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Black History Language & Literacy Books
In the United States, Black History Month is recognized and celebrated each February. The origin of this significant month is due to the efforts of Harvard scholar, Carter Woodson, and minister Jesse Moorland. In September of 1915, they started an organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), with the mission of promoting the accomplishments of Black Americans and others from the African Diaspora. In 1926, the group sponsored, Negro History Week, in the United States with the same purpose. It took another 50 years before a President recognized the importance of this specially appointed time to recognize the contributions of African Americans in the United States. In 1976, President General Ford implemented that well needed CHANGE to make Black History Month part of the American landscape. You can read more about that history here.
Aside from language, multiculturalism, and the arts, history is another area that I truly love. I love learning facts about people, places, and events. Black people are truly the foundation of so many things in the U.S. and abroad. We exist at the very cradle of civilization and have contributed immensely in the U.S. and throughout the African diaspora. There are countless individuals who have made lasting contributions to every facet of American life. It’s important to share facts about Black Excellence during February and all year long with children receiving speech/language therapy and your children at home. Doing so will expand their knowledge while providing more culturally responsive therapy. Yes, kids can be engaged while learning truths about American history with the numerous contributions of African Americans and those from the African Diaspora. After all, Black History is American History, and World History. Speech language pathologists, educators, and parents must provide an environment that is conducive to the success of Black children and adolescents.
This year, I am recommending a focus on non-fiction books to use meaningfully with children. They can practice a variety of speech-language skills. My top six selections are:
28 Days Moments in Black History That Changed the Word by Charles R. Smith Jr
This is a great book that provides information about a variety of important people in Black history. Children have the opportunity to learn about individuals that they most likely have not learned about previously. For example, they can learn about Matthew Henson, one of two men who explored the North Pole. He traveled to Central America and on a later expedition reached the North Pole. He was given the name Maripahluk, by the indigenous Inuit Eskimos. Children can learn about Henry Johnson, who was part of an all black regiment of soldiers during World War I. He was a courageous man who received the Croix de Guerre, the highest French military honor. He was memorialized in Arlington National Cemetery with other American war heroes. They may also select to learn information about Bessie Coleman, a Black woman, who received her pilot’s license at the age of 29. She received her international license in France since she was not able to study in the U.S. due to discrimination. Do you know about Althea Gibson? She was the first Black woman to win a tennis championship title. She started playing tennis at age 14 and later won the international Wimbledon championship twice and the U.S. Open twice. Students can also learn about other significant moments in Black History such as the 1954, Brown vs. Board of Education decision that eliminated segregation in schools. There are many other important historical figures and moments in this non-fiction book.
Speech/Language Targets:
Language Memory- recall and restate three key facts
Syntax- produce oral sentences with simple, compound, and/or complex sentence structures
Kamala Harris, First Female Vice President by Rachel Rose
This book is ideal for early learners in kindergarten-third grade. The text is written with simple sentence structures that provide great comprehension practice for children with language disorders, learning disabilities, and autism. In this non-fiction text, students will increase their knowledge about Kamala Harris, the first woman to be elected to the prestigious job of the Vice President of the United States. Children will learn about her multicultural background as a daughter of two highly academic and accomplished parents from India and Jamaica. They will learn about Kamala Harris’ desire to help others and her careers as a lawyer, U.S. Senator, and her current role as Vice President.
Speech/Language Targets:
Vocabulary-students can verbally define tier 1 and tier 2 words
Language Memory- recall and restate three key facts
WH Questions- answer literal who, what, where, when, why questions
Mary McLeod Bethune, A Great Teacher by Patricia and Frederick McKissack
This literature selection is a part of a series of books by the husband and wife team, who have written approximately 100 books about the African American experience in the U.S. and around the world. They have won several awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award. This book is ideal for children in the third-fifth grade. Do you know about Mary McLeod Bethune? She is known for starting a school in Florida to educate girls. She was born in South Carolina to parents who were former slaves. The great news is that Mary was born free in 1875. This would provide her with new opportunities such as attending school. Her first school ended in the sixth grade. Then she went to a boarding school in North Carolina, named Scotia Seminary, at the young age of 12. After that, she attended Moody Bible College in Chicago. Next, she worked in Chicago and then moved to Georgia to teach. Mary was inspired to move to Daytona Beach, Florida when she heard that there was no school for Black girls in that area. She opened her school in 1904 with 5 students. Over the next year, the school grew to 100 students and 3 teachers. She was an ambitious woman who raised money from wealthy sponsors to buy land, build her school, and even a hospital. Her all-girls school later joined with Cookman, an all-boys school that later became known as Bethune-Cookman. It is currently a private historically Black university. Children will learn a lot of important information about the contributions of Mary McLeod Bethune.
