Speech Therapy Saskatoon
123 Pinehouse Drive S7K 5W1 Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Our clients have a great time working with our Occupational Therapist, Meghan Mc. You can target language skills when using obstacle courses. For example, practice having your child follow a variety of verbal instructions -- "First bounce on the trampoline and then jump into the biggest hoop." You can also utilize an obstacle course to target a child's language description skills and language organization skills. This can be accomplished by asking your child to describe the obstacle course using a variety of action words, location words, and descriptors -- e.g., 'words like "climb," "balance," "spin," "jump," "squishy," "biggest," "soft," "through," "beside," etc.). You can always include siblings in this activity. Use an obstacle course to get moving, get listening, and get talking -- all while having fun!

Our clinic will be closed for in-person therapy again on Tuesday, November 10th. Teletherapy appointments are available as an option for those interested. #snowday #winter #playinthesnow... #speechtherapy #languagedevelopment #speechtherapysaskatoon See more

Our clinic is closed today. Teletherapy sessions are available.

Fine motor skill development is an area of focus in pediatric Occupational Therapy. The term fine motor skills refers to the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers. Using fine motor skills is important for children to be able to engage in everyday occupations such as playing, completing schoolwork, eating, and managing self care tasks. OTs are trained to help children who have difficulty with tasks like: using their hands together, holding a pen...cil properly, drawing, using scissors, managing fasteners, etc. Consider an OT assessment if you have concerns with your child’s fine motor skill development. #speechtherapysaskatoon #ot #finemotor #grossmotor #sensoryprocessing #yxekids

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health care profession focused on helping children to learn and engage in daily activities. Daily activities for kids include things such as: Play - For example, using hands to play with toys or using bigger muscle movements to play on the playground. Self care - brushing teeth, hair care, using the bathroom, dressing, feeding, etc.... Processing sensory information - accepting and using sensory information such as sounds, things they see, smells, body position and movement. Follow along this month for more information about pediatric OT! #speechtherapysaskatoon #andoccupationaltherapy #OT #slp #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensory #coordination #sensoryintegration #pediot #pediatricot #otforkids #otyxe #yxekids #loveot #finemotor #activitiesforkids

Mealtimes are as well known for conversation as they are for food, so in that regard they are the perfect place to model communication with our AAC users. Since meals can be messy, and your child may be using tech to speak, it can also come with its own challenges because we don’t want to wreck the tech! Instead of doing nothing, you could: 1Use an AAC Placemat for mealtimes that’s laminated... 2 Go Low-Tech: have a low tech version (aka a printed laminated paper version) of your child’s high tech system that you can use during messy times 3 Protect the tech by using a large Ziplock bag (if you’re using an iPad the screen will still work). 4Invest in a really good case. Instead of saying nothing, you could: 1 Create a mealtime routine with routine questions! In our house, we always talk about what we liked in our day and didn’t like. You can then model what + you + like? on the device every time you ask a family member and respond using the device as well. Check out Praactical AAC’s post about mealtime routines here: https://praacticalaac.org//aac-at-the-table-5-tips-for-bu/ 2 Use the device to model asking for more and being all done the meal and to talk about if the food is good or not. 3 Use the device to narrate what is happening at the table. K took ‘more’ potatoes ‘he’ must be ‘hungry’! 4 Model your own conversation with others at the table. What do you guys do to model and prep? Comment below! #speechtherapysaskatoon #aacslp #aacforall #thegreataacchallenge2020 #slpeeps #asdslp #aacawarenessmonth2020 #slp2be #aacforccn #preschoolaac #schoolslp #ashaigers #instaslp #myvoicemyaac #slpsofinstagram #aacfamily #slp2b #preschoolslp #speechpathology #aacawareness #augcomm #aacawarenessmonth #aac #ashaigers See more

Speech Therapy Saskatoon is excited to offer Occupational Therapy Services. For more information, call or text us at 306-491-9355. OR Book online using the link below:... https://speechtherapysaskatoon.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/17 See more

Vocabulary is incredibly important in understanding what you read. In fact, childrens vocabulary as young as TWO has been shown to predict language and literacy achievement up to the fifth grade. Unfortunately, this means if your child is a late talker and they do not receive early intervention this puts them at increased risk for developing literacy difficulties down the road. Similarly, if your child is older and consistently uses non-specific words l...ike thing, stuff, it, or that as well as having trouble following instructions or answering questions- you may want to get their vocabulary checked out. Many children with language disorders need to be DIRECTLY taught vocabulary in order to learn it- so the earlier it is addressed, the better. Sent via @planoly #planoly #speechtherapysaskatoon #yxekids #speechtherapy #latetalker #languagedisorders #literacydifficulties #milestonemondays #toddlers #preschoolers #learnthroughplay #vocabliteracylink #autism #slplife #speechlanguagepathology #earlyintervention #instaslp #ashaigers #privatepracticeslp #literacyandlatetalkers #slp #education See more

