{Book Reviews} 5 Great Books for SLPs: Being Frank, Dragon and Captain, Hammer and Nails, Hey! That’s My Monster & I Need My Monster by Flashlight Press

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{Book Reviews} 5 Great Books for SLPs: Being Frank, Dragon and Captain, Hammer and Nails, Hey! That’s My Monster & I Need My Monster by Flashlight Press

  • Being Frank by Donna Earnhardt

Honesty is the best policy.” That’s Frank’s motto. But Frank’s overly frank comments tend to annoy his friends and teachers. Not even his own mother is all that fond of Frank’s “tell all” attitude. So Frank turns to his grandpa for help. “Everyone is mad at me for being frank. I’m not sure honesty is the best policy anymore.” A few outrageous hats, a spicy jar of relish, and some grandfatherly wisdom help Frank realize that truth is best served with more sugar and less pepper.

What I love as a SLP: This book is perfect to help kids with Autism or other special needs understand the concept of filtering the “truth” in a way that is considerate of another person’s feelings. The analogy of the truth being “best served with more sugar and less pepper” is fabulous!

Book trailer:

I’m planning on making an activity similar to this one to go with the book: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Skill-Lesson-Honesty-without-Hurting-Feelings-2070400

Or this activity:

  • Dragon and Captain by P. R. Allabach

Dragon is a boy who always wears his dragon robe. And Captain is a boy with a three-sided hat. But as the boys’ imaginations take over, we see them as they see themselves, and the backyard as the boys see it: a dark forest, a craggy cliff, and the immense sea. Illustrated like a comic book but for kids at the picture book age level.

What I love as a SLP: I have been looking for a comic style picture book for younger kids after reading a post about using that style of books to help kids with Autism and other special needs understand the turn taking aspect of conversations. This book is exactly what I have been needing! I love the large illustrations and simple dialogue depicted on each page or two-page spread. This style of book also lends itself well to showing kids a sequence of events. It is also filled with lots of great vocabulary, verbs, adjectives, spatial concepts, predicting, inferencing, teamwork and imagination. The pirate theme is sure to be a hit with my patients! Even the end pages are illustrated as pirate’s map.

Book read aloud video:

 

  • Hammer and Nails by Josh Bledsoe

Darcy has plans. She and her friend are going to play dress up, do each other’s hair, and polish their nails. Daddy has plans, too. He’s going to read the paper, mow the lawn, and fix the fence. When Darcy’s friend cancels and she’s sure her day is ruined, Daddy suggests a Darcy-Daddy Day. Now they can tackle their to-do lists together. But will Darcy enjoy hammering? Will Daddy do nails? You bet! Join Darcy and Daddy as they discover the fun in trying new things, especially with someone you love.

What I love as a SLP: This book has great illustrations depicting emotions and a fabulous storyline of a day that a child thought was ruined by a change in plans instead turning into a fun-filled day with her Dad. I love that the day is a mixture of what the things she wanted to do and the things her Dad needed to accomplish. This book is filled with great examples of “flexible thinking” and discussing options. Lots of great vocabulary, verbs, adjectives, spatial concepts, taking turns, trying new things, silliness/humor and showing that even chores like mowing, laundry or fixing a fence can be fun if you use your imagination and are working together.

No video of this book yet but I’ll add one here later if one is made. In the meantime a cute picture:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG18uFPKXxb/

 

  • Hey, That’s My Monster! by Amanda Noll

Hey, That’s MY Monster!, companion to the best-selling I Need My Monster, is an irresistible monster-under-the-bed story for all monster-loving kids. The perfect balance of giggles and shivers will keep you under your covers, and you’ll soon be sleeping soundly.

What I love as a SLP: This book has all the same great qualities as “I Need My Monster” with the added opportunities for pronouns (he, she, his, her). It is also fun to compare the monsters found in both books.

