I’m slow to change. Okay, actually, I hate change. I wish I didn’t. I wish I could be one of those people that takes change by the horns and embraces it. But…I’m not. And…it’s everywhere. As soon as you learn one thing, it seems another has already popped up.
Perhaps that’s why I’ve been slow to warm to Instagram. I have Facebook. I have Twitter. I have Pinterest. I blog.
What could Instagram offer that these don’t? I’ve had my Instagram account “nrallison” for almost 2 years now. I would add some personal photos every once in a while but until a few months ago, didn’t do much on Instagram. Now, however, as more and more SLPs join the world of Instagram, it’s the first app I open in the morning. Here’s why:
1. It’s visual. Instagram= pictures. Nicole = visual. It works for me. The people I follow consist mostly of other SLPs because I want ideas for therapy and I want them fast. I open the app and suddenly I have a great craft idea for tomorrow or a an amazing vocabulary strategy I could use today.
2. It’s quick. This goes hand-in-hand with the last. Because Instagram is visual, it is also quick. Often I find myself opening Facebook or Pinterest for a quick glance at the latest news. Hours later, I’m still on. So frustrating! With Instagram, however, words are kept to a minimal because the picture says it all. Often, I don’t need paragraphs of instruction for these ideas-the assembled photo shows me everything I need to know. And, although you can press the “heart” button to like a photo, you don’t like comments, which can sometimes be a time-sucker for this SLP who sometimes feels the need to “like” everything.
3. It’s easily organized. You’ve probably seen things cute little hashtags # popping up everywhere. These make it so easy for you to search or categorize what you want to see. Sure, hashtags can be used for anything (#Ilovemyjob #whatsfordinner, etc.) but these also come in handy as an SLP. For example, whenever I post a picture of my baby girl, I hashtag #aislynruth. That way, I can just type in #aislynruth and all her pictures appear. Same with speech therapy. Below are a list of common hashtags you’ll want to make a note of:
4. It’s simplified. Facebook can be confusing because they regulate who sees what post, when they see and if they see it. On Instagram, when someone posts a photo, I see it immediately in my newsfeed. I don’t miss any posts and I don’t get them late. This means I don’t see posts for a sale that happened yesterday. Now I can breathe easier.
5. It’s personal. I don’t know about you, but I love to see glimpses into my favorite bloggers life. They have families, paperwork, schedules, successes, failures and other hobbies besides speech therapy (gasp!), just like me and you :).
To keep things spicy, I’m having two special giveaways of $10 TPT gift cards just for Instagram users. The first way to win a gift card is to follow nrallison on Instagram enter the rafflecopter below with your username. Easy Peesy.
The second way to win is to follow nrallison on Instagram and post a cool pic of something going on in your therapy room. Hashtag your post with #allisonspeech and I’ll pick a winner in a few days!
Here’s a list of some fun SLP bloggers that I follow on Instagram-you’ll want to make sure you do too!
nrallison (me!)
activitytailor
allyallneed
bslspeechlanguage
busybeespeech
crazyspeechworld
carissaspeelman
consonantlyspeaking
dtrout68
happilyslp
kevstin
kristine_lindsay
letstalkspeechtherapy
middleschoolslp
mrsjonesspeechroom
puttingwordsinyourmouth
queenspeechslp
schoolhouse talk
slpforme
slpnataliesnyders
slprunner
smalltalkslp
sparklleslp
sparklyspeechgirl
speechmadesimple
speechroomnews
speechroomstyle
speechtherapywithcourtney
speechtimefun
speechtivities
speechtothecore
speechuniverse
speechymusings
sublime speech
superpowerspeech
teachspeech365
thedabblingspeechie
theschoolslp
thespeechbubbleslp
thespeechchicks
thespeechowl
thepeachiespeechie
twinspeech
whitneyslp
If I accidentally forgot anyone, I would love for you to add your username in the comments section so that others can follow!
Come as you are. Leave encouraged.
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Natalie Snyders says
January 17, 2015 at 6:56 pmI love Instagram! My favorite part is getting a sneak peek at the lives of my fellow SLPs. 🙂
Zayra Marrero says
January 17, 2015 at 8:16 pm<3
YES!
It's fun!
Brittany Norris says
January 17, 2015 at 7:12 pmLove this post!!! I’m speechmadesimple on Instagram 🙂 Thank you!!!
