Organize Speech Sessions with Student Folders

A How-To Guide Designed for SLPs

Effective organization is key to maximizing speech therapy sessions and ensuring students stay engaged in their learning process. A well-prepared student folder can streamline therapy, promote student participation, and provide clear progress tracking. Here’s how to create and use therapy folders to keep sessions efficient and enjoyable.

Materials You’ll Need

• Folders (one per student)
• Crayons, markers, and stickers
• Goal sheets
• IEP at a glance sheets
• Homework sheets
• Sticker charts (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the Folder

Each folder should be personalized and functional. Here’s how to set it up:

• Personalization: Have students write their name on the folder and decorate it with markers and stickers. For younger students, this adds excitement and ownership.
• Goal Writing:
  • Write or help students write simplified versions of their therapy goals (e.g., “Initial /s/ in words and phrases”).
  • Encourage students to set their own personal goals, like “Have fun in speech” or “Bring my homework.” For younger students, they can draw their goals instead of writing them.

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Step 2: Organizing Materials

Inside the folder, include materials that make sessions smoother and track progress:

1. Sticker Charts:
   • Place sticker charts on both sides of the folder.
   • Students earn stickers for meeting session goals. You can implement a reward system, such as a treasure box after earning a certain number of stickers.
2. Goal Sheets:
   • Include a printed goal sheet for each student. This serves as a quick reminder of what they’re working on and can be updated as needed.
3. Homework Sheets:
   • Pre-cut homework sheets and include them in the folder. A single page can cover multiple sessions (e.g., “Say this word 5 times” or “Practice this sound during dinner conversation”).
   • At the end of each session, write down homework instructions to keep practice consistent and manageable.
4. IEP at a Glance:
   • Include a concise overview of the student’s IEP goals and objectives. Keep this sheet in a secure location when not in use, but have it handy during therapy to stay aligned with their needs.

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Step 3: Using the Folder During Therapy

Folders are a dynamic tool for therapy sessions. Here’s how to integrate them:

• Goal Review:
  • Begin sessions by reviewing the student’s goals and progress.
  • Use this time to add stickers, discuss their participation, and adjust their personal goals as needed.
• Homework and Achievements:
  • Use the folder to store unfinished tasks, completed work, or anything the student is proud of.
  • Periodically send the folder home to share progress with parents. Trust older students to bring it back for continued use.

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Step 4: Promoting Student Participation

Student involvement is critical for meaningful therapy. Encourage participation by:

• Allowing students to set personal goals or draw their objectives.
• Engaging them in the setup process, such as cutting sticker charts or organizing their materials.
• Celebrating small victories with stickers or other rewards.

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Benefits of Using Therapy Folders

• Organization: Keep all materials in one place for easy access during sessions.
• Student Ownership: Personalized folders make therapy feel like a collaborative effort.
• Parental Communication: Sending folders home keeps parents informed of progress and goals.
• Efficiency: Pre-cut materials and organized sheets save time and maximize the session.

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By incorporating therapy folders into your sessions, you can create a structured yet flexible approach that promotes engagement, tracks progress, and fosters student ownership of their learning journey. Try this system and watch your sessions run more smoothly!

Do you use folders in your therapy? Share your tips in the comments below!