Keeping your online therapy sessions engaging can be a struggle. It can require creative strategies to address literacy through a camera. But fear not! There’s a treasure trove of FREE online literacy resources waiting to be discovered at your local library. Websites like Internet Archive also provide these resources. These free online literacy resources offer a vast array of materials to target various speech and language goals. This keeps your students motivated and learning actively.

Online Libraries – The Best Free Tool for Reading

Now, we all know that books are one of the greatest tools to grow our students’ language, right? We can reach pretty much any goal  with a well-planned literacy unit: articulation, fluency, auditory skills, comprehension, memory, critical thinking, inferencing, prediction, and story craft. Also, story grammar, figurative language, vocabulary, prefixes and suffixes, and even pragmatics. Try getting all that in one breath!

Have you ever considered the library as one of the best-kept secrets in the world of online teletherapy for accessing free online literacy resources? Believe it or not, your local library – especially if it’s a large metropolitan one – is a treasure trove of FREE online resources just waiting to be tapped into! The online resources available have exploded in the past couple of years. So, if you haven’t checked yours out lately, do so.

Picture this: your middle school students engrossed in graphic novel versions of classics like The Odyssey, Anne of Green Gables, or Sherlock Holmes. Or, your emerging language learners delighting in interactive stories.

Boost Engagement & Stretch Your Budget:

• Cost-Effective Magic: Budgets are tight! Online libraries provide a massive selection of resources at no cost. This allows you to create dynamic learning experiences without breaking the bank.  Often, libraries offer reciprocal memberships. This greatly expands your selection of free online literacy resources!
• Content for All Ages & Styles: From interactive stories for beginners to captivating graphic novels for middle schoolers. Online resources cater to diverse age groups and learning styles.

Highlighting Powerful Reading Sites for Teletherapy:

• Local Library Gems: Your local library’s online branch is a hidden gem! Explore their website to unearth a universe of resources waiting to be used in your sessions. Explore the website or talk to one of the librarians eager to get these resources into your hands.
  • There’s more than just print books waiting for you – there’s audiobooks, graphic novels, and easy-read versions of the classics.  These free online literacy resources are incredibly diverse.
• Interactive Storytelling with TumbleBooks: For younger learners, platforms like TumbleBooks offer a delightful world of interactive stories. These bring learning to life. This platform is often a free offering from your local library system. 
• YouTube Read-Alouds: Many engaging YouTube channels offer high-quality read-alouds of children’s books. Find stories that target your students’ specific interests and age groups to add variety to your sessions. For video playlists, check out my YouTube channel – Mrs. Speech!
• Dive into the Internet Archive: This vast digital library holds a wealth of books and learning materials. Explore their collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and even teacher resources like curriculum materials and literature notebooks from top publishers.
  • Need a ready-made literacy lesson?  IA has the Teacher’s Editions of many Literacy Textbooks!  Plus, my middle school students can’t get enough of the classic short stories. These include ones by Saki, Poe, Thurber, Twain, O’Henry, and more. There’s a reason they’ve stood the test of time!
• Try ESL sites like Voice of  America:  VOA has a multitude of famous American short stories that have been simplified.  And bonus, they have an audio version and supplemental materials as well!

Empower Your Students with a Free Bonus!

View my curated list of 85+ FREE resources from the Internet Archive, featuring a variety of short stories and adapted novel collections! This list gives you a head start on incorporating these valuable materials into your teletherapy sessions. FYI – Check out my Lesson Guides to some classic short stories on TPT: Ultimate Short Story Comprehensive Lesson Guides Bundle.

Visit my other posts on using short stories in therapy:

• Why, and How, I Started Using Short Stories in Therapy
• Unlock Student Engagement: The Magic of Short Stories in Middle School Speech Therapy
• Activity Magic: Short Stories for Multi-Goal Mastery in Speech Therapy

Update 12/24

I recently found the free internet browser Brave and have been using it the past couple of weeks.  It was simple to move my Google bookmarks into Brave, and I am using it solely for use with the kids. This streamlines my therapy sessions too.  I haven’t had a single YouTube ad. Also, I haven’t noticed other ads popping up on websites.  I will say that, while it does block the ad on a website, there is often still the space where the ad would be.  Often, a reader extension like ReadBee will remove those spaces and focus on the text.

Stay tuned for more insider tips and resources to level up your teletherapy game!

Happy Teletherapy,

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Navigating the complexities of stuttering can bring confusion and anxiety for both children and their families. That’s why I wrote “It’s Just the Way I Talk: Facts About Stuttering for Ages 5-8.” It is a compassionate guide designed to transform uncertainty into understanding and empower young voices.

I’m incredibly proud to share that this book has not only become a steady seller, but it’s also reached #40 in Children’s Books on Physical Disabilities on Amazon. Furthermore, it has been read cover-to-cover numerous times on Kindle Unlimited! This continued success is a testament to the critical need it fills. It provides clear, accessible resources for young children who stutter.

