The SLP Now Podcast

Narrative graphic organizers are a simple tool that can unlock stronger storytelling, richer language samples, and better generalization across therapy sessions. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical ways to use a narrative graphic organizer with students across grade levels—whether you’re targeting personal narratives, story retells, or literacy-based therapy goals. These strategies are easy to implement, highly flexible, and designed to reduce overwhelm while supporting clear narrative structure.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
Use graphic organizers to scaffold personal narratives
Build pre-story knowledge before reading a book or article
Support accurate and meaningful story retells
Create parallel stories to promote generalization

If you want to see these strategies in action and grab free graphic organizers, check out my on-demand SLP Summit course for a deeper dive.

Sequencing goals are common in IEPs, but do they actually lead to meaningful outcomes? In this episode, I share why I no longer write traditional sequencing goals and what I do instead to support generalization, comprehension, and real-world language use. We’ll look at how isolated sequencing tasks fall short and how embedding sequencing within narrative-based therapy can better support students’ communication skills.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why decontextualized sequencing tasks often don’t generalize
How narrative-based frameworks support sequencing, memory, and comprehension
Examples of functional, measurable alternatives to traditional sequencing goals
Practical ways to scaffold sequencing within real stories and experiences

Listen in to rethink how you target sequencing and walk away with ideas you can apply in therapy right away.

Every January, thousands of SLPs come together for the SLP Summit, and this year’s lineup is packed with fresh insights and practical strategies you can use right away. In this episode, I’m sharing what to expect, how to access two on-demand courses immediately, and why the live sessions (January 12–14) are truly worth tuning into. Whether you're craving evidence-based ideas or simply want to feel inspired again, this Summit has something for you.
Sign up at slpsummit.com!

Show Notes: slpnow.com/242
Want to access the free materials mentioned in the podcast? Go to slpnow.com/pod!
In this episode, we break down six evidence-based strategies you can use to teach summarizing with clarity and confidence. From explicit instruction to picture-supported scaffolds, you’ll get practical tools you can use in your very next session.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✏️ How to explicitly define summaries, main ideas, and key details
✏️ Ways to use visuals and graphic organizers to boost comprehensio
✏️ Why modeling metalinguistic thinking accelerates learning
✏️ How sentence frames and text structures support generalization

Show Notes: slpnow.com/241
Want to access the free materials mentioned in the podcast? Go to slpnow.com/pod!
Did you know that just a handful of prefixes and suffixes account for most derivational words students encounter? In this episode, we break down simple, effective strategies for teaching morphology in speech therapy — so you can help students become confident “word detectives” without adding more to your plate.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to introduce affixes using clear, student-friendly examples
Practical ways to teach selected prefixes and suffixes
A step-by-step framework for breaking down words
Tips for weaving morphology practice into any therapy unit

Tune in and bring a little more clarity (and confidence) to your vocabulary instruction!