Book Trailer:

 

  •  I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll

One night, when Ethan checks under the bed for his monster, he finds a note instead: “Gone fishing. Back in a week. –Gabe”. What will Ethan do? He needs a monster under his bed. How is he supposed to get to sleep if his monster is gone? Substitute monsters appear, but none are just right. Herbert’s teeth aren’t sharp enough, Mack’s slobbering induces giggles, Cynthia’s tail isn’t scary at all, and Ralph has nail polish on his claws! This will never work! How will Ethan ever get to sleep without his monster?

What I love as a SLP: This book is filled with great vocabulary, verbs, adjectives and is fun to use to compare/contrast the monsters. I also used it on Halloween with several patients working on articulation. It was fun to find words with their target sounds. The illustrations are exquisite and the story is the perfect level of “just a little scary but mainly funny”. The end sheets are illustrated with lots of different monsters… fun for a game of “I spy”.

Book read aloud video:


Animated rendition of the book:

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Get free printables for each book: http://www.flashlightpress.com/Activity_Guides.html

Check out their catalog for a peek inside each book: http://www.flashlightpress.com/files/fpcat2016_v26.pdf

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Dear Apple} If you want to be “special needs friendly”, please do this….

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Dear Apple,

iPads were the best purchase ever as a SLP. If you truly want iPads to be “special needs friendly”, please do this:

  • Maintain consistent sizes on devices. Companies that make cases need consistent sizes over time for them to invest in making cases for them. It has been a challenge to find cases for the iPad Mini 4 & iPad Pro 9.7″

 

  • Please make an iPad Pro Mini. Having the Mini size + the 4 speakers + the enhanced processor speed would make it ideal for most kids who would use it for AAC.

 

  • Please add the visual aspect back to the built in timer in your next update for iOS 10. Very useful for kids with Autism.

Thanks for considering these suggestions!
Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
OMazing Kids (https://omazingkidsllc.com/)
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This feedback was submitted directly to Apple via their online feedback form on 11/6/16. I’ll keep you posted if I get a response. I have seen rumors of a an iPad Pro 7.9″ (aka. iPad Mini 5 but with 4 speakers and other features of the iPad Pro) possibly coming in March 2017. If that happens, I hope Gripcase & Lifeproof will both get on board in supporting the special needs community and offer cases for it. 

https://www.apple.com/feedback/ipad.html

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Here are some good FREE visual timer apps to use until Apple adds the visual aspect back to the built in iPad timer:

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.
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{ iOS Hack } Free up memory on your iPhone or iPad

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Anybody else out there playing the never ending “app shuffle” where you painstakingly decide what to delete off your device to free up memory? I had been doing this daily to keep at least 1GB of memory free to insure that all of my AAC apps and therapy apps run smoothly. Even with a 128 GB iPad Air the struggle is real.

I’m usually skeptical of “hacks” since they never quite live up to the hype but was intrigued when I saw a post about this one on Lauren Enders’, an AAC and tech guru, Facebook page. I highly recommend following her on Facebook and Pinterest!

CNet post with steps of how to do it:

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/out-of-space-on-your-iphone-try-this-magic-trick-to-free-up-more/

PDF of that post:

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NOTE: I had one person leave a comment on my Facebook page that she was charged after tapping “rent” despite following the steps in the CNET post. She indicated that she suspected that it might have been due to her having an available balance to spend in her iTunes account. So please be advised that this could occur if you have an iTunes balance. I have had many other comments and messages that the steps in the CNET post worked for them and I know that it worked for me.

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This is seriously the best iOS hack ever! I did a hard reboot after following the steps in the post and went from 1.2GB of free space up to 5.0GB of free space (a gain of 3.8 GB additional free space on my iPad Air). That’s huge! I wonder what on earth is going on behind the scenes to hog that much space and then magically free it up?

And nothing seems to be running glitchy after doing this… is it “tech geeky” to be this giddy over the sight of 5.0GB of free space on my main therapy iPad?  Probably so but I’m loving it 😉

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{App Review} Super Yoga Bedtime by Cheeky Yogi

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{App Review} Super Yoga Bedtime by Cheeky Yogi

This lovely new superhero-themed kids yoga & mindfulness iPad app helps children wind down and let go of all the “stuff’ from their day. Activities are short (each less than 10 minutes) so it’s easy to squeeze into a bedtime routine or to use as a calming break during the day and is nice for kids with shorter attention spans.