Nicole Allison says
January 17, 2015 at 7:17 pmJust added!
Brittany Norris says
January 17, 2015 at 10:54 pmThank you!! 🙂
Laura Deeken says
January 17, 2015 at 7:21 pmThanks for including All Y’all Need! We love Insta! I’ve often said it’s my new Pinterest!
Mary says
January 17, 2015 at 7:49 pmAMEN!!!
I find myself spending waaaay too much time on Facebook…if it wasn’t for my blog & my FIL continuing to post pictures, I’d cut it loose!
tnslp
The Speech Chicks says
January 17, 2015 at 7:53 pmLove this post and scrolling through Instagram in the morning time too! Love that it’s so visual! I definitely agree that every SLP should try out Instgram. I’ve found so many great ideas through it that I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. We’re “thespeechchicks” on Instagram! =)
Scarlett S. says
January 17, 2015 at 7:59 pmI love this post! Instagram is one of my favorite resources! My username is Scarlettrs. Thanks, Nicole!
Zayra Marrero says
January 17, 2015 at 8:15 pmAbsolutely adore this and SO TRUE! I love the ideas that pop out when I use a hashtag!! 🙂
My username is @zayraenid 🙂
Thanks!
Z.
SLP Runner says
January 17, 2015 at 8:28 pmI’m pretty active on instagram and LOVE it! slprunner
Allison says
January 17, 2015 at 9:01 pmI just made an account for my little blog (I’ve been using a personal account). I don’t have much up yet, but plan to for future posts. If anyone wants to follow it’s homemadespeech.
Thank you 😀
Gabby says
January 17, 2015 at 9:14 pmI totally agree! I started my instagram page so that I can quickly and easily share ideas. I love being able to just scroll through pictures. My IG is Middleschoolslp 🙂
Jennifer says
January 17, 2015 at 9:16 pmI would love it if you added mine it’s Speechtivities. I love instagram because of how visual it is as well. I will have to use hashtags to organize my searches. That is a great idea!
Sharon Swindell says
January 17, 2015 at 9:31 pmI love instagram! It’s one of my go-to places for ideas! I am not a blogger, but I am a SLP who posts about “speechie” things (although pics of my puppy might sneak in from time to time!). If you want to include me in your list, my user name is sharon_speech.
Thanks!
Tamara says
January 17, 2015 at 10:27 pmHey Nicole. Great post! I love Instagram too! Check out: bslspeechlanguage
Mary Huston says
January 17, 2015 at 10:32 pmHmmm. I haven’t made the leap yet. Every once in a while I think I should – but to be honest, all the negativity from the facebook groups (not to mention the time suck) sort of has me scared. LOL. I know Heidi from Pediastaff has been advocating for Instagram for a long time. Maybe I’ll go check it out today 🙂 Thanks for an … inspiring… post.
Nicole Allison says
January 18, 2015 at 12:36 amOh do Mary! I totally understand-people can be so negative sometimes! The good thing about Instagram is that there are actually very few words. Not quite the place to go if you’re looking for discussion but I love it for quick, speech therapy ideas or inspiration!
Pam Dahm says
January 17, 2015 at 10:49 pmI love Instagram, too! I’m Smalltlakslp 🙂
Amy Haselden says
January 17, 2015 at 11:07 pmGreat post! I’m just learning about Instagram too.
Everyone has such great ideas!
palmetto_speech_girl
Pam Dahm says
January 17, 2015 at 11:23 pmI love Instagram, too, for all the reasons you listed! I’m smalltalkslp 🙂
Christy says
January 17, 2015 at 11:40 pmI have Instagram. I am under mrsjonesspeechroom. Thanks!
Elizabeth says
January 18, 2015 at 12:26 amGreat post! I love Instagram and I would love to be added to the list! My name is @thespeechowl! Thank you!
Jennifer says
January 18, 2015 at 12:47 am@jenhatfieldslp
Emily Bottegal says
January 18, 2015 at 1:04 amI just started Instagram for the same reasons! I love how I can get a quick update on lots of different therapy styles! If you’d like to follow me, my username is MissBSLP
Natalie W says
January 18, 2015 at 1:46 amGreat post! I’m speech_wonderland on Instagram 🙂
Lisette says
January 18, 2015 at 2:14 amGreat post and perfect timing for me. Just started my instagram account. Allison, like you, I have been busy with Facebook and Pinterest and kinda ignoring Instagram, but this is going to be fun! I am Speech Sprouts. Love to be added to the list and meet more SLPs!
