Speech Therapy Materials for School-Based SLPs

My Core Tools for Functional, Real-World Progress

When it comes to speech therapy materials in schools, I keep things intentional and minimal.

Before listing tools, here’s the philosophy behind every recommendation on this page:

I teach strategies first, then practice them in meaningful contexts—systematically reducing prompts and supports so students can carry skills into the classroom and daily life.

Speech and language learning does not happen only in the therapy room. Students must communicate all day, every day, across settings, partners, and expectations. The materials I use need to support that reality.

My Non-Negotiables for School-Based Therapy

1. Materials Must Be Flexible

If a tool can’t adapt to:

• multiple goals
• multiple ages
• curriculum content

…it doesn’t earn space in my room.

2. Strategy Before Worksheet

I focus on:

• teaching how to communicate
• not just completing tasks

Materials should support cueing, scaffolding, and independence, not replace clinical thinking.

3. Fewer Tools, Used Well

I rely on a small set of core materials that I know deeply and can use across:

• articulation
• language
• RTI
• groups
• mixed goals

My Must-Have Speech Therapy Materials (Schools Edition)

Expanding Expression Tool (EET)

This is one of the few structured programs I consistently recommend.

Why it earns a spot:

• Builds deep, connected vocabulary
• Supports oral language, writing, and comprehension
• Uses color and visuals to support memory and retrieval
• Easily applies to curriculum vocabulary

Yes, it’s expensive—but it replaces dozens of disconnected worksheets.

http://www.expandingexpression.com/

Hedbanz (Paired with EET)

One of the very few games I keep.

I use it to target:

• vocabulary development
• categorization
• defining (function, attributes, location)
• question formulation
• deductive reasoning
• memory strategies (visualization, rehearsal)
• turn-taking and pragmatics

It works across ages and goal areas when paired with structured cueing.

Story Grammar Marker (MindWing Concepts)

This and EET are the only two “programs” I recommend for broad language goals.

Why: 

• Supports narrative language, reasoning, and comprehension
• Works for oral language and literacy
• Applies easily to classroom texts
• Scales from early elementary through middle school

http://mindwingconcepts.com

Dry Erase Boards (Used Constantly)

If I had to choose one physical tool, this would be it.

I use them for:

• drawing vocabulary
• visual schedules
• sequencing
• story grammar markers
• individualized cues
• quick data or visual feedback
• 5-minute earned drawing time

Simple. Flexible. Powerful.

Basic Picture Card Decks

Every SLP needs a reliable visual set.

I use basic cards for:

• definitions
• similarities/differences
• picture description
• oral grammar
• RTI probing
• quick language warm-ups

Nothing fancy—just effective visuals.

Mirrors

Mirrors are essential for articulation therapy.

They support:

• self-monitoring
• visual feedback
• placement awareness
• independence from clinician cues

Students are capable of noticing and correcting errors—mirrors help unlock that skill.

Stickers (Yes, Really)

I stopped over-engineering behavior systems.

Now:

• stickers are immediate
• effort is reinforced
• systems stay simple

Extra effort = extra stickers.
It works—and it saves my energy.

Tongue Depressors (Beyond Placement)

Yes, I use them for articulation placement—but also for:

• building structures (earned pieces)
• description tasks
• sentence formulation
• motivation during drill

Low-cost, high-impact.

The Role of My Membership Materials

I created Speech Therapy Talk Membership because I needed materials that:

• fit my caseload
• worked across goals
• required little to no prep
• supported real therapy—not Pinterest therapy

Inside the membership, I rely on:

• articulation guides and cueing tools
• no-print interactive materials
• language activities for ages 1–10
• story grammar supports
• Spanish materials
• RTI documentation and screening tools
• parent and teacher handouts

Everything is built to support strategy + repetition + carryover.

Learn more about the membership here.

Final Thought

You don’t need more materials.

You need:

• fewer tools
• used intentionally
• grounded in how language actually develops

That’s what this list reflects.

Must-Have Free /s/ Articulation Packet

If you’re working on /s/ in schools, this is a great place to start.

This free /s/ packet includes focused practice materials designed to support:

• accurate placement
• consistent cueing
• high repetitions for motor learning

Use it for quick pull-outs, mixed groups, RTI, or simple carryover—no extra prep required.