I know, I know. Its shocking. Youve probably heard reading to your child helps them, and thats not wrong. Its just that there are MANY different ways to read a book and when most people hear read a book, they think read the words. There isnt anything wrong with this; however, research tells us that its equally important to have a conversation about the pictures and the story. In fact, research tells us that even after children have learned to read fluently they benefi...t from book talks. For our really littles, this means following their gazes and points and talking about whats got their focus. It might mean spending our time on only one page in the book, and thats okay! We are all about teaching that books are fun at this phase. For our preschoolers and early elementary, it means making predictions and drawing connections to their day to day life. You can say things like I wonder what will happen next... or he looks like hes feeling lonely. I wonder what he will do or I bet hes going to cry. What do you think? Or Have you ever woken up really grumpy before? For our school age superheroes, start drawing out perspectives, making predictions, and inferences. You can say things like I wonder what his Mom thinks about that, or He seems really upset. I wonder why? Or do you think thats what really happened? Or how would you feel if...? #speechtherapysaskatoon #inspiringcommunication #speechsounddisorders #literacy #dontreadabook #loveliteracy #preliteracy #languagedisorders #earlychildhoodeducation #childdevelopment #autism #adhd #communicationdisorders #slp #ashaigers #inference #predict #connect #yxekids #bookstagram #naushatakesthebestpictures #typeaslp #organizethis #typebslp

Did you know that on average an 18 month old baby has heard 4,830 hours of language before we ever expect anything from them? Our AAC users deserve the same thing. Learning AAC is much like learning a new language. It takes time both hearing and seeing the system in use before there are ever expectations for the child to use the system. Modelling is all about exposing the child to words. Even if your child does not seem to be paying attention, keep modelling. Sent ...via @planoly #planoly #speechtherapysaskatoon #yxeparents #speechtherapy #aac #aacawareness #augmentativeandalternativecommunication #speech #language #slp #yxekids #autism #cerebralpalsy #apraxia #downsyndrome #modelmodelmodel #alldaywemodelling #development #diverselearners #ashaigers #slpeeps #boardmaker #sped #snapcorefirst #tobiidynavox #aacslp #sped #useaactolearnaac #assistivetechnology See more

Did you know that literacy skills and learning to read has more to it than just learning letters? Learning to read actually begins long before a child learns letters and letter sounds with listening, language, and speech sounds. In fact, research tells us that the following speech and language skills are necessary for developing strong reading skills: (1) Phonemic awareness - beginning to read actually starts with our ears. Children need to be able to tell what speech sounds ...make up a word and how to separate and combine those sounds before they can learn to read and write. (2) Vocabulary - the number and variety of words your child knows before kindergarten is actually a predictor of reading comprehension in later years. (3) Listening Comprehension skills and reading comprehension have a reciprocal relationship. #speechtherapysaskatoon #languageliteracylink #speechpathology #yxekids #speechtherapy #language #literacy #preliteracy #preschooler #kindergarten #kindergartenreadiness #ashaigers #canadianslp

Who said Parrots can’t jump? #speechtherapyyxe #speechlanguagepathologist #occupationaltherapy ... #occupationaltherapist #trampoline #regulation #parrotscantjump #itstrue #butdonttellanyone #wealsohavefoamsoap #andballs #canigetahellyeah See more

We are so excited to announce the addition of Meghan, a pediatric occupational therapist, to our team. She brings with her a wealth of experience! Born and raised in Saskatoon, Meghan attended the University of Saskatchewan where she completed undergraduate degrees in Physiology and Psychology in 2007. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, graduating in 2010.... During much of the past decade, Meghan held positions as an Occupational Therapist with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, including stints at Royal University Hospital and, most recently, at the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program where she worked with pediatric clients and their families for the last six years. Meghan has considerable experience working with children who have a variety of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophies and other developmental delays. Her primary areas of specialization include fine motor delays, sensory processing, and activities of daily living. Meghan lives in Saskatoon with her husband and two young children. Meghan is a registered member of the Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy. Call (306) 491-9355 or go to our website today to book in with her! #speechtherapysaskatoon #occupationaltherapist #ot #slp #yxekids #finemotor #sensoryprocessing #autism #cerebralpalsy #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #neurodiversity