Speech/Language Targets:
WH and How Questions- answer literal and inferential questions
Language Memory- recall and restate five key facts
Syntax- verbally communicate simple, compound, and complex sentence structures about the book
Booker T. Washington Leader and Educator by Patricia and Frederick McKissack
In this non-fiction book, elementary school students can learn about another historical African American, Booker T. Washington. Although he was born a slave in Virginia, he was able to overcome those challenges and make a positive impact on American society. As a young child, in 1861, the Civil War began. There was a divide between the Northern and Southern States. In 1865, soldiers visited the plantation where his family lived two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed all slaves. His family and many others did not immediately hear this important news. His family then moved to West Virginia to gain work. He had the opportunity to attend a Black school for children and learned to read. He also had to work in the coal mines and as a housekeeper. Later, Booker T. Washington heard about another Black school in Hampton, Virginia. He traveled 500 miles away to attend this school that was known as Hampton Institute at that time. He graduated from there in 1875. After graduation, he taught in West Virginia and in Hampton, VA. He later moved to Tuskegee, Alabama, and held his first class in a Tuskegee church in 1881 with thirty students. Then he hired Olivia Davidson to be another teacher and they later got married. She is known as the cofounder of Tuskegee. Students will learn additional interesting facts about the life of Booker T. Washington in this book.
Speech/Language Targets:
Language Memory- recall and restate five key facts
WH and How Questions- answer literal and inferential questions
Syntax- verbally communicate simple, compound, and complex sentence structures about the book
Marian Anderson, A Great Singer by Patricia and Frederick McKissack
Many children like the arts. However, they are most likely not aware of historical Black individuals that paved the way for modern day artists. In this literature selection, children in grades 3-5th can learn about the life and contributions of Marian Anderson, a famous singer. She started singing at the age of 6 and she also fell in love with the sound of the piano when she heard a Black lady playing this instrument. Although her family was very poor, she had aspirations to become a professional singer. Unfortunately, at that time, many music schools did not teach Black children. She eventually found her first voice teacher, Mary Saunders Patterson, and then another teacher Giuseppe Boghetti. By the time she was 21, in 1918, she sang in a concert at the Philadelphia Academy of Music. She later sang with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Marian Anderson traveled and performed internationally. Her first concert abroad was in Germany in 1930 and she later performed in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Due to discrimination in the U.S., many performers had opportunities in Europe that were not so easily attained in the U.S. When she returned to the U.S., she sang in many states and performed at a concert in the famous Carnegie Hall in New York, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial for an audience of 75,00o people. Additionally, she was the first African American to sing a leading role with the New York City’s Metropolitan Opera Company. Marian Anderson was quite accomplished. She served as a delegate to the United Nations and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963.
Speech/Language Targets:
Vocabulary- define tier 1 and tier 2 words
Language Memory-recall and restate five key facts
WH and How Questions- answer literal and inferential questions
Hidden Figures, The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
Many students have heard about the famous women that were instrumental in the space industry because of the 2016 Hidden Figures movie. I like that this book provides an overview of their contributions. This book is ideal for children in grades 3-5 and middle school students. They will learn about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden. They were bright and talented women who excelled in math, science, and engineering. The Black women are important because they worked for NASA and were instrumental in the development of advancements in the space industry. For example, Katherine Johnson is known as a brilliant mathematician whose calculations were essential to the success of numerous space missions including Apollo 11’s mission to the moon and back.
