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2018 PAL Awards
Play on Words speech and language expert Sherry Artemenko recognizes exceptional toys, games and books that encourage language, spark fun and invite creative play.
all PAL Award winners
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Win a PAL Award for toys, books & games:
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video toy reviews
Video reviews of our PAL Award winners with tips on how to advance language through play • see PAL tips... ►
See more video reviews... ► Sherry, thanks for giving us back our son. We are so grateful for everything you did for Ben and our family. Not seeing you every week makes me feel that something is missing… but we look forward to a summertime walk! We miss you,
Nicole, mother of 2 year-old boy who was dismissed from therapyWestport, CTSherry, thank you so much for working with my girls for so long. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, insight and professionalism made our experience so meaningful. My husband and I appreciate all you have done for them. Let’s keep in touch. Thanks again.
Mother of 3 and 5 year-old girlsGreenwich, CTThank you Sherry! You are a BIG help and Max adores you.
Maria, mother of a 5 year-old boyFairfield, CT
Category Archives: 6-8 year-olds
Play Noodle Speedoodle for Articulation Carryover
I have stacks of great games, as you can imagine, but as kids get older, I need some for 8 and up to challenge my students and keep them interested. I have an 8 year-old who is working on carrying … Continue reading
Koala Capers Brings New Fun To Speech Sessions
I’ve already tried out some new products that I got at the Toy Fair last week. Nothing like spicing up therapy sessions with some new games in my bag! The kids loved both new games I got from Educational Insights: Koala … Continue reading
When Parents Let Go, Kids are Free to Write
I love watching the progression as kids learn to write, from their earliest inventive spelling to writing a coherent journal entry. I spent a lot of time with a little student I have, drawing pictures of the beginning, middle and … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, writing
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The Power of a Picture Book
I’ve gotta say there’s not much that gets me quite as excited as discovering a fantastic new children’s picture book and usually the author behind it! In the last few years, here are some stand-outs that pack some powerful messages of … Continue reading
Two Speckled Eggs by Jennifer Mann, Lesson Plans
I’ve started up my video reviews, giving language boosting tips to parents, using favorite PAL Award winning toys, books and games. I couldn’t resist sharing this gem of a book, “Two Speckled Eggs” by author/illustrator Jennifer Mann. As a parent, … Continue reading
Kids’ Character Dress Up Builds Language
When I was looking over a recent Pinterest post on great storage ideas, I saw this cute, portable costume holder for the playroom. I’ve been in playrooms that also had a series of pegs on the wall to hold the … Continue reading
Practice Charts for Articulation Therapy, Try Singing
Sometimes kids magically take that last step to carrying over their articulation sounds into conversation and they are ready for dismissal. Other times it seems they can be very accurate during their weekly speech therapy session but can’t jump to … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Articulation
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Preview of Some Hot New Language Toys Debuting at the Toy Fair 2015
Things are heating up as I get several emails a day, inviting me to visit companies’ booth at the Toy Fair coming in February. I get excited just filling out my minute to minute schedule for the 4 days at … Continue reading
Is Elf On the Shelf Causing You Stress?
I have to laugh at the buzz around Elf on the Shelf in the last few days. I feel like every family I work with invites me in and immediately has me look for the elf or the kids take … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds
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Use the Christmas Tree for Speech Therapy Carryover
It is such fun to be an itinerant speech therapist during the holidays because I get a peek into all the beautifully decorated homes. Last week I was working with a second grader on his /th/ sound while his mom … Continue reading