Another fun way to grow your childs vocabulary is through science experiments! These work particularly well if your child is older. For inspo, check out the link in our bio for a rock candy recipe! Building vocabulary can be overwhelming because there are just so many words- where do you even start?! Well, luckily word nerds have done some research for you and split vocabulary into three tiers. Tier 1 words are words that include basic concepts and common labels (think words... like in, on, no, short, or even dog). These are the words that most kids know by the time they are school age. If your child doesnt have them - you want to start here. Tier 2 Words are words that occur in multiple environments but tend to be more academic and are less likely to be used in speaking. Think words like predict or responsibility or compassion. Is#f your child has basic concepts down, but still has weak vocabulary this is where you will get the most bang for your buck. Tier 3 Words are words that are specific to a subject. Think isosceles or isotope. They are only used in that unit in that subject. Science experiments are FANTASTIC for targeting those tier 2 vocabulary words because you can take the time to explicitly teach your child words like predict and design and observe and then use them in action with the experiment. Check out our highlights for more info on explicitly teaching vocabulary words. #speechtherapysaskatoon #speech #speechlanguagepathologist #ashaigers #slp #language #yxekids #inspiringcommunication #theplayeffect #repetition #literacymatters #readtogether #earlylearning #speechlanguagepathology #slp2b #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhood #kindergarten #preschool #homeschool #readwithme #earlyliteracy #languagelearning #learningisfun #languagedevelopment #vocabularydevelopment #booklover #becauseofreading #ilovebooks

Lets talk sensory bins! They are SO easy to set up and a beautiful way to target vocabulary for little guys. If you are a recovering type A, I have some tips at the bottom for easy cleanup and prepping for success. Full disclosure the one in this photo was NOT set up for success. As always when working on communication, get face to face (seriously- its such a game changer) and pay attention to what has your childs attention. Listen to what he/she/they are saying and the...n layer language by describing. For the one that wants a word recipe: Remember not to live in noun town! Kids with language difficulties often have trouble moving outside of labeling objects. SO, we want to expose your child to a variety of types of words such as descriptors like slimy, dirty, stinky, clean, pretty, slippery; verbs like slip, dig, squeeze, drop, hold, dip; location words like beside or on; and question words like where and what? For the recovering type A: (1) Consider your location before you set up- could the activity be done in a bath or shower or outside so you can just hose it down? (2) Set up simple rules before you get started and a consequence - then stick to them so you establish expectations around the sensory bin. (3) Set down a table cloth or shower curtain underneath the activity, so that you can just chuck it in the wash when youre done. (4) Have paper towel, towels, and baby wipes at the location - your kid may flap their hands because they want the sensory filler off. RIGHT. NOW. If you have the items for clean up readily available, you can circumvent that mess For the kid that sticks everything in their mouth: use things that are edible! Instead of using water beads, use tapioca: make slime out of flax seed; pudding can be the dirt you drive cars through; mashed potatoes can be the land dinosaurs live in (and broccoli the trees); whipped cream can be snow; and food coloring to yogurt! Be creative. #speechtherapysaskatoon #yxekids #ashaigers #speechlanguagepathologist #languagelearning #languagedevelopment #childdevelopment #speechtherapy #instaslp #motherhood #slp #earlychildhood #playingwithpurpose #sensorybin

But first, macaw-fee! (Some birds are so judgey...) #speechlanguagepathologist #speechtherapyyxe #speechtherapysaskatoon... #coffeetalk #parrotsgonewild #firstcoffeethentherapy #childlanguagedevelopment #phonology #autism #augmentativeandalternativecommunication See more

Vocabulary is incredibly important in understanding what you read. In fact, children’s vocabulary as young as TWO has been shown to predict language and literacy achievement up to the fifth grade. Unfortunately, this means if your child is a late talker and they do not receive early intervention this puts them at increased risk for developing literacy difficulties down the road. Similarly, if your child is older and consistently uses non-specific words l...ike thing, stuff, it, or that as well as having trouble following instructions or answering questions- you may want to get their vocabulary checked out. Many children with language disorders need to be DIRECTLY taught vocabulary in order to learn it- so the earlier it is addressed, the better. Sent via @planoly #planoly #speechtherapysaskatoon #yxekids #speechtherapy #latetalker #languagedisorders #literacydifficulties #milestonemondays #toddlers #preschoolers #learnthroughplay #vocabliteracylink #autism #slplife #speechlanguagepathology #earlyintervention #instaslp #ashaigers #privatepracticeslp #literacyandlatetalkers #slp #education See more

