Creating Incentives

Henry, one of our Speech Language Pathology interns from NIU, was recently working with Playhouse participant, Elijah. Elijah was having a hard time getting focused…so Henry pulled out a secret weapon that he had gleaned from their last session together. He asked Elijah how much he liked pizza. Elijah didn’t answer, but he looked right up at Henry and held his gaze. He officially had Elijah’s attention! Henry told him if he worked hard for the rest of the session, he could have a pizza Lunchable that he brought specifically for this occasion… assuming it was okay with his Mom, of course! Elijah slowly but surely started focusing on his work, and by the end, he had earned his reward, and both he and his brother were hanging out on the couch eating their pizza! 

This is just one example of the many great ideas that our amazing speech interns have come up with to connect with their Amina Grace Speech and Language participants. Henry got to know Elijah and what he liked, and created a great incentive for him. They also got to make it and enjoy it together, further cementing their sense of trust.  This story also speaks volumes about how speech therapy is often not about sitting in one place, working directly from a curriculum. Taking the time to get to know the participants’ interests, figuring out their style of learning, and initiating meaningful conversations is just as much speech therapy as practicing specific letter sounds. Henry, thank you for pouring such thoughtfulness into all of your sessions with each participant, and great work, Elijah!