It has officially been 1 year since I started in on this
crazy
fun
amazing
terrifying
wonderful
world of blogging.
I still remember last June when I sat down to write my first post. Words like “html code,” “blogosphere” and “tags” might as well have been Spanish to me. I had no idea what a blog “template,” “label” or “linky party” was. Over the summer, I remember googling nearly every question on blogging, spending way too many hours than the typical person does to learn something new. My last resort was finally mustering up the courage to ask one of my high-tech friends (to which, at times, I was laughed at).
I think back on that very first post I started last year, fully knowing that the only two pairs of eyes that it would come in contact with were:
1. Mine
2. My husband’s (as I couldn’t wait to tell him about my new endeavor).
As I reflect on this year, I see so much growth. No, not just the growth of the numbers of readers or likes on my facebook or followers on TPT (although I’m still constantly amazed that more than my husband reads my posts!) but my growth as a person.
Through this blog, I’m able to reflect on my experiences. I can ask the question “What can I do better next time?”
Through this blog, I’m able to see what worked with my kiddos and what crashed and burned didn’t. Through this blog, I’m able to gather feedback, resources and comments and ultimately learn from you!
Through this blog, I’ve had the opportunity to reach out and meet hundreds of SLPs (you!). This has truly been invaluable to me being the only one at my district. I feel that I am only a click away from any of you being able to answer a question.
So thank you. I cannot thank you enough. And….my students thank you for making me ultimately, a better educator.
Because of this, I am offering a big huge GIGANTIC giveaway!!! Thanks to some VERY generous speechie friends, one lucky person will win a mother-load jackpot of speech and language materials! You should have speech and language materials to last you all next year!!!
The winner of this giveaway will receive:
1. My entire store. Did you catch that? Yes-my ENTIRE store will be sent to you!!!
2. In addition, these wonderful friends have chipped in as well!
Story Comprehension Reading Listening from Ms. Jocelyn
Answer Me, Maybe? WH Question Packet from The Speech Ladies
Answer Me, Maybe? WH Question Packet from The Speech Ladies
The only thing you’ll need next year is a big enough flash drive/email that can hold all of these fabulous resources!
*Special thanks to all the blogs/speechies that contributed and helped with this giveaway. You are the best!
Come as you are. Leave encouraged.
I'd love for you to join my newsletter family so that I can start sending weekly encouragement as well as access to an entire library of free resources like this Student Self-Progress Report Sheet!
Emily says
June 4, 2013 at 12:22 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Emily says
June 4, 2013 at 12:23 pmI really love your stuff. I have used your common core standards guides when writing IEPS as well as your assessments. I’d love to see more middle and high school materials!
Tatyana Elleseff says
June 4, 2013 at 12:32 pmI love all of your materials most recently in April I used your Spring” into Parts of Speech to target recognition of verbs adjectives and adverbs
Jayne Watkin says
June 4, 2013 at 12:32 pmI have used several items including the ice cream cone sentence scramble most recently and the kids love them all. I have found the common core standards guide most helpful. Keeps me on track and focused when thinking of goals.
LS says
June 4, 2013 at 12:32 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
LS says
June 4, 2013 at 12:33 pmCongrats on one year! I am currently an SLP student, trying to build up my resources and yours are fantastic!!
mary says
June 4, 2013 at 12:35 pmYour products are my favorite! I think the thing I have used the most are are Curriculum-based informal assessments. These are so helpful for gathering quick info around IEP time and even for new assessments, and are based on the common core standards. Thanks for all you do and happy blog anniversary!
Carly says
June 4, 2013 at 12:36 pmAmazing! What a wonderful accomplishment to be blogging for one year. Although I am not the only SLP, (in fact I have more than 25 that work with me) we are spread far apart in rural areas of Nebraska so I also find online SLPs as invaluable resources.
I have used so many things from you. I love your Common Core Goal examples and though my state has not adopted them yet they are very helpful. I also love your articulation reading packet. I was very very lucky to win it and for my students who are almost ready to graduate from speech it is a wonderful activity that can be used in the speech room and as homework.