Have you ever been an exhausted parent? Over at Speech Therapy Saskatoon, we have been sharing some of our parenting hacks for when we just cant even. Here is a picture of what it looks like to play nest. You grab all of the pillows and blankets you can find to create a cozy nest, and listen closely, YOU be the baby bird. So as a parent, you lay in the blankets, have your children fly away to get you worms and to attack predators all while you lay in the blankets because you cant fly. In case you feel like going the extra mile, I also included a picture of books that will extend the learning. Youre welcome.

I know, I know. It’s shocking. You’ve probably heard reading to your child helps them, and that’s not wrong. It’s just that there are MANY different ways to read a book and when most people hear read a book, they think read the words. There isn’t anything wrong with this; however, research tells us that it’s equally important to have a conversation about the pictures and the story. In fact, research tells us that even after children have learned to read fluently they benefi...t from book talks. For our really littles, this means following their gazes and points and talking about what’s got their focus. It might mean spending our time on only one page in the book, and that’s okay! We are all about teaching that books are fun at this phase. For our preschoolers and early elementary, it means making predictions and drawing connections to their day to day life. You can say things like I wonder what will happen next... or he looks like he’s feeling lonely. I wonder what he will do or I bet he’s going to cry. What do you think? Or Have you ever woken up really grumpy before? For our school age superheroes, start drawing out perspectives, making predictions, and inferences. You can say things like I wonder what his Mom thinks about that, or He seems really upset. I wonder why? Or do you think that’s what really happened? Or how would you feel if...? #speechtherapysaskatoon #inspiringcommunication #speechsounddisorders #literacy #dontreadabook #loveliteracy #preliteracy #languagedisorders #earlychildhoodeducation #childdevelopment #autism #adhd #communicationdisorders #slp #ashaigers #inference #predict #connect #yxekids #bookstagram #naushatakesthebestpictures #typeaslp #organizethis #typebslp

We have resumed in-person therapy in a brand new clinic! Looking forward to seeing you all soon. #speechpathology #slpofinstagram #languagetherapy #languagelearning #apraxia #autism #speechtherapyyxe #inspiringcommunication #garrett_the_parrot @ Speech Therapy Saskatoon

Let's celebrate this great country. We are fortunate to live here!

We're migrating to a new clinic space and we look forward to welcoming you there as of July 2nd, 2020!

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Nicole completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders at Minot State University in 2008. She later attended Eastern Washington University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders in 2010. In August of that year, Nicole began her career as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist at Saskatoon Public Schools. In that role, Nicole provides consultative and therapeutic support to students who pre...sent with a variety of communication and behavioural challenges. From 2013 - 2018, in addition to her speech and language pathology caseload in the school division, Nicole provided consultative support to students and school teams in the area of assistive technology at the elementary and secondary levels. Nicole is passionate about helping people increase their ability to communicate efficiently and effectively. She places emphasis on functional, relevant skills that make a positive difference in how clients can be heard, understood, and included. Nicole specializes in working with pre-school and school-aged children who have articulation, phonology, or language disorders. She also works with children and young adults who require support and therapy to target development of social language and executive functioning skills. Additionally, Nicole has experience supporting students who use Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC). Nicole lives in Saskatoon with her husband and two young children. Nicole is a registered member of the Saskatchewan Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (SASLPA). She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Nicole is a registered member of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada.

Wishing all those amazing Dads out there loads of fun on this special day. Today, we celebrate you! #fathersday #happyfathersday #speechtherapysaskatoon #instaslp #garrett_the_parrot

Even Koda the dinosaur is masked and ready to return to the clinic to see her special friends. The countdown is on. #speechtherapy #speechdelays #languagedevelopment #apraxiaofspeech #autism #inspiringcommunication #stuttering #ppeforcovid

We are happy to welcome Beth Ng to our growing team of Speech-Language Pathologists. Beth is passionate about working with children who have speech sound disorders, language disorders and autism. She is particularly excited about helping young people become confident communicators through play-based therapy and daily routines. Book your appointment today by visiting our website or calling us at 306-491-9355. #speechtherapy #languagedevelopment #speechdelay #autism #speechtherapyyxe #inspiringcommunication

#stutteringawareness #stuttering #speechtherapy #speechtherapyyxe #inspiringcommunication #slp

