will have peace of mind with these strategies on hand to keep your kids engaged. Spend more time enjoying your summer and quality time as a family.

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Looking for more Summer Activities? Click to read my blog post on 6 Fun Summer Activities for Speech Therapy.

Materials

Straws (Flexible)

Red and Blue Paint

White paper

Tape 

Baby Wipes

Bend the straws at a right angle and then tape them together to form a pinwheel. 

Dip all the straws in the blue paint and apply to the white paper.

Then do the same thing with the red paint.

After a little practice, you can even combine the two colors together. Now you have your July 4th fireworks!

Use the wipes to clean your hands and table.

I usually follow up with a discussion on Independence Day; depending on the grade and ability level. For younger students, I work on following directions and I review the sequence of steps.  For older students, I have them write a sentence or paragraph about the 4th of July.

Want more freebies and tips in your inbox? Then click to join The Artsy SLP Newsletter.

Additional Summer Resources:

Summer Bingo

Summer Sequencing

Summer Speech Homework

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1. Lucky the Leprechaun (Upper Elementary)
   
   Help teach your students about St. Patrick’s Day by reading the story about Lucky Leprechaun. Students work on increasing their language skills. Help them work on inferencing, predictions, and using context clues. Will Lucky make it to the parade in time? This activity includes 10 comprehension questions (6 multiple choice and 4 short answer).
   
   
2. St. Patrick’s Day Freebie (Elementary)
   
   Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this FREE Cut n Fold activity. This is a fun and easy way to introduce the St. Patrick’s Day spring season to your students and work on comprehension at the same time! Read 6 Wh- questions and the student answers. Then fold back the paper to see if their answer was correct.
   RELATED: St. Patrick’s Day Freebie
   
   
3. Spring At The Pond (Upper Elementary)
   
   Welcome spring with this story. Students work on increasing their comprehension skills by reading a short story. Then they answer 8 questions (5 multiple choice and 3 short answer). A little girl and her father have been waiting all winter for the spring season.
   
   
4. Spring Sequencing (Upper Elementary)
   
   This Spring Sequencing Activity Packet will encourage written expression, inferencing, and encourage more utterances. Sequence cards, complete inferencing worksheets, and create sentence strips. Students work on creating 4-step and 5-step sequencing. First, cut out the cards and laminate for durable use. Next, students sequence the cards in the correct order. Then students cut out and glue their own sequencing cards and glue the steps in correct order.
   RELATED: Spring Sequencing Activity
   
   
5. Spring Bingo (Elementary)
   
   This Spring Bingo Activity is an excellent tool to work on language skills in the small group setting. Students practice answering Wh- Questions and making inferences at the same time. Each question card includes a “wh” question and picture of the answer. Up to 5 players can play at one time.
   RELATED: Spring Bingo Activity
   
   
6. Easter Bunny Word Search (Elementary)
   
   Who doesn’t love a good word search? Students take turns searching for 14 target words. Pro Tip: Have your students use highlighters instead of pencil to find the words. After the students find their words, encourage them to write sentences including their target word.
   

Downloads:

• The first three activities may be found on: abcteach.com.
  

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The holiday season is the time for tradition, winter snow, eggnog, and cozying by the fireside with the ones that you love. The holiday season is also for spending time with family and friends.

1. Santa Paper Bag Puppet (Elementary)

   Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and easy craft. First, add following directions into the activity by directing your students on how to color the Santa picture. Next, students cut out the pictures. Last, students glue the pictures to the paper bag to make a puppet. For added bonus, have the students practice their speech sounds using the Santa Paper Bag Puppet.

   
   
2. Holiday Ornament Play Dough Recipe (Upper Elementary)

   This hands-on activity incorporates following directions, crafts, and comprehension questions all into one. Have your students help you create the play dough by following the recipe in speech therapy. Students may also choose which food coloring drops they would like to use. They can also choose their own shapes by using the cookie cutters. For an added bonus, this activity also includes 11 comprehension questions to answer after completing the Play Dough recipe. Students must use their context clues to answer some of the questions.

   Grab my Winter Cut and Fold FREEBIE for more Winter Themed Activities.
   
   
   
3. Holiday Activity Mat (Upper Elementary)

   This holiday activity mat is perfect to use during speech therapy. It includes: 5 word scrambles, 1 word search, 1 connect the dots, and 1 holiday graph. Students may complete the activities while practicing their articulation or by answering language questions. If students are practicing following directions, have them complete the holiday ornament graph and see if it looks like the picture. Also perfect for your end of the semester holiday activities.

   
   
4. Bobby Bear Holiday Activities (Upper Elementary)

   Follow Bobby Bear on his adventures as students complete a variety of activities. First, students read a story and then answer 10 comprehension questions. Next, students complete a word search based on the vocabulary in the story. Then, students complete an acrostic using the word: Christmas. Finally, students sequence the holiday story in the correct order by following 8 sequence steps. Answer Key included.

   RELATED: Sensory Friendly Holiday Activities and Christmas Holiday Activities for Teens.
   