From an SLP’s Heart: Why I Wrote “It’s Just the Way I Talk”

As a speech-language pathologist with over 24 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact stuttering can have on a child’s self-esteem. I vividly recall working with a young boy, Alex, who felt isolated and ashamed, his confidence faltering. During our sessions, a profound realization struck me: Alex, and indeed many other children who stutter, didn’t truly understand what stuttering was.

More importantly, they didn’t realize they weren’t alone in their experiences. This critical gap in understanding became the seed that blossomed into “It’s Just the Way I Talk.” My dream was to create a resource that not only provides factual clarity but also helps children realize they are not alone. Ultimately, the book aims to build their confidence to communicate freely.

Why “It’s Just the Way I Talk” Matters: More Than Just Facts

“It’s Just the Way I Talk” goes beyond simply explaining stuttering. It’s a heartfelt celebration of unique communication styles and a powerful tool for fostering confidence and acceptance. Geared toward early to mid-elementary ages, it’s also proven valuable for older children and adults seeking foundational knowledge.

Here’s what makes it an essential resource:

• Child-Friendly Truths: The book demystifies stuttering (also known as stammering). It provides clear, age-appropriate facts about what it is, why it happens, and why it’s a perfectly normal brain difference – not a fault.
• Fostering Acceptance & Confidence: It gently tackles common questions and anxieties. Children learn they are not alone and that stuttering doesn’t reflect intelligence or ability. This fosters self-acceptance and empowers young readers to embrace their voice.
• Beyond “Fixing”: Focusing on Strengths & Self-Advocacy: The book encourages children to identify their strengths rather than solely focusing on “curing” stuttering. It helps them develop self-advocacy skills and explore the stuttering community, promoting a positive self-image.

• Navigating Reactions from Others: The book offers practical guidance on understanding why others might react in certain ways. It empowers children to communicate their needs, highlighting that well-meaning suggestions like “slow down” or “just relax” might not always be helpful.
• Support for the Whole Family & Beyond: It provides updated information and valuable guidance for parents, teachers, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). This fosters a supportive communication environment. Additionally, it helps cultivate empathy and inclusivity in non-stuttering children by promoting understanding of communication differences.

Aligning with Evidence-Based Practices

As a practicing SLP for many years, I’ve consistently observed the challenges faced by children who stutter and the need for resources that align with established evidence-based practices (EBPs). “It’s Just the Way I Talk” was carefully crafted to meet these standards. It is recommended by organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD):

• Psychoeducation: The book empowers children with essential, factual information about stuttering, including its normalcy and lack of control. This directly aligns with EBP recommendations, which helps reduce anxiety in children who stutter. (Ref: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)
• Parent Training: By understanding stuttering and its causes through the book, parents can provide a more informed and supportive environment at home. This is a key aspect of successful stuttering therapy. (Ref: Journal of Fluency Disorders)
• Communication Strategies: The book indirectly introduces communication strategies by encouraging children to communicate what helps them stutter less. This aligns with EBPs that teach children self-advocacy skills and strategies for managing their communication. (Ref: Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools)

“It’s Just the Way I Talk”: What Readers Are Saying

"This book is invaluable for parents, teachers, and therapists, as it promotes empathy and confidence in kids who stutter. It's a must-read that makes a significant difference in understanding and accepting speech differences. Highly recommend ?"

"This empowering book is a wonderful tool for young children navigating the challenges of stuttering. It presents important facts and strategies in a way that is both accessible and encouraging, helping kids feel more confident about their speech. The heartwarming narrative normalizes stuttering, fostering a sense of acceptance and support. Ideal for families and educators, this resource promotes empathy and understanding in a fun and relatable manner."

Integrating “It’s Just the Way I Talk” (For SLPs & Educators)

“It’s Just the Way I Talk” can be a valuable tool in various settings. Here are some ideas for how you can integrate it into therapy sessions, classrooms, or home environments:

• Read the book together: This can spark natural discussions about stuttering. It opens the door for children to share their experiences and feelings.
• Role-playing scenarios: Use the book’s content to role-play how children can respond to well-meaning but unhelpful comments from others. This builds their self-advocacy skills.
• Creative activities: Encourage children to create artwork, write stories, or engage in other creative activities inspired by the book’s themes of acceptance and unique communication.

I’d love to hear from fellow SLPs about how you’re using “It’s Just the Way I Talk” in your therapy sessions! Feel free to share your experiences and creative activities in the comments below.

Join the Movement: Get Your Copy & Spread the Word

Ready to empower a child’s voice and foster greater understanding of stuttering?

Get Your Copy Today!

I’ve priced “It’s Just the Way I Talk” just slightly above cost to ensure it’s accessible to as many families as possible. You can find it on Amazon, or get a 10% discount in my webstore (click here to see all available locations)! Consider purchasing and donating to your local school.

Spread the Awareness!

