Stepping Out Beyond Our Four Walls {Sparklle Slp}

Today I’m continuing our series “Stepping Out Beyond Our Four Walls.” Earlier this year, Jenna from Speech Room News, Desiree from SLPTalk and I presented at OSLHA on ways we were getting out from our therapy walls and promoting our wonderful profession to our districts and communities. We received such a great response I thought I would ask a few of my friends to share ways they are also making a big difference in their districts. Today’s guest post is from Sparklle SLP. Even though it can often be work to get involved, I loved how Sparklle SLP helped with her school-wide talent show. What better way to say we are not “just in our therapy rooms!” And can we just talk about her adorable water bottle vases she passed out to her staff? Love it!

Hello Speech Peeps readers. I am Sparklle SLP from Speaking About Remarkable Kids Learning Language Everyday. I am a school-based SLP, Mom, blogger and TpT author. I am always so excited when SLP bloggers visit each other’s blogs so, when the sweet and ever so talented Nicole asked for guest posts on how SLPs are choosing to become involved beyond the speech room, I recalled a post I had started writing about the benefits of school-based SLPs volunteering in the school community at large. 

 

I love working in the schools and I truly appreciate being a part of the staff. Some of my best friends are co-workers that I connected with early on in my career. With about 40 teachers and only 1 (or 2) SLPs in a building, stepping out beyond our speech room walls is truly rewarding. As school-based SLPs we are part of a larger team and participating in school wide activities demonstrates that perfectly.

 

All schools  have committees and our school is no exception.  Boss’s Day, Volunteer Appreciation, and Secretaries’ Day committees are only a few that I have participated on most recently.  From making a dessert to crafting up table centerpieces or assembling favors, these tasks take little time; however, result in huge benefits. They are, simply stated, just acts of kindness, but the personal benefits gained are greater. Consider how working these small volunteer opportunities allows you to get to know other staff members more personally. In-school volunteering may be the avenue for developing friendships or even for advocating about our role as SLPs!

Here are my “lovely bunch” water bottle flower bouquets for our secretaries!

 

 

While my high school coaching days are behind me, at the elementary level, extracurricular activities are few and far between; however, I’m happy to say I volunteer for the majority of the after school offerings.  I, along with several other teachers, have donated one hour 2-3 times per month to lead our 4th and 5th grade drama club. I have no prior drama experience, however, my expertise as an SLP allows me to help students with inflection, healthy voice projection, articulating clearly, and body language for theater. This has the added benefit of equipping them with the communication skills necessary for public speaking. The opportunities for social-pragmatic development alone are worth my time!! It’s a perfect match for an SLP!

 

Over the past two years our drama club has participated in a variety of team building and drama activities, performed reader’s theater productions, created a video commercial, learned dances, performed jokes, and helped with our school-wide talent show.The talent show involved welcoming guests, directing acts, managing the music and sound system, and announcing the acts. This does take quite a bit of extra time and I recognize that it may not be for everyone, however, I have truly enjoyed getting to know so many students in such a creative capacity. Seeing my name as an advisor has also helped some of the students on my caseload feel more comfortable getting involved. Additionally, I can help promote tolerance and acceptance of students with learning differences for the other participants.

 

Here is a picture of our gym all set up for the talent show!

 

I have several freebie joke compilations in my TPT store should you choose to use jokes in your therapy room or beyond!

 

For the past two years our school has participated in our county’s Just Run program. Twice weekly, in the spring, several teachers ran with 4th and 5th grade students with the ultimate goal of running in our county’s 5K. When workload demands are at an all time high, Just Run comes at the perfect time of year for school-based SLPs. What better way to reduce stress than by exercising and just running? I’ve enjoyed meeting and chatting with some very special students on our weekly runs, students I might not have otherwise met. Accomplishing the 5K is just another way to show students how effort leads to success and that success can be generalized to classroom achievement!

 

The spectacular 5K medal and one of my little runners are pictured below!

 

 

If you find yourself able to commit to either a committee or extracurricular activity, I encourage you to make this rewarding choice as a school-based SLP. We all know volunteers are needed!  Gaining experience in a new area stretches the mind (and body) and working with staff members outside of academics shows them you are part of their team and a part of the greater community. That is priceless! Working with students on your caseload outside the speech room and the constraints of the school day allows them, as well as other students, to see you as part of the school community. Let’s face it, nothing beats being paid in smiles and warm hugs! 

 

I am so glad Nicole started this series and invited me to participate. I would love to know what opportunities have allowed you to step out beyond your four walls and what gifts you have received as a result!  Feel free to share by commenting below.