Another huge congrats to you! I am excited to continue to follow you on this journey!
twmorlan says
June 4, 2013 at 12:42 pmYour CCSS guide has helped me a great deal prepare for the change in standards. I had a lot of concerns about how to approach this–after all we have to be familiar with ALL of the ELA standards (and some of the math, too). Thank you for putting in the time to put that together. It helps us to help our students.
Tracy Morlan
GoldCountrySLP
twmorlan@gmail.com
Jennifer Moses CCC/SLP says
June 4, 2013 at 12:54 pmCongratulations! You have a beautiful blog and great ideas.
Sjkuhn says
June 4, 2013 at 1:22 pmCongrats! I just recently started exploring some speech blogs and TPT- now I am HOOKED! 🙂 glad it is summer! 🙂
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:44 pmIt is addicting!
Kathy Grover says
June 4, 2013 at 1:32 pmI look forward to each new blog post. Thanks for sharing your ideas and creativity.
Annette says
June 4, 2013 at 1:39 pmI have used your common core standards packet a lot when writing goals for IEPs! Thanks a million for that! 🙂
Kathryn Dix says
June 4, 2013 at 1:45 pmHappy Blog Birthday!
Mrs.C says
June 4, 2013 at 1:46 pmI have loved reading your blog! It has definitely made me a better educator as well! Thank you for all that you do! I love any time I see the words “evidence-based” or “common core aligned” and your blog is one of the best resources for those products. Thank you!! 🙂
Megan Williamson says
June 4, 2013 at 2:11 pmI absolutely love your blog and all your wonderful ideas!!! I’m so excited about your give away!!! Happy Birthday Speech Peeps!!!
Megan Williamson says
June 4, 2013 at 2:13 pmI have downloaded all your freebies from the TPT store and LOVE them all. It’s hard to choose just one!! I’m pretty sure all your other products are on my wishlist waiting on my school to fund my purchase order!!! Keep up the good work. You are super talented. And thanks for the all the CCSS aligned materials.
LoriAnnTSLP says
June 4, 2013 at 2:41 pmLoved your summer packet!! Thank you so much! You made my end of school year so much easier!
CC says
June 4, 2013 at 2:53 pmYou are such a newbie!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I love your goals packet! Love it!!!!!! And your no-print items are brilliant!
Nicole Allison says
June 4, 2013 at 7:32 pmlol! I know-I would love to get to your status someday 🙂
Allison Jones says
June 4, 2013 at 2:57 pmI use your Common Core pack EVERY time I write an IEP! I love that all your products are aligned with common core standards and very well thought out. Happy 1 year!!
Heather says
June 4, 2013 at 3:10 pmI haven’t yet but I am building up supplies for next year!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:44 pmWelcome!
Shannon Giles says
June 4, 2013 at 3:17 pmI love many materials from your store…the thing that comes to mind as it has been used the most this spring is your K-5 Common Core packet for IEP goals. I’ve used it for writing almost all of my spring IEPs!! THANK YOU!!!
Sharon Blievernicht says
June 4, 2013 at 3:26 pmI love your common core standards packet! I’m currently browsing your site for more things 🙂
kristen says
June 4, 2013 at 3:29 pmWhat an awesome giveaway! I love your materials.
Shannon Cole says
June 4, 2013 at 4:36 pmI use your ccss guide all of the time and am so thankful for your time and effort in making it!
Kellie says
June 4, 2013 at 4:39 pmCongratulations!! I use your common core guides and they are super handy.
mspetersenslp says
June 4, 2013 at 4:44 pmWhat an exciting time for you. Congratulations!
Carissa says
June 4, 2013 at 4:58 pmI love your Common Core guidelines and am using your CC-aligned summer packet!! Love all of your stuff and congrats on 1 year! 🙂
Bilingual Speech & Language says
June 4, 2013 at 5:58 pmCongratulations On Your Blog!!! I Love Reading Your Blog And Getting Ideas. I Am Looking Forward To Passing Out Your Summer Packet To My Students! I Would Love To Win This Giveaway. Thanks To All Who Pitched In!!!