Speech/Language Targets
Summarization- verbally communicate key information about each Black woman
Vocabulary- orally define tier 1 and tier 2 words
Syntax- verbally communicate simple, compound, complex sentence structures about the book
Have you used these books in speech/language therapy previously? These non-fiction texts are ideal to use with children during individual or group language therapy with children with communication disorders, language disorders, learning disabilities, and autistic children. Review my previous blog posts with language & literacy content including recommendations of other great books for February and to celebrate Black History. If you desire read alouds celebrating Black History, check out Sankofa YouTube channel. I have a few on the Building Successful Lives YouTube channel too.
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Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist
Diversity & Equity Advocate
Winter Language & Literacy Books
Winter Jackets. Boots. Scarves. Snow. Cold Temperature. Hot Chocolate. Arctic Animals. Winter Sports. There are numerous excellent children’s literature that are ideal for the winter season. These fiction books should be used purposefully in speech/language therapy sessions, in the classroom, and even at home with your own children to build essential communication, language, and literacy skills. Here are a few of the best winter books for speech language therapy.
The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
This is one of my favorite books to use during the winter season. The author actually traveled to Northern Canada and met the Inuit indigenous people of that region. Her encounters on the trek to Iqualuit, the capital of the Nunavut Territory was the inspiration for this children’s book. In the book A-looki, an indigenous girl lost her huskies as they drifted off on an ice floe or floating sea ice. Meanwhile she spots an igloo and is curious to explore inside. It belongs to a family of snow bears who just stepped out for a winter stroll. This story is a twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Children enjoy the plot and there are numerous opportunities to practice speech/language skills.
Speech/Language Targets:
Listening Comprehension/WH Questions- answer literal who, what, where, when, and why questions
Sequence of Events/Story Retell- practice describing the plot or story elements from beginning, middle, and end
Character Traits/How Questions- answer how questions to describe the attributes of the characters
Speech articulation- /l/ words, /s/ blends, /r/ speech sound drills
Click here for a complimentary WH questions quick listening comprehension check for use in speech/language therapy.
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
This is a fun and light hearted story for children in Preschool-2nd grade. In the story, Mr. Magee decides to practice skiing on Mt. Snow one winter morning. His dog Dee eagerly goes with him up the mountain. There’s just one thing. He has not quite learned the best techniques for skiing. During practice, Mr. Magee unexpectedly slides right under a large Moose who is definitely shocked. Yikes! Mr. Magee then lands upside down in a mountain ravine or small narrow gap. Will he be rescued? What will happen next?
Click here for a WH questions quick listening comprehension check for use in speech/language therapy.
Speech/Language Targets:
Story Recall/Retell- children can explain the basic plot from beginning, middle, and end
Listening Comprehension/WH Questions- answer literal who, what, where, when, and why questions
Character Traits/How Questions- answer how questions to describe the attributes of the characters
Problem/Solution- explain the problem and answer to the challenging situation in the story
Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
This book is ideal for children in preschool-3rd grade. Speech-language pathologist may use it with children with communication disorders, language disorders, learning disabilities, and autism. The illustrations are vibrant and the characters are from different racial backgrounds. This is a funny story about a Snowman who is freezing and has the sniffles. He needs a way to warm up without melting. The children in the story try to help him over and over again. However, he keeps on melting. At the end of the book, he finds a solution when he puts on winter clothing that the children let him borrow and he has a delicious frozen treat. He buys an ice cream cone stacked high with seven scoops. I’m sure that dessert solves a multitude of problems. What do you think? Hmmm…
Speech/Language Targets:
Listening Comprehension/WH Questions- answer literal who, what, where, when, and why questions
Sequence of Events/Story Retell- practice describing the plot or story elements from beginning, middle, and end
Problem/Solution-state the difficulty or problem in the story; state the resolution
Here is a complimentary WH questions quick comprehension worksheet for this book.