   
   
5. Holiday Traditions Around the World (Middle to High School)

   These cultural activities highlight the holiday traditions of four countries: United States, Australia, Africa, and Canada. Students target numerous language concepts at the same time: comprehension, vocabulary, inferences, compare/contrast, making predictions, main idea, and grammar/written expression. Students read about the country, its traditions, and its customs. Then they take a quiz, write short answers & essays, and complete a Venn diagram. This activity is effective for teaching cultural diversity.

   This activity includes:
   -32 Multiple choice questions
   -4 Essay questions
   -4 Venn diagrams with a topic of discussion
   -Essay questions

   Click to try my Holiday Traditions Around the World

6. Kwanzaa Holiday Traditions (Middle to High School)

   This Kwanzaa cultural activity will educate your students about the Kwanzaa history, traditions, symbols, and principles. After reading about the Kwanzaa history and traditions; students practice their comprehension and written expression skills. This activity is effective for teaching cultural diversity.

   It provides a detailed description of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa and the Swahili names: Place Mat (Mkeka), Mazao (Crops), Ear of Corn (Muhindi), Seven Candles (Mishumaa Saba), Candle Holder (Kinara), Unity Cup (Kikoma Cha Umoja), and Gifts (Zawadi). It also provides a detailed description of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the Swahili names: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

   This activity includes:
   -Kwanzaa Symbols and Principles
   -Short Answer Quizzes
   -Written Expression Paragraphs
   -Venn Diagrams

   Click here to try my Kwanzaa Holiday Tradition

Speech Therapy Holiday Downloads:

Santa Paper Bag Puppet

Holiday Play Dough Ornament Recipe

Holiday Activity Mat

Bobby Bear Holiday Activities

Holiday Traditions Around the World

Kwanzaa Activities

By trying these 6 Fun Holiday Activities, Crafts, and Downloads during Speech Therapy; you will help get your students into the holiday season.

The post 6 Fun Holiday Activities for Speech Therapy appeared first on The Artsy SLP.

These Thanksgiving ideas, crafts, diy activities, and fun printables will help teach your students about the importance of giving thanks. During this holiday season, try these 6 fun Thanksgiving crafts during speech therapy.

1. Origins of Thanksgiving Article
   
   Do your students ever wonder about the origin of Thanksgiving? Read a brief story with your students entitled “The First Thanksgiving” This article explains the importance of Thanksgiving and how it started. Teach your students about gratitude and being thankful. After reading the story together, have your students answer the questions on the short quiz. It includes 10 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions.
   
   
2. Thanksgiving Venn Diagram
   
   Use this Venn diagram to pair with the article on “The First Thanksgiving.” Students use the diagram to compare the first Thanksgiving with their own personal Thanksgiving traditions. After students compose the Venn Diagram, encourage them to present their diagram to the class.
   
   
3. Persuasive Turkey Short Essay
   
   Your students imagine that they are a turkey and Thanksgiving is approaching soon. Now, your students really don’t want to be chosen for the dinner table. So the objective is for them to write a speech explaining why their partner is a better choice for the dinner table. Students list their objectives on the list and then write a persuasive essay.
   
   Grab my Autumn Cut-n-Fold FREEBIE for more fall themed activities.
   
   
4. Thanksgiving Today Crossword Puzzle
   
   This crossword puzzle will encourage your students have fun and work on comprehension at the same time. Work on this activity in a group and have your students to share their answers. Answer key is included.
   
   
5. How to Cook A Turkey Project
   
   Different families have different turkey recipes. Some use stuffing and some use spices. Others use an oven, a grill, or fry their turkey outside. Students break into groups and discuss how their family fixes their Thanksgiving Turkey. Then write the steps in sequential order. It also includes an article from an online recipe database for inspirational ideas.
   
   RELATED: 6 Fun Holiday Activities for Speech Therapy, Sensory Friendly Holiday Activities, and 6 Holiday Activities for Teens
   
   
6. Thanksgiving Mini Book
   
   This Thanksgiving book will be a hit with your students! Your students will also have fun answering Comprehension Questions and using the Writing Prompts to discuss what they are thankful for. Students read about preparing a Thanksgiving meal and being thankful. Then they cut out pictures to answer comprehension questions about the story. Finally, they complete writing prompts on what makes them feel thankful.
   
   This activity includes:
   Mini Book with 20 pages
   9 Comprehension Questions
   4 Writing Prompts: I’m thankful for, I feel thankful when, my favorite Thanksgiving meal, and my favorite Thanksgiving dessert.
   
   

Downloads:

Activities 1-4: May be found on abcteach.com.

Activity 5: I downloaded several online recipes on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. You may use this pdf to provide your students with ideas. Click the link to download the recipes.

Activity 6: May be found here: Thanksgiving Mini Book.

Additional Resources:

Halloween Mini Book

Holiday Traditions Around The World

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The post 6 Fun Thanksgiving Ideas for Speech Therapy appeared first on The Artsy SLP.