Setting Up Speech Therapy Materials for a Successful School Year

 

Getting organized before the school year starts can save you time and stress later on. Here’s a practical approach to organizing your speech therapy materials so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

1. Sort by Goals and Skills

Example: Start by grouping your materials according to the specific goals and skills you’ll be targeting, like articulation, language, social skills, or fluency. Use clear plastic bins or file folders for each category. Label them with specific skills like “/s/ Articulation,” “Vocabulary Development,” or “Pragmatic Language.” This way, when you have a student who needs to work on a particular skill, you can easily grab the appropriate materials.

2. Use a Binder System for Worksheets

Example: Gather all your printable worksheets and activities into binders organized by topic. For instance, have one binder for articulation, another for grammar, and another for social skills. Within each binder, use dividers to further organize by specific sounds or grammar targets. You can use sheet protectors to keep everything neat and reusable. Make sure to have a “go-to” binder for frequently used materials to pull out what you need quickly.

3. Create a Digital Resource Library

Example: For any digital resources you use, like apps, PDFs, or online games, create a well-organized folder system on your computer or cloud storage. Name your folders clearly, like “Speech Apps,” “Digital Flashcards,” or “Interactive Games.” Bookmark your favorite online resources in a dedicated browser folder. Consider creating a digital inventory list to find and access what you need during sessions quickly.

4. Develop a “Grab-and-Go” Kit

Example: Use a portable kit with essential items you use frequently, like a small mirror, articulation cards, a tally counter, and a dry-erase board with markers. Keep this kit in a tote bag or small bin near your desk so it’s easy to grab when you’re moving between rooms or working with different students. This way, you’re always prepared, even if you need to adjust your plan on the fly.

5. Color-Code by Grade Level

Example: Color-coding your materials can be a game-changer if you work with different age groups. Use different colored bins, folders, or labels for each grade level. For instance, red is for kindergarten, blue is for 1st-2nd grade, green is for 3rd-5th grade, and so on. This helps you quickly locate materials appropriate for each group.

6. Label Everything

Example: Invest in a good label maker or use clear, printed labels to mark your bins, folders, binders, and shelves. Be specific with your labels – instead of just “Articulation,” try “Articulation – Initial /r/.” This makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for without digging through piles of materials.

7. Set Up a Rotating System

Example: For materials you use seasonally or thematically, like Halloween or winter-themed activities, set up a rotating storage system. Keep the current season’s materials easily accessible in your main storage area, and store off-season materials in a separate spot, like a closet or high shelf. Rotate them as the year progresses so they are always ready with fresh, relevant materials.

8. Create a Central Storage Area

Example: Designate a specific area in your therapy room as your central storage hub. This could be a bookshelf, a rolling cart, or a set of drawers. Keep all your most-used materials here, organized by category and clearly labeled. Consider using clear bins or baskets to see what’s inside at a glance. Ensure everything has a designated spot, so it’s easy to put things back after each session.

9. Plan a Weekly Reorganization Routine

Example: Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each week to tidy up and reorganize. Refile worksheets, restock your “grab-and-go” kit and make sure everything is back in its place. This routine helps you stay organized throughout the school year and prevents clutter from piling up.

10. Keep a Master Inventory List

Example: Create a simple spreadsheet or document that lists all your materials, including what you have, where it’s stored, and when you last used it. This is especially helpful for digital resources or items that might get lost in the shuffle. Review your inventory at the start and end of each semester to ensure you’re not missing anything important. 

By taking the time to organize your speech therapy materials now, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free school year. When everything has its place and is easy to find, you can focus on what really matters: helping your students succeed.