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What's included?

Peek Inside the Training Area

Snappy Speech® includes comprehensive video training and resources for SLPs and Extenders. The SLP gets everything they need to roll out this model with ease, while the Extender gets the training they need to deliver effective drill sessions.

Lesson #1 Background

The first lesson explains the difference between traditional methods and our approach to high-frequency intervention. This gives you (and your Extender) a solid understanding of why we do things in this way and the research that backs it up.

1. The research behind the model — Learn about the efficacy of this approach.
2. Where our research began — How we fine-tuned our model in the real world.
3. What “top of the license” means — And where Extenders fit into the picture.
   

Why does this matter? So that you can trust in an approach that's backed by extensive research, proven to get results in real schools, and approved by ASHA.

Lesson #2 The Role of the Extender

In this lesson, we'll cover what an Extender is and the difference between SLPAs and paraprofessionals. Fully understanding these roles means everyone can work towards the best outcomes for each child—without stepping on each other's toes.

1. Who can be an Extender – Understand the role of SLPAs and paraprofessionals.
2. What Extenders do – Learn about the tasks they should (and shouldn't) take on.
3. Job description for Extenders – The core responsibilities and key hiring criteria.
   

Why does this matter? The success of this model relies heavily on selecting the right Extender, training them well, and making sure they understand their role.

Lesson #3 Confidentiality

In this lesson, your Extender will learn why it's essential to keep student information private, and how to do so effectively. We'll cover common situations where Extenders might reveal sensitive information inadvertently, with guidance on how to handle them.

1. Legal and ethical obligations — What needs to be kept confidential (and why).
2. Examples of breaches — How sensitive info can be revealed inadvertently.
3. Scripts for common scenarios — Best practices for handling sensitive questions.
   

Why does this matter? Unless they're prepared for certain conversations in advance, Extenders may disclose sensitive information without even realizing.

Lesson #4 The Role of the SLP

This lesson explains the extensive training SLPs undergo and the scope of their work in a school system. Extenders will learn why the SLP always works as the clinical supervisor, and how their role helps to extend the work of the SLP.

1. SLP as the supervisor — Recognizing the SLP's expertise and credentials.
2. Scope of practice — What the SLP is responsible for and how they do it.
3. Collaboration with Extenders — How Extenders can increase capacity for SLPs.
   

Why does this matter? Clearly understanding the role of the SLP means the Extender knows not to overstep professional boundaries. This is essential for staying within compliance and making sure the model runs smoothly for the SLP.

Lesson #5 Articulation 101

This lesson gives the Extender a basic understanding of articulation, which is key to helping with speech sound practice. They'll learn the essentials needed to deliver Extender drill sessions effectively.

1. Basics of articulation — What articulation is and when speech sounds develop.
2. Speech sound disorders — What causes them and their prevalence in schools.
3. How Extenders can help — The role of Extenders in practicing speech sounds.
   

Why does this matter? You and your Extender need a basic level of shared knowledge in order to communicate effectively about the work.

Lesson #6 How Sounds Are Made

This lesson provides a basic overview of how we produce speech sounds. We'll cover the core tenets of oral mechanism so that the Extender has a foundational understanding of speech science.

1. Manner — How air flows to make sound, including stop sounds, fricatives and more.
2. Placement — Where we make sounds in our mouth.
3. Voicing — The difference between voiced and voiceless sounds.
   

Why does this matter? This is essential knowledge for working with students on speech articulation. Without it, Extenders won't be able to deliver productive sessions to support the students effectively.

Lesson #7 Optimize Speech Sound Practice

After understanding the basics of speech science, Extenders will now learn how to deliver positive speech practice. This lesson teaches them how to work with the child for the best possible communication outcomes.

1. Positive vs. negative practice — Defining negative practice and how to avoid it.
2. General vs. specific praise — How to give constructive, effective feedback.
3. Motor learning principles — Three keys for optimizing speech sound practice.
   

Why does this matter? Extenders must know how to avoid negative practice so they don't enforce incorrect behaviors. Otherwise their involvement will only cause setbacks and frustration for the child.

Lesson #8 Speech Sound Cuing

This lesson covers the most important part of the Extender's work. They'll learn about cuing and how to use a range of different cues under the direction of their SLP.

1. The power of cues — What cues are and why they matter so much.
2. Types of speech sound cues — Examples of visual, verbal, and tactile cues. 
3. Cuing demonstration — How to cue different sounds with different cue types.
   

Why does this matter? If your Extender doesn't know how to modify a cue or when to ask for help with an ineffective one, their practice may halt the child's progress.