The Mitten by Jan Brett
This is a classic story that is inspired by Eastern European culture. One day, the main character’s grandmother makes him a pair of mittens. She tells him to be careful not to lose them as he goes outside to play. As an active boy, he drops one in the snow that becomes a warm cozy home for a host of winter animals. One by one, several animals go inside the mitten and it expands and expands. How many will fit inside this soft white mitten? Eventually, a little mouse crawls on a large bear’s nose that tickles him and makes him sneeze. The winter animals are ejected from the mitten and are scattered across the snow. What will happen as the little boy returns home from a day playing outside? What will he tell his grandmother?
Speech/Language Targets:
Problem/Solution- state the difficulty or problem in the story; state the resolution
Listening Comprehension/WH Questions- answer literal who, what, where, when, and why questions
Sequence of Events/Story Retell- practice describing the plot or story elements from beginning, middle, and end
Word Relationships- identify/verbally express synonyms & antonyms from target story vocabulary
Tier 2 Vocabulary- identify the meanings of tier 2 words from Sentence Context
*Click here for an accompanying activity to use in speech/language therapy.
A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson
This is a vibrant book written by London based author and illustrator Katy Hudson. The main character, Tortoise, wants to retreat in his shell and sleep during the long winter. He is focused on finding the perfect place to sleep because winter is not his favorite season of the year. Along the way, he meets several of his animal friends and he struggles to find the ideal place to rest. He encounters some problems. What will be the outcome? Will he continue to dislike winter or will he have a change of heart.
Speech/Language Targets:
Sequence of Events- children name the characters that Tortoise meets along the way
Language Memory- recall key details from the story
Story Retell- children describe the story elements from the beginning, middle, and end of the book
Snowmen at Work by Caralyn Buehner
This is favorite book for many children and speech-language pathologists in the Snowmen book series written by the author. It is a whimsical story about a young boy who makes a snowman. Then he goes inside to sleep and imagines that they all have jobs to do while people are sleeping at night. Kids will see snowmen in various occupations from snowplow driver, librarian, magician, mechanic, firefighter, frozen pizza delivery man, and even teacher. Children can practice a variety of speech-language skills using this book. I especially love the colorful and engaging illustrations in this story.
Speech/Language Targets:
Language Memory- recall key details from the story
Listening Comprehension/WH Questions- answer literal who, what, where, when, and why questions
Word Relationships- identify/verbally express synonyms & antonyms from target story vocabulary
Click here for a complimentary WH questions worksheet. Click here for a word relationships activity.
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Here are a few more books that you may enjoy using with kids during the winter season:
There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro-
*Direct access to Sequencing & WH questions here
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner- Direct access to WH questions activity here
Make sure that you subscribe to this website to keep current with updates on language, literacy, and building successful lives of children and families. Kindly, leave a review on my website store or TPT store for digital downloads that you have used. There are interactive BOOM card versions for several of these winter themed stories available too. Click here for those. I truly appreciate your support of my small business.
All the best! Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Developmental Language Disorder & Emergent Literacy in Diverse Children with Dr. Karla Washington
Developmental Language Disorder is the most common early childhood disorder and contributes to difficulties with receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language disorder. It is prevalent in 7-15 % of kindergarten children and it is not due to hearing impairment, autism, or intellectual disability. It affects five times more children than autism. DLD contributes to reading difficulties in 50-70 % of children. Additionally, approximately 20 % of children in the U.S. are bilingual and speak another native language including some Caribbean children. There are other children that are multilingual and speak three or more languages. This month, Building Successful Lives Speech & Language Services is continuing our celebration of Caribbean American Heritage and today’s interview feature for the Diversity, Equity, & Culture series will primarily focus on bilingual Jamaican children.
Dr. Karla Washington, Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program, has extensive experience with culturally and linguistically diverse children. As a licensed speech-language pathologist, professor and researcher, she is knowledgeable about developmental language disorder, Jamaican Creole/Patois, and the benefits of shared book reading. She has certification and licensure to practice speech/language pathology in the United States, Canada, and Jamaica. She focuses her research on typical and disordered speech-and-language development in monolingual and bilingual contexts. Dr. Washington is active in National Institute of Health (NIH) sponsored research investigating Jamaican children’s speech productions. She is the Director of the Pediatric Language, Literacy, & Speech (PedLLS) Outcomes Lab. She is an Editor for the journal Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools and is a member of the International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children’s Speech.
