{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.

 

{Appy AAC Awareness Month}: Favorite Apps for Teaching AAC Core Vocabulary (updated 3/12/23)

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{Appy AAC Awareness Month}: Favorite Apps for Teaching AAC Core Vocabulary

3/13/22: Thanks to Vicki Clarke for the mention of this post in your article today on PrAACtical AAC: AAC Implementation Framework: Step 2, TRAIN: https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/aac-implementation-framework-step-2-train.

Welcome to anyone visiting this 2016 blog post. I’ve updated app availability below. Sadly several of these apps are no longer available. App prices have changed since I wrote this post over 6 years ago.

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A more current resource about apps is my Ultimate App and Digital Resource Guide for SLPs (I’ll be working on doing the 2023 update for that soon. Anyone who has previously purchased it will be able to download the updated version when it’s available: https://bit.ly/UltimateAppDigitalResourceGuideSLP.

  • Interactive PDF (256 pages with linked Table of Contents) full of lists of hundreds of apps and digital resources organized by SLP goal areas and themes
  • App demo videos (links to 29 unlisted YouTube videos)

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100 Great Kids Picture Books to Target Core Vocabulary for AAC Users: https://bit.ly/PictureBooks4CoreAAC

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To make things easier to find on my blog see the new Resources Links page: https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links/

7/22/20: See this newer blog post for current info: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2020/07/22/over-100-free-affordable-apps-boom-cards-to-target-aac-core-vocabulary-list-compiled-by-angela-moorad-ms-ccc-slp-omazing-kids/

I’m always looking for fun and motivating ways to target core vocabulary for my patients that are AAC users. I use a variety of toys, books, sensory activities & apps to provide lots of opportunities for practice in the short amount of time I have with them in OMazing Kids speech therapy each week. My iPad loaded with fabulous apps is one of the best tools in my SLP therapy toolbox!

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Here are some of my favorite iOS apps for targeting core vocabulary (listed in alphabetical order, prices were verified and all were available in the USA App Store at the time of this post. I have no way to know if these apps are available in other countries or what the prices would be if they are):

* BakingFun for Kids, $1.99, https://appsto.re/us/HZYAQ.i (free printable core vocab mini book to go with the app: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2014/08/25/core-vocabulary-app-of-the-week-free-printable-booklet-baking-fun-by-kujifun/)
* Bamba apps (my faves are: Ice-Cream, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/gkz-F.i & Wonderland, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/Frwzcb.i)
* Build A Truck – Duck Duck Moose, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/tSBYR.i
* Choo Choo Park, $.99 -> currently FREE, https://appsto.re/us/V2G_9.i (definitely worth grabbing all 6 of their apps while they are free. I rotate them on/off my iPad seasonally or based on themes. Update 3/13/23: Sadly all of these apps have totally disappeared from the App Store)
* Dr. Panda apps (tons of great apps… some of my faves: Bus Driver, $2.99. -> currently on sale for $.99, https://appsto.re/us/JhJlS.i; Carnival, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/KvVQ7.i; Bath Time,
$2.99, https://appsto.re/us/iek0bb.i; Daycare, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/fuJuI.i & Swimming Pool, $1.99, https://appsto.re/us/xKWM2.i)
* Frosby Picnic Camp, $1.99, https://appsto.re/us/1H16O.i
* Fuzzy House, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/jPZBbb.i
* Let’s Make Friends – Play Toy, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/Rvk-Q.i
* My PlayHome, $3.99, https://appsto.re/us/5fdnA.i (they also have Stores (https://appsto.re/us/slcXO.i), School (https://appsto.re/us/zL392.i) & Hospital (https://appsto.re/us/FAksbb.i) apps that are $2.99 each and the cool thing is the apps all link to each other so you can easily explore the town. Update 3/13/23: They also have a newer My PlayHome Plus app)
* Pepi Garage, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/a0Me9.i (Update 3/13/23: Sadly this app has disappeared from the App Store)
* Pogg, $.99, https://appsto.re/us/L4HUt.i
* Sago Mini apps (lots of great apps…. some of my faves: Friends, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/61Qh0.i (Update 3/12/23: $3.99, new link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sago-mini-friends/id1245748156. This app developer has primarily switched to a subscription based model with their Sago Mini World app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sago-mini-world-kids-games/id874425722); Road Trip, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/M1E7Z.i (Update 3/12/23: no longer available as a stand alone app but it’s available within Sago Mini World)
* Science Museum Splash!, $.99, https://appsto.re/us/sfoDQ.i (very excited to see this app reappear in the App Store. Update 3/12/23: Sadly this app has disappeared again)
* Sharing with Duckie Deck, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/la7qI.i (Update 3/12/23: Sadly this app has disappeared from the App Store)
* Toca Boca apps (several great apps… some of my faves: Pet Doctor, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/HnSkW.i, Tea Party, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/Kogsz.i & Train, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/JM5fF.i)
* Wheels on the Bus HD by Duck Duck Moose, FREE, https://appsto.re/us/kg7kw.i