Amanda Johnson says
June 4, 2013 at 6:13 pmCongratulations! Now that I have found you I will be using your stuff!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:45 pmWelcome! So glad you found me!
rgwest53 says
June 4, 2013 at 6:35 pmI use your common core info. as well as your artic. packets. congrats on 1 yr!
Anne says
June 4, 2013 at 7:14 pmYour Common Core packet is a HUGE HELP when writing IEPs! Thanks for all you do and congrats!!
Miss Speechie says
June 4, 2013 at 7:22 pmHappy Blogiversary!
Jennifer Bell says
June 4, 2013 at 8:04 pmCongratulations Jenn (great name by the way)! I can’t believe it has been a year for you – must have found you toward the beginning as it seems longer than that! I too love your listings of common core standards addressed! Keep up the great work – I look forward to year number 2!
Jennifer Getch says
June 4, 2013 at 8:29 pmCommon Core Standards are my favorite!!! Congrats!!
Jen K says
June 4, 2013 at 9:17 pmCongrats! I use you Common Core Standards for my IEP goals all the time!
Deborah Kasminsky says
June 4, 2013 at 9:17 pmReceptive and Expressive No Print on my iPad and Starboard in my speech room!
Morgan Gordon says
June 4, 2013 at 10:13 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Morgan Gordon says
June 4, 2013 at 10:15 pmCongratulations on one year! Your materials and blog posts are inspiring to many others (myself included!)I love your curriculum based assessments! They have been a great resource this year.
Carol says
June 4, 2013 at 10:27 pmK-5 Common Core Standards Supporting IEP Goals for English Language Arts was one of the first I found and reference it often….very well thought through and very helpful. Your math visual has been helpful, as well.
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:46 pmThanks Carol! I’m glad you like the Math visual 🙂
Kerri says
June 4, 2013 at 11:22 pmI have used all of your Common Core materials in preparation for next year.
Jordan S says
June 4, 2013 at 11:39 pmThe Common Core Packet has been a lifesaver in my CFY in the schools. So helpful in writing goals and aligning them with the CCSS. I also LOVE the drop plop activity, and my 1st graders do too!!
Debbie Staloff says
June 4, 2013 at 11:54 pmHappy Bloggy Birthday !*!*! Here’s to another fabulous year ahead !*!*!
Stephanie says
June 5, 2013 at 12:03 amJust found you but your stuff looks great!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:46 pmWelcome Stephanie! I’m so glad you found me!
Krista Keleher says
June 5, 2013 at 12:04 amCongrats on 1 year! Your blog is really awesome! I love it. I just got your prediction pack from the SLP bundle and I look forward to using it!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:46 pmThanks Krista!
Lisa Varo says
June 5, 2013 at 12:24 amCongrats on that accomplishment! I like your receptive and expressive no print. Im so tired of cutting and filing papers.
Amy says
June 5, 2013 at 12:24 amYour common core packets are on my wishlist! they look great
ShannanW says
June 5, 2013 at 12:28 amHappy Bloggy Birthday! So glad you started and please don’t stop! Your Common Core Packets including the Summer Homework packets (LOVED your bubble/blow up your learning idea – went to WalMart and cleaned them out:) and Curriculum-Based Language Assessments K-5 have been invaluable this year!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:47 pmYay! I’m glad you found the bubbles!
Arielle says
June 5, 2013 at 12:40 amWhat an amazing giveaway!!! Congrats on your blog birthday! I love your common core items!
Alana Vickery says
June 5, 2013 at 1:24 amCongratulations! This is a wonderful accomplishment! Thank you for sharing your talent with us and for providing quality resources for us to use. I love all of your materials, but I’ve used the context clues packet the most. I am a huge fan of the no print materials, the curriculum based assessments, and of course, the common core standards.
Allie says
June 5, 2013 at 1:27 amI’m starting my student teaching placement next fall and I can’t wait to start using all your awesome materials! Thank you and congrats on the anniversary! 🙂
Sharon says
June 5, 2013 at 1:27 amI love all of your ideas! In fact, your recent post about an “end of the year report” is something that inspired me to do my own this year – thank you!