During a June interview, she shares information about the linguistic characteristics of Jamaican Creole and bilingual children who speak Jamaican Creole and English. She discusses research projects pertaining to bilingual children with developmental language disorder and the use of shared book reading. Additionally, Dr. Washington shares information about the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) and how it relates to research in communication sciences. Additionally, you will learn about a study abroad program organized by Dr. Washington to Jamaica for university students in the Communication Sciences & Disorders program. She shares the benefits for students participating in this program. During this interview, speech-language pathologists will learn practical tips that monolingual and multilingual SLPs can implement to distinguish developmental language disorder vs. linguistic difference here in the United States. SLPs will learn significant considerations that they should remember and implement to ensure that they are providing culturally responsive assessment and therapeutic services.
Resources Compiled by Dr. Karla Washington:
Application of ICF in Multilingual Contexts-
Westby, C., & Washington, K. N. (2017). Using the international classification of functioning,
disability and health in assessment and intervention of school-aged children with
language impairments. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 48(3), 137-152.
https://doi.org/10.1044/2017_LSHSS-16-0037
Wright, R., Washington, K. N., Crowe, K., Jenkins, A., León, M.,, Kokotek, L., Raisor Becker, L., &
Westby, C. (2019). Current methods of evaluating the language abilities of multilingual pre-schoolers: A scoping review using the ICF-CY. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 50, 434-451.
https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_lshss-18-0128
ASHA Resources:
ICF Overview and Functional Goals
https://www.asha.org/slp/icf/
Multilingual and Multicultural Constituency Groups:
Multicultural Constituency Groups
Special Interest Groups:
https://www.asha.org/sig/special-interest-group-descriptions/
https://www.csu.edu.au/research/multilingual-speech/iepmcs
International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children’s Speech+. (2012). Multilingual children with speech sound disorders: Position paper. Bathurst, NSW, Australia: Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education (RIPPLE), Charles Sturt University. Retrieved from http://www.csu.edu.au/research/multilingual-speech/position-paper. ISBN 978-0-9874288-0-6. +
International Expert Panel is comprised of a group of equally contributing researchers who work with multilingual and multicultural children. Karla N Washington is an invited member of this group.
McLeod, S., Verdon, S., & International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children’s Speech+. (2017).
Tutorial: Speech assessment for multilingual children who do not speak the same language(s) as the speech-language pathologist. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 6(3), 691-708. https://doi.org/10.1044/2017_AJSLP-15-0161
https://pubs.asha.org/pubs/rights_and_permissions
International Expert Panel is comprised of a group of equally contributing researchers who work with multilingual and multicultural children. Karla N Washington is an invited member of this group
Language Development and Disorder Publications (Jamaican Children):
Washington, K. N., Fritz, K., Crowe, K., Shaw, B*., & Wright, R*. (2019). Using Index of Productive Syntax to characterize bilingual preschoolers’ spontaneous productions: Considering Jamaican Creole and English. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 50(2), 179-195. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2018_LSHSS-18-0072
Washington, K. N., Westby, C., Fritz., K., Crowe, K., Wright Karem, R.,* & Basinger, M*. (2021).
The narrative competence of bilingual Jamaican Creole- and English-speaking preschoolers. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 52, 317-334. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2020_LSHSS-20-00013
Wright Karem, R., & Washington, K. N. (in press). The cultural and diagnostic appropriateness of standardized assessments for dual language learners: A Focus on Jamaican preschoolers. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools.
https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2021_LSHSS-20-00106
Dr. Karla Washington – University of Cincinnati https://researchdirectory.uc.edu/p/washink2
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist & Consultant
Diversity & Equity Advocate
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Caribbean Heritage Language & Literacy Books- June 2021 Edition
During the month of June and throughout the year, it is important to use books that relate to Caribbean Heritage in speech/language therapy, the classroom, and/or during family literacy time. I reviewed several books recently and selected these six to recommend this year.
