[ Post a Response | Caseload Management, Motivators, and Misc. ]
Posted by slpinillinois on 11/19/2006, 10:54 pm, in reply to "Christmas gifts/Large caseload/ Ideas"
12.201.60.78
I have been an SLP for many many years and have had HUGE caseloads. I solved the Christmas gift problem by doing some simple sewing on my sewing machine and making bean bags. I happen to live in a relatively rural area with easy access to farmers, seed salesman, and / or grain elevators. When I expalained my intent, all have donated a bucket of soybeans to the cause.
You need to purchase some fun fabric - a yard is usualy sufficient. I cut the material into 4" squares (I use pinking sheers to avoid ravels) and, with the wrong sides together, I sew them leaving a space for filling with the soy beans. When sewing up the hole, double sew the sides so they won't come apart with rough use.
The week before Christmas break, I have a speech activity that requires the kids to answer a question, make a phrase or verbal response, to earn a chance to toss a bean bag (or two) in an ice cream bucket. I use masking tape on the floor to mark "levels" and after they make 2 buckets they get to move back from the 10 point to the 20 point line. (They add their own score on the blackboard!) There are usually 4 levels, depending on the size of my room. Warning: The bucket will easily tip over unless you secure it to something. I use sticky back velcro and stick the bucket to a large plastic storage tub lid. The kids love this activity! Then when they received a bean bag for Xmas, they know how to practice speech skills using it. They never tire of the bean bags. Kids that I have had for several years always look forward to a new one. CAUTION: I always include a note telling parents that the bags are filled with soybeans cautioning them not to be used in moist conditions or by very young children. Bean bags are something that is not available commercially. It is old fashioned FUN and will not cost you more than the cost of the fabric and a little time. ENJOY.
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