Carrie Walls says
June 5, 2013 at 1:35 amJust found your page. Going to checking it out!
Susan White says
June 5, 2013 at 1:37 amCongratulations on your birthday! I have purchased your curriculum based language assessments for both the elementary and secondary levels and am setting them up to use next fall for RTI planning.
Sheri Liebman says
June 5, 2013 at 1:38 amThis looks amazing!!!! I’m actually thinking about starting my own blog and the fact that you’ve made it big in just one year is so inspiring!!!!!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:47 pmGo for it, Sheri! It’s made me a better therapist!
stacey says
June 5, 2013 at 1:50 amhappy blog birthday! I love your no print items! I would love to explore your common core items more although our county hasn’t moved to this. Keep up all the great work!
Christine says
June 5, 2013 at 1:55 amCongratulations on your first year of successful blogging! Next school year I am going to be a first year school based SLP, so I have been pinning and searching through blogs for therapy ideas. I am so excited to use your materials & get inspiration from your blog 🙂
cbiksacky says
June 5, 2013 at 1:57 amCan’t wait to use your materials. Still deciding what to try first…
Rachel says
June 5, 2013 at 2:13 amCongratulations! I just found your blog (and your TPT store)! I haven’t used any of your materials, but as an SLP currently working with middle schoolers I was every excited to see that you have some really great looking materials for the secondary level. Can’t wait to check them out!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:48 pmWelcome, Rachel! I’m so glad you found me!
ChildMine SLPA says
June 5, 2013 at 2:16 amI just graduated and am new in the classroom. Winning this would be an awesome way to start out my first year. Thanks for your blog. It is so helpful : )
Amanda Corcoran says
June 5, 2013 at 2:26 amHappy Blog Birthday Speech Peeps! I have used several of your downloads and not only do I love them, but my kids do too! Your creativity is amazing and I love the variety of activities you offer 🙂 Thanks for all you do for the SLP community!
KD says
June 5, 2013 at 3:35 amHappy Birthday! Your materials are among my favorites!!
Lynn Wood says
June 5, 2013 at 3:40 amI loved reading on how you began blogging! Happy birthday!
Speechercize and Gluten Free says
June 5, 2013 at 4:02 amHappy Blog Birthday!!! I love all of my speech peeps materials and so do my students. I don’t know what I would do if I won your whole store.
Mariellen says
June 5, 2013 at 4:08 amI was so thankful for your summer packets!!! They were great.
Mavsfankelly says
June 5, 2013 at 11:29 amWow! What an awesome prize! So glad I found your blog!
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:49 pmI’m so glad you found my blog too!
1stgradefireworks says
June 5, 2013 at 12:34 pmSo glad I found you! wendy 1stgradefireworks@gmail.com
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:49 pmI’m so glad you stumbled upon me!
Kristy Lutton says
June 5, 2013 at 1:15 pmI have yet to use your materials but I have several on my wishlist. I would love your standards pack. I am so impressed with how much you have accomplished in just a years time:) Congrats from a fellow Ohio blogger:)
Kristy
The Phonics Phenomenon
Nicole Allison says
June 5, 2013 at 2:50 pmLove that you’re from Ohio! I’m heading over now to check out your blog!
Steph says
June 5, 2013 at 2:37 pmI used your “spring into parts of speech” activity. GREAT visual aid for some of my kids working on sentence structure and language. I can’t wait to use even more, I’ve got several of your materials in my “wish list”. Congrats on one year! Thanks for all you do! It is MUCH appreciated!
KDunc says
June 5, 2013 at 3:22 pmI have found all of your inferencing activities to be super helpful! My kiddos love being little “detectives” 🙂
Kelly Zarifa says
June 5, 2013 at 3:56 pmUsing your common core standards materials has made this transition to common core soooo much easier for a ton of “speech peeps” Thank you!!
Kristen says
June 5, 2013 at 8:41 pmI use context clues packet to work on vocabulary! The kiddos love it!