Lesson #9 Why Snappy Speech® Works

In this lesson, we dive a little deeper into the many different causes of speech sound disorders and the research into different treatment approaches. This will help you and your Extender understand why our model works and how it compares with others.

1. Types of treatment — Articulation- vs phonological-based approaches.
2. Clinical judgment — How SLPs mix and match approaches for each case.
3. Efficacy of Snappy Speech® — Why this model leads to better outcomes. 
   

Why does this matter? As clinicians, it's essential that we take an evidence-based approach to our work. We want you to understand exactly why this model works so that you can implement it in your school with total confidence.

Lesson #10 The Screening Process

This lesson will give you a complete process to identify and screen students who'd benefit from Snappy Speech®. We'll show you every step from the initial teacher request and parent contact, through to completing the screening itself.

1. IEPs, 504s and RTIs — Understanding key terms and legal documents.
2. Screening requests — How teachers can make requests (with a template).
3. Low- & high-tech options — Detailed walkthroughs for the screening itself.
4. Qualifying criteria — How to identify if a child is a good fit for Snappy Speech®.
5. Progress monitoring — What it looks like to monitor a child throughout the year.
   

Why is this important? Snappy Speech® isn't right for every child, so you need an efficient way to identify those who'll benefit from this approach.

Lesson #11 How to Schedule Efficiently

This lesson gives you all of the guidance, templates, and examples you need to run an efficient Snappy Speech® schedule. You'll learn how to schedule your Extender's sessions and the changes required for your own time.

1. Informing parents — Downloadable parent notification and permission forms.
2. Scheduling IEP students — Needs-based scheduling and how to put this in IEPs.
3. Daily scheduling calculator — Calculate time requirements based on caseloads.
4. SLP & Extender schedules — How to work around classroom/school schedules.
5. Considering RTI students — How to include RTI students into the mix.
   

Why is this important? School schedules are complex at the best of times. You need an efficient way to manage your new schedule so it doesn't add overwhelm.

Lesson #12 Locations for Snappy Speech®

In this lesson, we offer guidance on finding the best location in your school to conduct Snappy Speech®. We'll cover the pros and cons of various locations, the materials you'll need, and walk through how to arrange each session for optimal results.

1. Suggested locations — Where Snappy Speech® sessions can be conducted.
2. What's needed? — Making sure your location has the required equipment.
3. Pros and cons — The advantages and disadvantages of certain locations.
4. School geography — How to choose the best location for time efficiency.
5. Setting up your session — Optimal arrangement for minimising distractions.
   

Why is this important? If each child needs to be brought back to the SLP's office for every session, the time requirements can easily double. Efficiency is a priority!

Lesson #13 Intervention Materials

In this lesson, you'll get all of the materials you need to run Snappy Speech® articulation drill sessions. We'll also talk through the advantages and disadvantages of using low-tech vs high-tech tools, and offer detailed guides on setting up either option.

1. Snappy Speech® binder — Printable copy of students' target sounds and an overview of their progress, to help Extenders plan and monitor sessions.
2. Low-tech session guide — How to use readily-available cards and articulation books to deliver Snappy Speech® with familiar resources.
3. High-tech session guide (recommended) — How to use the 'Little Bee Hive' app to deliver sessions, collect data, and monitor progress all in one place.
   

Why is this important? We want to give you as many time-saving shortcuts as possible! We've done all of the planning legwork so you can get started quickly.

Lesson #14 Overcoming Obstacles

There are several obstacles that can get in the way of delivering productive Snappy Speech® sessions. In this lesson, we'll talk about the two main types of obstacles, how to prevent them, and what to do if they come up.

1. Environmental obstacles — How to deal with noise and other disruptions.
2. Student obstacles — Handling issues with focus, defiance, chattiness and more.
3. Minimising disruption — Practical tips for keeping sessions on track.
   

Why is this important? With these short drill sessions, every minute of practice matters. Even small disruptions can reduce the number of drills by half!

Lesson #15 Let's Do This!

In the last lesson, we'll review the key steps involved with starting Snappy Speech® in your school. So that by this point in the program...

• You've sent a letter to teachers introducing Snappy Speech®.
• You've created a list of IEP students that will benefit from Snappy Speech®.
• You've notified parents about how Snappy Speech® will assist their students.
• You've conducted intital screenings of IEP students and any new RTI referrals.
• You've set up your binder with student information and required documents.
• You've prepared intervention materials (using either low-tech tools or an app).
• You've secured furniture for your location set-up.
• You've developed schedules for both the SLP and the Extender.
• You've notified teachers of approximate student schedules.
  

What's next? You're ready to run your first Snappy Speech® sessions!