Today, Speech Therapy Saskatoon celebrates all of our Apraxia Stars and their families. #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #speechtherapysaskatoon #apraxiaawareness #speechtherapy #autism #speechpathology #speechdelay #articulation #slplife #slpsofinstagram

The problems with screens Unstructured playtime is more valuable for a young child's developing brain than is electronic media. Children younger than age 2 are more likely to learn and remember information from a live presentation than they are from a video. By age 2, children can benefit from some types of screen time, such as programming with music, movement and stories. By watching together, you can help your child understand what he or she is seeing and apply it in real l...ife. However, passive screen time shouldn't replace reading, playing or problem-solving. Source: Mayo Clinic

Celebrating all the amazing mothers. You make the world a better place. #mothersday, #thanksmom, #mymomisthebest, #ilovemymom

Kids love to bake, so let the language learning begin! Baking in the kitchen with your child is a great way to work on sequencing an activity and following instructions. You can talk about concepts such as: first/then, more/less, big/small, wet/dry, juicy, sweet/sour hard/soft, heavy/light.... As you are completing the steps of the recipe, pair each action with an appropriate verb (e.g., stir, mix, combine, add, squeeze, crack, whisk, beat, grate). After your child has completed an action, you can ask What did you just do? this repetition helps to anchor the newly-learned vocabulary, as well as provide an opportunity to practice using verbs in the past tense (e.g., I mixed the muffins). So, get into the kitchen and make something tasty while building language skills! Make something tasty, and use the opportunity to build language together! #garrettlovestobake literacy #languagedevelopment #learningthroughplay #screenfree #happylearning #slowparenting #speechtherapyideas @ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Join us online for speech and language therapy. Our Speech Therapy Saskatoon team is here to help you.

#speechtherapysaskatoon #inspiringcommunication #crazysocks

Peek-a-Boo! Part 2 The following step in the Peek-a-Boo play routine is getting your child to place the blanket on their head to initiate the game. Try setting a blanket in front of your child and asking: Play Boo? If your child does not pick up the blanket, then point to it and help them pick it up so they learn that is how to initiate the game. The last goal in this social game is to get your child to say Boo! This might not come right away. Remember, repetition is the key to learning. Continue to model Boo when your child pulls the blanket off their head. While playing, start to pause slightly before saying Boo! so as to provide your child with the opportunity to verbalize. They might just surprise you with a Boo!

Peek-a-Boo! Part I Cover your childs head with a blanket and say: Wheres _________? Make sure you create anticipation and excitement in your voice. Proceed by pulling the blanket off of your childs head and saying boo! It is important to say boo rather than peek-a-boo as you we want to model a word that your child will be able to say. Continue to play this game with your child with the goal of generating anticipation and excitement from your child. This may pr...esent in the form of giggles, wiggles and squeals. Next you want your child to pull the blanket off by themselves. If your child gets stuck, help them out. Repeat this game multiple times throughout the day. It is through repetition that toddlers learn.

Lets Play Peek-a-Boo! Social interaction is the foundation of all communication. For this reason, it's important to engage young babies and toddlers in social games. One of the earliest and easiest social games to introduce to a youngster is Peek-A-Boo! This game is loved by adults and children alike. However, there are some children -- especially those with developmental delays -- who struggle with understanding, and participating in, this social game. So, how do we teach t...hese kids to play Peek-A-Boo with us? Over the next week, check in with us regularly as we explain how to engage your child in Peek-A-Boo one small step at a time! #speechtherapysaskatoon #inspiringcommunication #languagedevelopment #autism #speechtherapyisfun

Singing with Sylvia is one of Speech Therapy Saskatoon's favourite children's singers of all time. This will be a fun time for parents and kids and a great way to build imitation skills, promote face-to-face interactions and build language skills -- all while engaging with music! Thanks to Flynn's Forest Indoor Playground for hosting this great event!

Music is a great way to engage with your child. Modelling actions with songs and encouraging them to imitate is a great prerequisite skill for communicating. Singing with Sylvia has always been a family favourite in our household and at our clinic. Check out Singing With Sylvia Concert Series -- you will love her performances!

Speech Therapy Saskatoon offers individual and group therapy sessions for children of a variety of ages. We group children based on compatible personalities and skillsets to ensure fun and effective therapy.

Walt says happiness is piña coladas, walks on the beach and a new pair of bowling shoes. #speechtherapyyxe #speech #languagetherapy #participaction ... #parrots #slplife #slpmemes #articulation #phonology #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #autism #huntersbowlyxe See more