Carryover is one of the hardest tasks we speech-language pathologists encounter. Whether we are working on a lispy s, fluency, expressive syntax, social-pragmatic skills, or even listening comprehension, we need to take the lesson out of our clinical or school setting and help the child use the new skill with his family and friends. Now we have a new, inexpensive therapy tool: Mardi Gras napkins! I kid you not. The Georgia-Pacific company is selling their paper napkins with conversation starters on each napkin. The label says, “These prints get people talking.”
What’s a new trend you’d start tomorrow? A genie gives you 3 wishes, what are they? What are you thankful for today? What’s the most outrageous thing you saw today? How do you like to make friends?
Each napkin is also illustrated. My plan is to introduce them in therapy, then send a stack home for homework at the dinner table. So put down those cell phones and have a conversation. I can’t wait to see what feedback I receive!