The saying about March coming in like a lion...is so true figuratively not only due to weather, but as describing my school SLP schedule. Between larger than usual initial assessments, reevaluations, IEPs, as well as progress reports, there is little time for planning. Thank goodness for books and materials to address all the speech and language target skills during therapy sessions.
If you have been following this series, the books I share can be used for traditional elementary/pediatric caseloads and often your entire caseload for multiple weeks, using one book. For me, currently pushing into the literacy block in classrooms, my pace has changed to reflect that of the teacher's. In some classrooms we focus on a single book per week for each grade level. I use these books in 1st and 2nd grades.
Here’s the list of books I have in my March bin.
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Here’s what I target with just about EVERY book:
→Sequencing, retelling, summarizing, story grammar/elements (character, setting, problem, events, consequences, ending/solution)
→Tier 1 describing, Tier 2 vocabulary, synonyms & antonyms
→Comparing & contrasting/similarities & differences
→Basic concepts, direction words, temporal concepts
→WH questions-basic and inferential
→Inferencing-social/pragmatic
→Verbs & pronouns
→Sentence generation-higher level structures, conversational, expansion
→Articulation
Here are my "top targets" for each book.
Salt in His Shoes
Story Grammar
Summarizing
Inferencing
Mindfulness
My students immediately become enamored with this book within the first few pages. They can relate because of their own fears and failures. The story of Michael Jordan's pursuit of his dream and the inspiring outcome fills their little hearts with hope. The lesson alone is epic and the speech and language targets available complete the cherry on top. You can find materials here.
Too Many Carrots
Problem/Solution
WH Questions
Basic Concepts
If you read A Loud Winter's Nap as one of my February suggestions, your students will be familiar with the characters in this book. This time, it is rabbit who needs some support from his friends. Rabbit loves carrots, which creates a big problem! Will his friends be able to change his ways? Check out my book companion to support your lessons.
That's What Leprechaun's Do
Story Grammar
Sequencing
Predicting
Tier 2 Vocabulary
Inferencing-Social/Pragmatic (behaviors, joking)
What do leprechauns do? Get into a lot of mischief as they tackle their main job of burying the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Your students will have fun predicting what might happen next. Take a look at my book companion to help with your planning.
Tops and Bottoms
Problem/Solution
Inferencing
Social/Pragmatic
Tier 1 Describing
Comparing & Contrasting
Spatial Concepts
How can Hare solve his family's problem? Tricking lazy Bear might be the only way to accomplish this task. See if using wit to figure out the best way to share the crops (tops vs. bottoms) gives Hare what his family needs. There are tons of no prep activities here.
The Seven Silly Eaters
Sequencing
Tier 1 Describing
Spatial Concepts
This is a new story for me and I get such a chuckle out of this story. Maybe it is because I can relate to being a picky eater and having a crew at home that each have their persnickety moments! Here are some no prep activities to accompany your read aloud.
Library Lion
Story Grammar
Summarizing
Inferencing-Social/Pragmatic
Tier 2 Vocabulary
When a lion enters the library and walks past the circulation desk, no one is quite sure what to do. Can a lion really be allowed in the library and be able to follow all the rules? I love the illustrations and descriptive language used in this text. I have not (yet) created a book companion to support this text; however, we work on Tier 2 vocabulary encountered within the book as well as visualizing (and drawing) the events in order to aid our comprehension. This book is also great for feelings and character traits.
When Spring Comes
Tier 1 Describing
Verbs-future tense
Cause & effect
Before & after
Plural nouns
This book about the coming of spring uses alliteration to introduce the basic concepts of language.
Do you have any other books that I should add to March? I'm also accepting tips on how to survive this season of workload overload!