Every child deserves to feel confident about their voice. You can help us reach more families, educators, and therapists by sharing this post with your network. Please use the hashtag #ItsJustTheWayITalk when you share!

Boost Visibility!

Searching for “It’s Just the Way I Talk” on Amazon and search engines (by both title and relevant keywords like “children’s book stuttering,” “stuttering facts,” “speech therapy resources”) and clicking on it significantly helps. This action allows the platform to recommend it to others interested in communication differences. Your simple search makes a huge difference!

Request at Your Library

Consider requesting the book at your local public and school libraries, and favorite bookstores. Every new placement helps reach more children who need this message!

Your Voice Matters: Leave a Review!

Reviews are the heartbeat of a book’s success, especially for a mission-driven title like ‘It’s Just the Way I Talk.’ Each review, particularly those with comments, significantly boosts our visibility on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. This helps us reach more children who need to feel confident about their voice. Whether you borrowed or bought a copy, please take a moment to share your thoughts on Amazon, Goodreads, or your library app. Your feedback truly helps us spread this vital message!

Want more empowering resources for stuttering? Check out Empowering Kids Who Stutter: Practical Tips & Resources.

Looking for additional resources to help children develop self-advocacy skills? I also recommend checking out my article Sail Away from “I Don’t Know”: A Treasure Map to Classroom Communication!

Looking Ahead

I’m passionate about continuing to bridge informational gaps. Looking ahead, I’m eager to create similar resources tailored for older children who stutter. These will address their evolving needs as they mature.

Together, let’s celebrate communication in all its forms!

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The post Lifting Up Young Voices: Why “It’s Just the Way I Talk” Continues to Be an Essential Resource for Children Who Stutter appeared first on Mrs. Speech Online.

Unlock Savings: Purchase Directly from My Web Store!

I understand that platform changes can sometimes be frustrating, and I want to ensure my books remain affordable. That’s why I’m pleased to share these exclusive discounts when you purchase directly from my web store:

Individual Discount

You can purchase any of my books for 10% off the Amazon list price.

Bulk Discount

If you order 3 or more items, you’ll receive a 20% discount on your entire order! This is a great way to stock up or share these valuable resources while saving with Mrs. Speech Books Discounts.

Please consider visiting Mrs. Speech Books to take advantage of these savings. Continue supporting my work directly. *Bonus – you can take advantage of my Author’s Signature add-on for free!

Understanding the Changes: Why Prices are Adjusting on Amazon KDP

The reason for these timely savings on Mrs. Speech Books is an upcoming change to the pricing of my books on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. These new terms, implemented by Amazon, will take effect on June 10th.

Beyond the general changes in terms, a significant factor influencing these price adjustments is a shift in Amazon KDP’s royalty structure for paperback books. Effective June 10th, books priced below a certain threshold – specifically, under $9.99 USD (and equivalent amounts in other currencies) – will see a decrease in the royalty rate paid to authors. This means that for books priced at or below this level, I would receive a smaller percentage of the sale price. See Amazon’s terms.

How This Affects My Books on Amazon:

Unfortunately, these new terms necessitate an increase in the price of some of my paperback books on Amazon. This was not a decision I made lightly. I want to be transparent with you about why this is happening.

Mrs. Speech Books (including bestselling “It’s Just the Way I Talk”)

It is with a heavy heart that I must also announce a price increase of $1.00 USD for my full-color paperback children’s speech books. These books, including my stuttering facts book “It’s Just the Way I Talk,” will now be listed on Amazon for $9.99 USD.

My intention has always been to keep these resources as accessible as possible for families and educators. I am truly disappointed that these platform changes require a price adjustment.

“Beyond the Gallows,” a novel

The price of “Beyond the Gallows” on Amazon will be increasing by $1.00 USD. This will bring the new list price to $10.99 USD. Please note that this increase will likely be reflected in other currencies as well, potentially by a greater amount.

For my children’s speech books, which were already priced with a minimal return just to cover the cost of production, this royalty rate decrease directly affects sustainability. To maintain a return that allows me to continue creating these valuable resources, a price adjustment became necessary.

It’s disheartening to have to increase the price of these books, especially knowing their importance in supporting children’s communication development. My goal was always to make them as affordable as possible. This change in Amazon’s policy has unfortunately made that more challenging.

Good News Regarding Other Titles

I’m happy to report that the pricing for my self-advocacy workbook, “Talk It Out, Work It Out,” and my writer’s guide to communication disorders, “Unspoken Volumes,” will remain the same for the time being.

Their prices will remain unchanged until the next round of term changes from Amazon. So you can continue to purchase these titles at their current prices. And just like my other books, these titles are also available at a 10% discount on Mrs. Speech Books!

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Your readership means the world to me, and I remain committed to providing valuable resources for readers of all ages.

Please feel free to visit my webstore to take advantage of my book discounts offered there.

Have a question, concern, or comment?  Please, leave a note below!

Sincerely,

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