by Eric X. Raj, M.S. CCC-SLP
reprinted with permission of the author as it appeared on the Speech Therapy Ideas blog on Pocket SLP.com

It isn’t every day that you get to see a DOG playing BASKETBALL! Wow, I sure was impressed when I came across this 1 minute video on YouTubeso I felt the need to share it with with my 3rd grade students. I believe that incorporating audio-visual media into the speech therapy session really helps children who have language difficulties. If I were to simply talk about a dog playing basketball, that would be too abstract for the kiddos. Similarly, if I were to show a picture of a dog playing basketball, they wouldn’t be able to truly see and comprehend what an amazing talent that the pet had. By showing my students this video, I was able to get some great conversation going in our little speech room.

Questions before they see the furry hoop star! Woof!

Before I showed the video, I asked the following questions:

1. Have you ever played a game of basketball with your friends?
2. Finish this sentence for me, “I love to play basketball because . . .”
3. What items do we need to play a game of basketball? Why are those items important? (hoop, ball, sneakers, water bottle, etc)
4. Have you ever seen real animals (not cartoons) playing basketball before? Is it possible for real animals to play basketball?
5. Do you or someone you know have a dog? Give us details about the pet.

Once my kiddos properly answered the questions, I whipped out the iPad and showed them the video. Since the clip is so short, I played it 2 times because they were begging to see it once more.

Questions after they see the furry hoop star! Woof!

1. What was the name of the dog?
2. Do you think that dog was smart? If so, please explain to the group why you thought so.
3. Do you think that the owner was smart? If so, please explain to the group why you thought so.
4. What toy do you think that particular dog would enjoy playing with more, a bone or a basketball? Why?
5. What show do you think that dog would enjoy more watching more, a cooking show or a basketball show? Why?

In closing . . .

Are you using the power of video clips within your speech therapy sessions? If not, consider giving it a try. I am confident you will be able to target tons of your students’ goals and objectives through fun and kid-friendly video clips that can be played on your iPad.
Featured Contributor: Erik X. Raj, M.S., CCC-SLP
Erik X. Raj, M.S., CCC-SLP is a practicing speech-language pathologist living in Detroit, Michigan. Originally from Jackson, New Jersey, he received his B.S. from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and was awarded a M.S. from Misericrodia University. During his free time, Erik enjoys visiting the best museums, art galleries, and Thai restaurants around.
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