Courtney says
June 5, 2013 at 10:12 pmYour Common Core packets are great!
Mark says
June 5, 2013 at 10:17 pmI’ve used your Ice Cream Sentence Scramble and the kids really liked it! Happy Birthday!!!
Sam F.
Kim Turner says
June 6, 2013 at 12:16 amAbsolutely.! Thanks so much for sharing.
Congrats! on your anniversary.
blair764 says
June 6, 2013 at 1:10 amI use your Common Core Standards and many other activities. Must check out your summer packet!
America Salyers says
June 6, 2013 at 1:57 amI am a newbie and haven’t used your products yet. As a brand new SLP entering the school system, I would LOVE to win this haul!! What an amazing prize!!
Nicole Allison says
June 6, 2013 at 4:43 pmWelcome! I’m so glad you stopped by! You will LOVE working in the schools (I do!) Good luck your first year!
Amy says
June 6, 2013 at 2:27 amCongrats on 1 year!!! I used your reading passages throughout my internship! The kids loved them!
bldrnrpdx says
June 6, 2013 at 3:11 amI refuse to reinvent the wheel when there are so many generous folks out there willing and eager to share. Thanks for making my life -and my practice- so much easier!
Brandy Madujibeya-Epps says
June 6, 2013 at 4:01 pmI have used you following directions activity. You have great products. Thanks for the giveaway!
Chris Gerber says
June 7, 2013 at 5:25 amCongratulations on your blogging birthday! I am envious of those working with students who cna tap into your creativity and fantastic resources. I used some of your materials as examples in my intervention class, and your blog is listed as a resource for “therapy packs” for my undergrads. I also alert my graduate clinicians to your and other SLP blogger sites. Thanks for all your work.
Karen says
June 7, 2013 at 3:49 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Karen says
June 7, 2013 at 3:52 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Karen says
June 7, 2013 at 3:54 pmHappy bloggy birthday! Congrats!
I use your K-5 common core standards. All. The. Time. Thanks again for making that resource! 🙂
Karen
AFVSLP
Jenna Rayburn says
June 9, 2013 at 3:00 amHappy Blogging Birthday Nicole! Please keep sharing your talents with the rest of the world! I wore out your context clues set this year! Need to re-print and re-laminate!
DJ says
June 9, 2013 at 6:18 amI have just stumbled upon your blog and I’m pinning it to my pinterest board under speech therapy. I am a brand new SLPA with 3 clients and I see so many things on your blog that I want to try, print, laminate, and learn. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I hope to build my clientele quickly and am excited to have such a vast variety of helps and ideas from wonderful people such as yourself!
Debbie
clnslp says
June 9, 2013 at 4:21 pmI enjoy your blog and your materials! Thanks for creating and sharing!!
Courtney Gragg says
June 10, 2013 at 3:56 amYou have accomplished a lot in just one year! Congrats!
-Courtney
Amy Roberts says
June 10, 2013 at 12:13 pmThis is AWESOME!!! Happy blog birthday and happy “real” birthday today!!!
Hope for speech says
June 10, 2013 at 12:28 pmI love your no print expressive and receptive language packs. I use them with my kiddos on my ipad. They love using the ipad and I love not having to print, laminate and cut out. 🙂 Happy Birthday!
Susan says
June 10, 2013 at 5:14 pmCongrats on one year. I am a new SLPA and have just started building up my resources. I have a few of your items in my wishlist on TPT. Thanks for all the wonerful blog post and your activities.
Laura Deeken says
June 10, 2013 at 7:56 pmI bought Common Core Standards, and I’m not even in a Common Core State. Great for goals!
Shannon L. says
June 10, 2013 at 8:13 pmI love all of your stuff!! You make some of the cutest stuff on TpT and it’s all SO useful! Thank you!!
zog says
June 11, 2013 at 2:03 amSuch creative and useful ideas. I like the rti assessment pack.
Communication Station: Speech Therapy, PLLC says
June 15, 2013 at 6:26 amI don’t know how I missed this post but a very Happy 1 year blogiversary to you!!!