I AM a Promise by authors Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce & Ashley Rousseau, Illustrated by Rachel Moss
Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce is an amazing 34 year old track & field athlete from Kingston, Jamaica. She has won six Olympic medals for her athleticism and numerous other competitions. She participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In this book, readers and listeners learn about Shelly Ann as a little girl who loved to run like a rocket. Her grandmother told her that she had a bright future ahead of her and that she was a promise. It wasn’t until she was older that she began training much harder as part of the Wolmer’s High School track team. During that time, she continued to excel in athletics and many people encouraged her. She was selected to run for the Jamaican Olympic Team. It was then that she realized that she was a promise to her country and all those who supported her along the way. This book is ideal for elementary school aged children to learn facts about Shelly Ann. At the back of the book, there are additional facts shared about her life and athletic achievements. The other contributors to this book, Ashley Rousseau and Rachel Moss are both Caribbean and reside in Jamaica.
Speech/Language Targets: listening comprehension/WH questions, story retell, language memory/recall of details
Malaika’s Surprise by author Nadia L. Hohn & Illustrator Irene Luxbacher
This is a realistic fiction story of a blended family of Caribbean heritage that actually reside in Quebec City, Canada. The author, Nadia Hohn, is a Jamaican-Canadian who uses her life experiences to create vibrant stories for young readers to learn cultural appreciation. In this book, we are introduced to an interracial family who speaks Caribbean Creole and French. During the summer, two sisters, Malaika and Adele play dress up with carnival costumes. They dance to soca carnival music around the house imagining that they are in a real Caribbean carnival celebration. Later that evening at dinner, they learn that they their mom is expecting a baby that will be born around Malaika’s birthday. The girls are excited, yet Malaika wonders what it will be like when the new baby arrives. When school starts later that year, there is a new girl at school with a similar name, Malayka M., that is from a different country just like Malaika. She quickly bonds with the new student and enjoys playing with her at school. Several more months go by. One morning, there is another special surprise while the family is eating breakfast. Grandma arrives from overseas. Dad went to pick her up from the airport. She came to celebrate both granddaughters’ birthdays. She even brings Malaika a special peacock carnival costume and makes a special Caribbean dish. You’ll have to purchase this book or check it out from the library to see what else happens as the story unfolds.
Speech/Language Targets: verbal narrative, listening comprehension/WH Questions, vocabulary
Food in the Caribbean by Polly Goodman
This is a non-fiction book that provides information for children about Caribbean cuisine that is a blend of influences from Africa, Asia (e.g. India), and Europe (e.g. French) depending on the country. I like the text features (e.g. maps, photos) that accompany each section of the book that makes it easy for children to learn information. At the beginning of the book, children will see a map of the Caribbean islands and the Caribbean Sea. They will learn about Jamaican rice & peas, Trinidadian roti, popular spices like pimento and nutmeg, street food (e.g. roasted corn, peppered shrimp), as well as popular meat and seafood dishes. Food is a great way for families to bond and for others to experience different cultures. Each Caribbean country is unique and has their own distinct flavors in the various food. This book was published several years ago so I did notice some generalizations in the Festival Food section of the book that doesn’t apply to all families. However, I still recommend the book for young learners.
Speech/Language Targets: main idea/details, verbal expression, restate facts
Celia Cruz Queen of Salsa by author, Veronica Chambers and illustrator Julie Maren
Celia Cruz was an exceptional singer and entertainer. She was born in Havana, Cuba and then lived in the United States for many years. This children’s book does a great job of telling her life story in a way that is appealing to kids. As a child, she was a bit shy but she did not let that stop her. Her voice was described as sweet like sugar. She loved singing in school shows and for local businesses. Her father encouraged her to become a teacher, but she followed her passion instead with the encouragement of many others. After high school, Celia further developed her talent and studied piano, voice, and musical theory at Cuba’s National Music Conservatory. She later joined a popular 1950s Cuban band called La Sonora Matancera that recorded many popular Afro-Cuban music. This book is rich with figurative language and vibrant illustrations. I like the author’s note provided at the back of the book. It provides a great opportunity for children to learn more facts about the “Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz who helped to create international excitement around Salsa music in the 1970s. Over the years, she collaborated with a variety of musical artists like Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Haitian-American Wyclef Jean. The author was inspired to write her story because she said that Celia Cruz taught the world that Salsa had “la esencia de la vida” or the essence of life that connected people around the world. Celia Cruz inspired many people in Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Speech/Language Targets: listening comprehension/WH Questions, vocabulary, character traits, cause/effect
Caribbean Islands Facts and Figures by Romel Hernandez
This book provides a good overview of the Caribbean for children. They will learn how volcanic eruptions formed many of the Caribbean islands that we know today with the exception of the Bahamas and Trinidad. They will learn about the beautiful beaches, mountain ranges, and tropical wildlife. Children will learn about the Amerindian tribes of the Arawaks (e.g. Tainos) and the Caribs. They will learn about the Maroons who established their own settlements during the time of slavery. Children will learn bout Haiti, the first Caribbean nation to gain it’s independence during the time of colonial rule from France. This book provides a good opportunity to compare/contrast text with information from other more recent internet sources on the topics contained. I like the information about the capital cities of various islands and the calendar of Caribbean Festivals at the back of the book.