For older kids & teens, I also use a variety of sports-themed and game apps (ex: Streetball Game, $2.99, https://appsto.re/us/Vv80bb.i (Update 3/12/23: Sadly this app has disappeared from the App Store); Galaxy Bowling, $3.99,
https://appsto.re/us/FwitA.i; Air Hockey by Acceleroto, $.99, https://appsto.re/us/LrAdr.i, Sprinkle Junior, $1.99, https://appsto.re/us/KB7sC.i (Update 3/12/23: Sadly this app has disappeared from the App Store), Thinkrolls Logic Puzzles Bundle – 2 apps, $5.99, https://appsto.re/us/sr_0db.i, Update 3/12/23: That bundle is no longer available but you can still purchase the apps separately: Thinkrolls: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thinkrolls-kids-logic-puzzles/id917176209, Thinkrolls 2: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thinkrolls-2-kids-puzzles/id968707176)
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Tips: Apps come and go frequently in the App Store. New apps are released. Sometimes older apps disappear while they are being updated. Sometimes they never reappear. So it’s always wise to periodically back up your iPad by plugging it into a computer logged into your iTunes account. This insures you won’t lose any apps that may disappear from the App Store. I originally got most of these apps by grabbing them quickly when they were free for a day or two. Watch my OMazing Kids Facebook page and AppPeeps Facebook group where I share these as “free app alerts”. Others I got on sale or via doing app reviews.

The main thing I look for when searching for apps to use for targeting core vocabulary for AAC users in therapy sessions are open-ended play apps that are intuitive, have large engaging graphics, are ad-free, have the option to toggle off any background music or it is very subtle (not over stimulating) while still leaving on any sound effects or voiceovers and any outside links are well hidden behind a parental gate.
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Of course these apps should be on a separate iPad from their “talker” so you can “talk” while playing (Update 3/12/23: Some apps could also be used in Split View or Slide Over)

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I use these apps to target the same core vocabulary that I would with a “real” toy or activity. Think of it as the “virtual” version of that. I lock the “play” iPad into the app that I have selected by enabling Guided Access. If the child is using an iPad as their “talker”, then it is also locked into their AAC app via Guided Access.

(Update 3/12/23: please read this blog post for the most current info about Tech Safety. There are more options now. It no longer has to be all or nothing: https://bit.ly/TechSafetyAndAAC-BlogPost)

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Need ideas for how to target core vocabulary? I’m LOVING the Core Word 5-Minute Fillers on the NEW AssistiveWare Core Word Classroom website. Here’s a screenshot of the one for Mr. Potato Head.

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You could use these ideas with a “real” Mr. Potato Head or the app version (Mr. Potato Head – Create & Play: School Edition by Originator Inc., $4.99, https://appsto.re/us/Y6JCI.i. Update 3/12/23: Sadly this app has disappeared from the App Store)

http://coreword.assistiveware.com – It’s only free for a short time while the website is in “beta” development so I’d suggest that you save any PDFs that you love.
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I also love this free resource from Saltillo (maker of NovaChat and ChatFusion SGDs & the TouchChat AAC app): https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga/photos/a.433610663356611.117461.174264525957894/1192093340841669/?type=3
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Other helpful resources:

Balanced AAC approach: http://praacticalaac.org/praactical/the-baby-the-bathwater-and-core-vocabulary/

Tons of great info: http://praacticalaac.org/?s=Core

Quick handout: http://www.handyhandouts.com/pdf/405_CoreVocabulary.pdf

Need help getting FREE access to AAC apps to trial with patients? Check out this post:

Update 3/12/23: The most current info about how SLPs/SLTs can get access to robust AAC apps can be found on this post: https://bit.ly/AACtestdrive

