Welcome to my blog! An introduction seems to be a good place to start. I am an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) of over 10 years, science and data nerd, book lover, "trailing spouse," and mom of 3.
My current situation is a true constellation of factors that brought me to this blog. I started as an SLP in a school setting, working primarily with kids with language-based learning disabilities. Then came covid. Pivot. I started online speech & language therapy and the foundation of my private practice, Little River Speech & Language. Then came our first posting overseas. Pivot. I continued to work with students, finding pockets of time in the various time zones (with and without daylight savings!). Then came a war in the country we're posted in (I'll keep the politics out of this space), which made my time for direct therapy unpredictable. Pivot. I started writing and designing educational materials - check me out!
I have had many new starts (stars!) especially in the last 4 years, and I have always had this lingering feeling of If only I had a blog ...
This week, I read with my daughter the graphic novel Lucky Stars, the 3rd book in the Mr. Wolf Series by Aron Nels Steinke. This book moved me in two ways. The first, it was my aha moment for finally making a move on this blog. One of the main themes in the book: just get started. So here I am.
The second, and my purpose for coming to this space, is to talk about how the arts and artifacts around us can be used for improving the lives of ALL students, especially those with learning differences. This book has many relatable scenes for our students: brainstorming ideas for the dreaded personal narrative, the empty graphic organizer, clicking that mechanical pencil just a bit too far, negotiating conflict on the playground, feelings of helplessness, giving that tough assignment a shot, and discovering what works. All embedded within a funny and engaging narrative.
This book is a great conversation starter for addressing those tough yet so relatable moments in class. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever felt this way? This book would be a great accompaniment to the personal narrative unit in school. There is something in this book for all learners.
Here's the book with my current view. I'm so thankful for this journey, for the many twists that brought me to this blog. I hope you come along for the ride!
With gratitude,
Laurie