Should we plan for our therapy sessions? As SLPs, we have a lot on our plates. The beginning of the year is chaotic as we are setting up our rooms, organizing our caseloads, reviewing student files, scheduling, completing transfer paperwork, and all of the things we all just love to do. Writing SLP lesson plans might not be at the top of our list during this crazy time!
It doesn’t exactly get better once the school year starts, either. On top of regular therapy, we have paperwork, meetings, parent/teacher communication, student support, and more! Our plates are very full.
These could all be reasons for SLPs NOT to plan for therapy, but is that enough?
Let’s take a closer look…
Reasons NOT TO Plan
1. The IEP is the plan.
2. We don’t have time.
3. Lesson planning is overwhelming.
Reasons TO Plan
1. It gives us a chance to prepare materials to best address our students’ goals.
2. Instead of wasting precious minutes while we’re shuffling to find an activity, we can maximize our time with our students.
3. There is less “down time,” resulting in fewer behavior issues.
4. It allows us to ensure that we are targeting the appropriate goals in an effective manner.
5. It gives us a chance to review student data and make data-based decisions.
6. It gives us a chance to reflect so that we can continue to improve as professionals.
7. It helps us adapt more readily. As long as we don’t become so rigid that we HAVE to follow our plan, I think that planning makes it easier to come up with contingency plans in the moment.
Reconsider
Let’s review some of the “arguments” against planning.
1. The IEP is the plan.
The IEP tells us what to work on, but we still need to figure out how we’re going to target those goals. Mixed groups add in another layer of complexity, too!
2. We don’t have time.
3. Lesson planning is overwhelming.
Lesson planning doesn’t have to be time-consuming OR overwhelming!
What’s the secret?
You can access pre-made lesson plans in the SLP Now Membership! This will save you so. much. time! You can access the lesson plans on any device (i.e., computer, tablet, or phone) for quick and easy lesson planning. The included activities are low prep, and your students will love them.
I also guide you through how to set up systems to make lesson planning easy. The membership includes a Lesson Plan Workbook filled with resources to help you work smarter, not harder.
The membership also includes access to an awesome community of SLPs. I do regular Live videos sharing tips and tricks to use the membership and save time. We talk about some of the tricky questions (e.g., how to get organized, how to plan for mixed groups, and more!). It is a great place to share ideas, collaborate, and receive support.
What Other SLPs Are Saying
Don’t take my word for it! Here’s what other SLP Now Members are saying…
My favorite part of LPM is how simple it is to find exactly what I need, when I need it. No more extensive digging for resources–it’s all right here! I know I am only a few clicks away from an awesome therapy session with LPM. I can quickly find a themed therapy item or target a specific skill set just by browsing through the materials on LPM! – Kayla
The year will be easier because I will have all my themed activities and books with materials ready to easily grab and go. The materials are for a variety of severities can be used in numerous ways! I can take the materials for a whole day’s worth of kiddos and meet their individual needs. – JoBeth
I’m obsessed with the leveled instruction in the skill-based lessons. It can be tricky trying to figure out where to start when a student is having difficulty. Marisha has taken the time to break down the skills and provide the necessary level of supports. This will allow me to try some new methods with less work on my end. – Sarah
Want to Learn More?
Learn more about the membership here.