#SLPeeps #AAC #AidedLanguageStimulation #augcomm
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Updated contact info 3/12/23

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com / Resource Links page: https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links

Symbol Supported Language Stimulation: visual supports to expand verbal utterances (updated 6/24/23)

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Symbol Supported Language Stimulation: visual supports to expand verbal utterances

You are a “vintage” SLP if you remember using the Fokes Sentence Builder as a visual means of teaching kids how words go together to form sentences. For the past 27 years, I’ve infused that concept into how I model language. The pictures in the old Fokes were very outdated plus the copy of it at the facility where I work was very musty. So I use Boardmaker, the Custom Boards app by Smarty Ears, the GoTalk Now Plus AAC app with SymbolStix and PCS library add-ons (can export as PDF) or the Tools2Talk+ app to make my own customized visual supports. I’m “old school” and am still using a Boardmaker CD on a computer. I’ve considered using one of the many online options but haven’t so far since I didn’t want to have to pay for an ongoing subscription.

Most of the kids on my caseload have Autism or similar diagnoses and respond well to use of visual supports. For kids who are verbal, I use a variety of visual supports to show them how to create sentences. The picture at the top of this post is an example of my latest creation to go with my vintage Illco Sesame Street House (circa 1988) and wooden Fisher Price Mini Bus and Little People (circa 1969). It’s always cool to see how well my patients respond with use of these visual supports. Instead of imitating a word or maybe two, they are much more likely to imitate a whole utterance and then often use that utterance again spontaneously within that session.

For kids who are AAC users, I use aided language stimulation in activities that are interesting and highly motivating for them to model creation of sentences either directly on their device or on a companion device with the same vocabulary.
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I also use several great sentence building apps (yeah… I’m a cool mix of vintage & modern 😉 ):

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I use and love the Storyteller Writing Box from Lakeshore. I use it both to create sentences and as a visual support for answering Wh-questions: https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/ca/p/LL904

 

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If you have Boardmaker, check out these free printable symbols and frames for the vocabulary in the Fokes Sentence Builder:

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(Update: 6/1/20 – That website has disappeared. Thankfully I had these saved a modified version of the Boardmaker Fokes Sentence Builder on my computer and just uploaded them to my blog as three PDF files:
1) https://omazingkidsllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/fokes-sentence-frames-prints-on-fewer-pages.pdf
2) https://omazingkidsllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/fokes-sentence-builder-who-what-doing-modified.pdf
3) https://omazingkidsllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/fokes-sentence-builder-which-where-modified.pdf

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Subscription-based symbol site where you can easily make your own visual supports:

* http://www.boardmakeronline.com (has free 30-day trial)
* https://www.n2y.com/store/n2y-Products/SSX
* https://smartysymbols.com/our-plans-pricing/

Updated 6/24/23:

A few of the resources that I purchased on TPT and used:

Describe the Dog with Adjective + Noun (Book + Boom Cards!), https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Describe-the-Dog-with-Adjective-Noun-Book-Boom-Cards-1732379?st=05b867d6d339d81c22b48d4153a52f4a
Who, What, Where Scenes: Wh-Questions w. BOOM CARDS, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Who-What-Where-Scenes-Wh-Questions-w-BOOM-CARDS-2651065
Freebie Interactive Book! “What Are They Doing?” Noun + Verb, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Freebie-Interactive-Book-What-Are-They-Doing-Noun-Verb-1769864
Describing Cats Interactive Book: Adjective + Noun Combinations w. BOOM CARDS, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Describing-Cats-Interactive-Book-Adjective-Noun-Combinations-w-BOOM-CARDS-1859578
Form-a-Phrase Dough Mats: Practice Combining Word + Boom Cards!, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Form-a-Phrase-Dough-Mats-Practice-Combining-Word-Boom-Cards-2368240
Form-a-Phrase Dough Mats: DESCRIBING! MLU: Phrases + Sentences with Boom Cards!, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Form-a-Phrase-Dough-Mats-DESCRIBING-MLU-Phrases-Sentences-with-Boom-Cards-2976117

Looking for sentence building resources with GIFs? https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:Sentence%20building%20GIFs

Important Note: Use of these types of visual supports for combining words into phrases or sentences is NOT promoting “symbolated text” for reading (an outdated practice that has now been found to interfere with learning to read). Use of these symbols is NOT PECS®. I used these types of visuals to help kids see how words could be combined and found them very helpful. When working with AAC users I created visual supports that matched whatever AAC they were using along with modeling on that app on my iPad.

Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com / Resource Links page: https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links

You might be a “vintage” SLP if …

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You may be a “vintage” SLP if …..

* a patient’s grandmother says “I played with that toy when I was a child” (ummm… yes I am still using my Fisher Price Mini Bus, circa 1969)

* a patient’s father states “that’s the year I was born” (ummm…. yeah I’m still using the Illco Sesame Street House I bought while in grad school in 1988)

* you remember the smell and color of mimeograph handouts

It’s a smell you never forget 😂

* you “laminated” with clear contact paper

* you photocopied PCS symbols and colored them with map pencils because Boardmaker had not been invented yet (or you remember the even older Bliss symbols)

* you had to use a pay phone to find out why the Early Intervention office had “paged” you because cell phones had not been invented yet

* you had to figure out how to get to EI home visits soley based on a map and the Resource Coordinator’s handwritten directions (nope. GPS and the Internet weren’t available back in the early part of my career either)

* there was no e-mail

* there was no internet

* you had materials from Communication Skillbuilders

* there was no Super Duper

* you were proud of the artic cards you made with magazine pictures or stickers on index cards.

* there was no Teachers Pay Teachers

* IEPs and IFSPs were written by hand

* you used an external mic to record your voice on a child’s new Dynavox 2c because no 3 year old should have to have a robotic voice

* you felt super high tech with your Apple 2c and dot matrix printer that was so loud your roommate left when you printed

* you remember the huge Peabody cards in the metal box or the Fokes Sentence Builder kit

* you remember the horrid SICD test in the tackle box (ummm…. yeah many of those items were a choking hazard for infants & toddlers)

* you started a Yahoo listserve group as a way to distribute info to other therapists (in the pre-Facebook days)

* you are excited to find your “speechie tribe” in the Boomer SLPs group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1723356147877821/1785606184986150

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Printable PDF of the Vintage SLP sign: 

Click to access vintage-slp.pdf

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Any other “vintage” SLPs out there? What do you remember from the early days of your career? See my post on OMazing Kids:

I laughed so hard as I read all the comments in my cross posts over on these two groups:

Speech Pathologists at Large: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2212002912/permalink/10153954025942913/

School-Based Speech And Language Therapy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SchoolSLPs/permalink/996462560465199/
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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.

{New Favorite Therapy Toy & Aided Language Stimulation} The Playskool Learnimals Color Me Hungry Hippo – free printable included

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{New Favorite Therapy Toy & Aided Language Stimulation} The Playskool Learnimals Color Me Hungry Hippo is my new favorite therapy toy! I had several patients squeal and giggle with delight at the sight of a jumbo version of the character they know from the popular Hungry Hungry Hippos kids game. One adorable articulation patient said “Is dat Hunwee Hunwee Hippo?” in the most astonished voice…. lol! What’s not to love about a toy that you can feed, his belly lights up to match the color of the item inserted and you learn about colors, shapes, food and counting? This new BFF also enticed one of my youngest patients to say “eat”, “mmm” & “yum” (a huge deal for this kiddo). For my AAC users and patients that I use symbol supported language stimulation as visual supports to expand verbal utterances, I made printable symbols and added him to several of my AAC apps. Besides those early concepts, also lots of opportunities for core vocabulary (today I targeted eat, hungry, in, open, more, again, full and done but already have others in mind).

I bought mine for $18.09 with free shipping through Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Learnimals-Color-Hungry-Hippo/dp/B00C3WXKQ4). Don’t think he’s available in stores anymore but definitely worth also looking for at thrift shops and garage sales.

Here is a PDF of the symbols that I made to go with it:

1-Page PDF of printable symbols for Color Me Hungry Hippo - made by Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, OMazing Kids

1-Page PDF of printable symbols for Color Me Hungry Hippo – made by Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, OMazing Kids

https://omazingkidsllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/color-me-hungry-hippo-symbols-pecs-aided-language-stimulation-symbol-supported-language-stimulation-sentence-building-omazing-kids.pdf
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By the way, did you know that there is a FREE app? I use it all the time in therapy. A fun alternative to the real game: Hungry Hungry Hippos by Hasbro, Inc., https://appsto.re/us/BugeH.i.

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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
Home E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com
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 over 26 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.