Features:

– 3 yoga sequences with detailed guidance to help encourage safe alignment
– 5 guided relaxation journeys
– 2 calming breathing techniques
– A Superhero Scoreboard to track minutes and days of practice
– Superpower badges to reward regular practice and inspire discussion around qualities like empathy and resilience, developing emotional literacy

This app is a bargain at $2.99 (current price in the USA App Store, prices may vary in other countries based on the exchange rate).

My only suggestions for a future app update would be to find a way to compress or reduce the app size. It’s currently a large app (1.16 GB). It would also be nice for it to eventually be a universal iOS app so parents could use it on an iPhone as well as an iPad.

App Store link: https://appsto.re/us/SGcGdb.i

Website: http://cheekyyogi.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheekyyogi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cheeky_yogi
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cheekyyogi/

App preview video:


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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Book Review & Free Printable} The Great Spruce by John Duvall

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{Book Review} The Great Spruce by John Duvall

Together with his grandpa, a young boy finds a way to save his favorite tree in this heartwarming Christmas tale.

Alec loves to climb trees—the little apple trees, the wide willow trees, even the tall locust trees. But his favorite is the great spruce, with its sturdy trunk and branches that stretch up to the sky. Alec’s grandpa planted it as a sapling years and years before Alec was born, and every Christmas, Alec and his grandpa decorate the tree together, weaving tinsel and lights through its branches, making it shine bright.

But one day, a few curious men from the nearby city take notice of Alec’s glistening great spruce, and ask to take it away for their Christmas celebration. Though it’s a huge honor, Alec’s heartbroken at the idea of losing his friend. With great courage and creativity, Alec comes up with a plan to save his favorite tree in this joyful holiday tale.

Age Range: 5 – 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (October 18, 2016)
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 0.4 x 11.8 inches

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Spruce-John-Duvall/dp/0399160841

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Book trailer:

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Here’s what I love about this book:

  • Nice positive story promoting concepts of being outdoors, family, community and protecting nature. The young boy saves the tree by offering up an alternative idea.
  • Lovely nostalgic illustrations on oversized pages of high-quality paper. Several scenes have smaller details to explore. Even the end sheets are illustrated.
  • Lots of great verbs, adjectives & prepositions.
  • Historical info at the end of the book about the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
  • Pictured sequence and description for the steps in transplanting a tree at the end of the book.
  • The book has several opportunities for kids yoga: apple tree, willow tree, locust tree, great spruce tree, chair, forward fold digging, gyan mudra spy glass, cross crawl climbing, chainsaw buzzing breath, stop and think of alternatives, crane, boat, bridge, sleigh, smell of Christmas deep breath, plant a pinecone seed.

The “Making Friends with a Tree” guided relaxation script from “Imaginations Fun Relaxation Stories and Meditations for Kids” would be nice to use at the end of a kids yoga class based on this book.

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I made this free printable spruce mandala coloring page to go with the book:

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A spruce and ornaments mandala:

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Author’s website: http://www.thegreatspruce.com

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Free Printable} If You Give a Mouse a Brownie PlayDoh Smash Mat

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{Free Printable} If You Give a Mouse a Brownie PlayDoh Smash Mat

My patients always love PlayDoh smash mats so I made this one to target vocabulary & the circular story sequence in the fun new book “If You Give a Mouse a Brownie”. Head over to this post on my OMazing Kids Facebook page to get the link to the free printable. I encourage everyone to “like” my page since I share info much more frequently there than on my blog: 

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{Tip: When using smash mats it helps to already have small balls of PlayDoh pre-rolled so you don’t use an entire can on the first two spots (true tales from the speechie room… lol!)}

Want ideas for core vocabulary to target during PlayDoh activities with AAC users? See this great Core Word 5 Minute Filler from Assistiveware: http://coreword.assistiveware.com/t/playdough-5-minute-filler/215

Looking for free printable story props for this book? Check out this post. Also contains info on a book page in TouchChat 60 Basic and ideas for apps & toys to extend the theme:

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

{Free Printable} If You Give a Mouse a Brownie story props

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Yippee! So excited to have a new book in the If You Give a …… series! Love using all of these books in OMazing Kids speech therapy. So I programmed a book page in TouchChat with WordPower HD using the WordPower 60 Basic page set (one of my faves for younger kids) & made story props. I’m also planning on extending the theme with a variety of cooking toys and apps.