Nicole Allison says
January 19, 2015 at 1:26 amYay! I’ll follow you!
Breana says
January 18, 2015 at 6:05 amI think this post is great. My Instagram user name is speechercizeandglutenfree
Anne Page says
January 18, 2015 at 3:53 pmNicole I am using Instagram more and more, it feels more personal. I am shoegirl58 (beautifulspeechlife). Thanks for another great post.
Sparklle SLP says
January 19, 2015 at 12:31 pmIG and I are tight! I still can’t figure out Facebook and Twitter, forget it! You are right on with your reasons why IG rocks my speech world! And I’ve been wondering why I gained 50 followers in 3 days! I owe you girl for my surprised face these last couple of days!
Nicole Allison says
January 19, 2015 at 5:03 pmYay! Glad this post could help lol! Love following you 🙂
Linda@Looks-Like-Language says
January 19, 2015 at 3:38 pmI’m just starting up on Instagram and appreciate your posts!
Darla says
January 19, 2015 at 7:53 pmdarla_is_ms_gardenia on instagram
Ms Gardenia’s Speech Room on Fb
Annie Doyle says
January 19, 2015 at 11:06 pmI’m with you! Instagram is my platform of choice! I love seeing what’s happening in the real speechie world, in and out of theray! Follow me: anniedoyle226 check out what’s happening in my world!
Andrea Chesick says
January 20, 2015 at 2:45 pmWhat a great post! I totally agree with everything you said…instagram is an AWESOME way to connect to fellow SLPs…I’d love to be added to the list! I’m achesick 🙂
Kim @ SoundsLikeFun says
January 20, 2015 at 3:39 pmThis was so helpful! Thanks so much! Please add us to your list – SoundsLikeFunSLP
Jennifer Getch says
January 22, 2015 at 8:16 pmAre you still adding? nwspeechtherapyblog So excited to start using Instagram more! Thanks for the post!
Sue Lee says
January 27, 2015 at 3:48 amThis made it so much more clear what Instagram is used for! I’ve had an account but rarely went to it. Can you make me understand Twitter next? lol
sarah warchol says
January 28, 2015 at 10:13 pmI am on instagram as #sarahsmilesbt14.. come check me out:)
Nikki Dargantes says
February 9, 2015 at 8:34 amHello from Manila! Well for me…I never thought of browsing instagram for SLP-related content. Looking at all the pictures makes me say that I am not alone in this cray-cray but fun world of speech after all! 🙂
Heidi Britz says
March 11, 2015 at 3:16 pmInstagram is a whole new world for me, thanks to @thepeachiespeechie ! She forwarded me this blog and I appreciate all the info and slps to follow tremendously!! I am @ Smartmouth_slp & I love your blog, keep it up!
MrsTslp says
March 18, 2015 at 6:39 pmYou inspired me to make the leap and join instagram this week! Thank you Nicole!! @MrsTslp is my instagram name.
Hilari says
August 16, 2015 at 3:21 pmI like that you added the common hashtags for SLPs. I am also new to Instagram and I was completely confused as to which hashtags to use. I bookmarked your picture key. 🙂 My Instagram is @talkingintheclassroom
Thanks again!
Natalie West says
September 20, 2015 at 12:56 amI love that IG allows us to take a peek into the lives of other SLPs and their classrooms! My IG name is SPEECH_WONDERLAND
Jena says
January 3, 2016 at 12:35 amI am pretty active on Instagram and looking to do even more in 2016 (@independentclinician). I help SLPs start their own private practices over at http://www.IndependentClinician.com
Thank you for compiling this list!
Jena
Jessica Brown M.S., CCC-SLP says
August 5, 2017 at 10:47 pmWould love for you to add us to your list. @therapyabroad #therapyabroad
We are the first study abroad program created specifically for undergraduate students studying communication sciences & disorders and graduate SLP students. We will be posting lots of beautiful pictures from our programs overseas. http://www.therapyabroad.org
Jen Bjorem says
October 5, 2017 at 11:16 pm@bjoremspeech would love to be included