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Book:

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Apps:

Shiny Bakery by Shiny Things
https://appsto.re/us/thd6Q.i

Max & Ruby Bunny Bake Off by CUPCAKE DIGITAL INC
https://appsto.re/us/D-Qy2.i

Foodo Kitchen by TutuLab
https://appsto.re/us/PK42Y.i

My Little Cook: I bake delicious cakes by Kids’ Mania
https://appsto.re/us/T7LG0.i

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Toy:

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Here are the free printable story props (1 page PDF):

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More free printables:

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

Three Fun Books: Mr. Cookie Baker, Truck Driver Tom & Firefighter Frank (ideas for therapy & AAC)

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I love Monica Wellington’s books! Excited that her publisher sent me these three books to add to my OMazing Kids library. Lots of fun possibilities for targeting goals in speech therapy:

* Firefighter Frank board book (smaller size and sturdy pages make board books especially easy to incorporate side-by-side with AAC; lots of great opportunities for verbs: work, wash, visit, sit, cook, eat, slide, jump, climb, go, run, spray, rescue, sleep; adjectives: clean, fast, tall, hungry, tired; prepositions: at, in, out, down, up, off; and additional core vocabulary for AAC users: is, ready, when)

* Mr. Cookie Baker (lots of great opportunities for verbs: make, count, measure, mix, roll, cut, bake, decorate, come, show, sell, close; adjectives: early, delicious, colored, hungry, proud, crowded; and additional core vocabulary for AAC users: get, make, for, out, with, in)

* Truck Driver Tom (lots of great opportunities for verbs: drive, look, haul, work, honk, stretch, fill, cross, arrive, deliver, order, eat, meet, sleep; adjectives: big, fresh, fast, slow, bumpy, busy, crowded, hungry, tired; prepositions: off, on, in, down, over, through, around, up; and additional core vocabulary for AAC users: to, for, done)

Of course I also love to expand themes using toys & apps. Here are some faves to go with these themes:

Firefighters:

Imaginext Fire Truck Playset by Fisher Price

Free printable kids yoga cards: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Firefighter-Yoga-2781763

Free printables & craft ideas: https://www.kidssoup.com/activity/firefighter-and-fire-safety-activities-lessons-and-crafts

Brave Fireman HD: Educational Puzzle Game for Kids by iAppsTeam
https://appsto.re/us/xbM5U.i

Tiny Firefighters: Police & Firefighters for Kids by wonderkind GmbH
https://appsto.re/us/Jb8QL.i

Jobi’s Fire Station by Yellephant Co., Ltd.
https://appsto.re/us/8Yhd4.i

Fire Truck by Good Glue
https://appsto.re/us/3I6tD.i

Do Your Part, Be Fire Smart by Positive Promotions
https://appsto.re/us/GQIKdb.i

Kids Vehicles: Emergency – Police, Fire & Rescue by Yaycom s.c.
https://appsto.re/us/ZOVTdb.i

Cookies / Baking:

Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set:

Free printables: http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2015/01/mr-cookie-baker-kindergarten-literature-unit/

Cookie Doodle by Shoe the Goose
https://appsto.re/us/wxhzu.i

Shiny Bakery by Shiny Things
https://appsto.re/us/thd6Q.i

Easy-Bake Treats! by Hasbro, Inc.
https://appsto.re/us/shBLB.i

My Little Cook: I bake delicious cakes by Kids’ Mania
https://appsto.re/us/T7LG0.i

Max & Ruby Bunny Bake Off by CUPCAKE DIGITAL INC
https://appsto.re/us/D-Qy2.i

Happy Bakery Funny Game by BieMore Co., Ltd.
https://appsto.re/us/NGDedb.i

Trucks:

Green Toys Dump Truck: https://www.amazon.com/Green-Toys-Dump-Truck-5512757/dp/B001Q3KU9Q

Super Nano Trucks by Bughouse
https://appsto.re/us/r4HH4.i

Big City Vehicles – Cars and Trucks for Kids by The Melody Book
https://appsto.re/us/8DtE7.i

Kids Vehicles: City Trucks & Buses HD for the iPad by Yaycom s.c.
https://appsto.re/us/ERZBC.i

ToyBrush 3D – Cars, Planes, Trucks and More by Croco Studio
https://appsto.re/us/Glgx5.i

I Like Trucks Picture Book for Kids by Innovative Investments Limited
https://appsto.re/us/4H65z.i

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist & Kids Yoga Teacher
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

Review: Imaginations 3 – Guided Meditations and Yoga for Kids

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Review: Imaginations 3 – Guided Meditations and Yoga for Kids

Book Description

The third book in the Imaginations Series, Imaginations 3: Guided Meditations and Yoga for Kids is an essential resource for every parent and teacher who wants to help children learn to calm their bodies and relax their minds.

The benefits of relaxation for kids include:
• Reduced stress
• Better concentration and focus
• Enhanced ability to learn
• Improved behavior and sleep
• Increased self-esteem

Relaxation Story Titles:
Tight and Soft
A Bird’s-Eye View
Fish
On a Farm
Pumpkin
The Apple Tree
Superhero
Bicycle
Mountaintop
Your Island
Riding a Comet
Moonbeam Blanket
Flying Carpet Ride to India
See the Music
Unicorn Friend
Earth Tour
Peaceful Body, Peaceful World
Loving Kindness
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What I LOVE about this book:

  • Includes 18 relaxation scripts specifically written for kids. The scripts are short and based on kid-friendly themes. Most of these are themes commonly used in kids yoga classes so this book is sure to become a loved & well used resource!
  • These relaxation scripts will also be helpful in my work as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Many of the kids I see have high levels of anxiety and often have difficulty sleeping. I often incorporate relaxation techniques into my sessions, especially for kids with Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD & Stuttering.
  • The scripts are free of any wording that have religious connotations which makes them easy to use in any setting.
  • Each 2-page spread has a script & a full page illustration. The illustrations capture the essence of the script and many have a “retro” feel to them. I love having a picture to show kids before I read a relaxation script. Many of the kids I work with have special needs and relate well to visuals.
  • Large easy to read text.
  • Great additional info in the introduction sections. Love the simplified intro written specifically for kids!
  • Includes pictures & instructions for four yoga poses as prep for relaxation (knee hug, happy baby, legs up & starfish savasana) and five breathing games (Hoberman Sphere, heart breath, yawning breath, humming breath & buzzing bee breath)

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A sneek-peek inside the book. Since there were not any pics on Amazon of any of the actual 2-page spread relaxation stories, I took these pics but masked out most of the text. It will at least give you a “feel” for what the stories are like:

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I love fall & pumkins so this relaxation story was definitely a fave 🙂

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Can’t wait to use this in an outer spaced themed class!

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Author’s website & blog: http://bambinoyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BambinoYoga & http://www.facebook.com/imaginationsforkids
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bambinoyoga
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bambinoyoga/
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Price: $19.99
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imaginations-Guided-Meditations-Yoga-Kids/dp/0990732258
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All three books and a few individual relaxation stories PDFs can also be purchased on the author’s website: http://bambinoyoga.com/shop/.
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See info about the first book in this series in this review: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/08/26/review-giveaway-imaginations-fun-relaxation-stories-and-meditations-for-kids/
Review for second book: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2014/11/01/review-imaginations-fun-relaxation-stories-and-guided-imagery-for-kids-2/

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Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review. Opinions expressed are my own.
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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist & Kids Yoga Teacher
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.

15+ Apps to Encourage Vocalization (updated 1/1/18)

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15 Apps to Encourage Vocalization (listed in alphabetical order, prices were verified and all were available in the USA App Store at the time of this post):

* Bla | Bla | Bla by Lorenzo Bravi, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/iJBRz.i

* ChatterPix – by Duck Duck Moose by Duck Duck Moose, Inc., FREE, https://appsto.re/us/-NiWR.i

* ChatterPix Kids – by Duck Duck Moose by Duck Duck Moose, Inc., FREE, https://appsto.re/us/UEkWR.i

* Create and play with masks! WA!SK by PPP inc., FREE, https://appsto.re/us/C_Kx0.i

* DuckyDo HD – The Animal Impressions Learning App featuring a Cat, Cow, Duck, Dog and a Monkey by Rubber Duck Labs Inc., FREE, https://appsto.re/us/jcREV.i

* Eric Carle’s Brown Bear Animal Parade by StoryToys Entertainment Limited, https://appsto.re/us/YQtGdb.i, $1.99

* Furry Friend Plus by Plutinosoft, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/furry-friend-plus/id438137149?mt=8

* Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? – Dr. Seuss by Oceanhouse Media, $3.99, https://appsto.re/us/Ic-0z.i (see full review: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2015/10/18/great-app-for-early-speech-sounds-mr-brown-can-moo-can-you/)

* Outloud Citymals by Outloud, https://appsto.re/us/m2mQhb.i, $3.99

* SmackTalk! Bundle (4 apps) by Marcus Satellite, $.99, https://appsto.re/us/8HU64.i
(I use these 2 apps from that bundle: SmackTalk! Kids & PupTalk!)

* Speech & Language Warm-Ups by Super Duper Publications, $3.99, https://appsto.re/us/OV2Aab.i (see full review: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/06/15/app-review-speech-and-language-warm-ups-by-super-duper-publications/)

* SpeechStickers by Seriously Sticky LLC, $14.99, https://appsto.re/us/9aM_z.i (although the app is designed to target production of specific vowels or early developing consonants, I’ve also used it to reinforce any vocalization. Kids LOVE the stickers & animations. See more info: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga/photos/a.1039368119447526.1073741892.174264525957894/1143606255690378/?type=3&theater & https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/08/02/no-no-no-dealing-with-challenging-behaviors-slp-hacks/)

* Talking Baby Hippo for iPad by Outfit7 Limited, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/QFVTw.i (this is the only app by the makers of Talking Tom that doesn’t have ads, in app purchases or inappropriate content)

* Talking Carl by Tayasui, $.99, https://appsto.re/us/aYj4y.i

* Talking Carl & Gugl by Tayasui, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/Cj36z.i (for a great deal, take a look at the bundle of 5 apps for $3.99 or you may be able to “complete my bundle” for less if you already purchased one of the apps)

* Talking Faces by Bubl: Learn Professions and Emotions by BUBL GmbH, $.99, https://appsto.re/us/4DYW4.i

* Talking Shamrock – St. Patrick’s Day Talking 4 Leaf Clover by Emoticon LLC, https://appsto.re/us/U8h4W.i

* Talking Turtle HD by FIPLAB Ltd, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/talking-turtle-hd/id464655738?mt=8

* Talking Valentine by Emoticon LLC, https://appsto.re/us/z7x9V.i
(rare exceptions of apps with ads that I recommend. These are fun to pair with that holiday theme. Turn off the ads by using your iPad in “airplane” mode and block access to the button leading to the App Store via Guided Access)

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Update 8/14/17: *** WARNING: Stay far, far, far away from any apps by Blub Blub, Inc. (First Blubs or Speech Blubs). That app developer is misusing names of several SLP bloggers to promote his apps, is charging ridiculously high subscription rates & is luring parents and therapists into trying their “free trial” to then end up paying for a subscription. See my in depth post here: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2017/07/03/app-warning-do-not-install-the-update-for-first-blubs-concerns-i-have-regarding-the-pricing-on-the-new-speech-blubs-app/ & here: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/08/21/free-app-alert-first-blubs-unlock-all-22-animals-free-this-week/. It took a social media blitz and support from my friends at Tech in Ed to finally get the developer to remove my OMazing Kids name from the app description and website but at the time of this post update he still had not removed the other SLP bloggers’ names)

 

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkids
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with 27 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.