Speech/Language Targets- language memory/recall of details, main idea/supporting details, compare/contrast, inferential questions
Taino Tales The Secret of the Hummingbird Retold by Vicky Weber, Illustrator Olha Melnyk
This is an interesting story about two Amerindian characters from different tribes that often were in conflict with each other. Alida is Taino and Taroo is from the Carib tribe. These tribes really existed in the Caribbean and descendants remain today. Vicky Weber, the author, is from Puerto Rico, where indigenous tribes lived. In this fascinating story, Alida enjoyed nature and loved finding some quiet time by a natural pool where she met Taroo one day. He shared a guava fruit with her and they talked for quite a while. He lived near the pool after he was left behind during a dispute or attack between the two tribes. Alida’s father was a Taino chief and she knew that he would not be pleased about their friendship since he was from a different Amerindian tribe. One day her father found out about their secret meetings and their new relationship. He forbid her from seeing him and arranged for Alida to marry someone from her Taino tribe rather than a Carib. Alida was upset and cried out to the Taino Mother Goddess for help. Suprisingly, she was turned into a red flower. How will Taroo find his new love? Will they ever be reunited again?
Speech/Language Targets- verbal narratives, vocabulary-tier 1/tier 2, listening comprehension/Wh questions
Here are some other children’s literature selections that you may use throughout the school year. The setting of some of these books are in the Caribbean while others are written by Caribbean American authors:
All The Way to Havana by Margarita Engle and illustrator Mike Curato
Anya Goes to Jamaica by Nikko Fungchung and illustrator Fuuji Takashi
If Dominican Were A Color by Sili Recio and illustrator Brianna McCarthy
Islandborn by Junot Diaz and illustrator Leo Espinosa
J is for Jamaica by Benjamin Zephania and photographs by Prodeepta Das
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris and illustrator Ana Ramirez Gonzalez
Malaika’s Costume by Nadia Hohn and illustrator Irene Luxbacher
Mango Abuela and Me by Meg Medina and illustrator Angela Dominguez
One Love adapted by Cedella Marley and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newtown
Sugar Cane A Caribbean Rapunzel by Patricia Storace and illustrator Raul Colon
The Sky Painter Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist by Margarita Engle and Illustrator Aliona Bereghici
As a reminder, you may review my 2020 Caribbean Heritage Language & Literacy recommendations here.
Let me know your favorites in the comments.
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist & Consultant
Diversity & Equity Advocate
May Language & Literacy Books
When speech/language pathologists effectively use children’s literature during therapy sessions, children will make tremendous progress in their speech and language skills. Here are my recommendations for excellent children’s books for May speech/language therapy. This specially curated list focuses on celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, ocean themed books, honoring mothers, and even a celebration of African American heritage in Florida. Did you know that there are 50 countries in Asia? You can learn more about the various geographical regions here. It’s so important that pediatric speech-language pathologists incorporate lessons that represent the diversity of these countries.
Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us by author Analiza Quiroz Wolf and illustrator Michael Franco
This great book is written by Filipino American, Analiza Quiroz Wolf. She was born in California to parents who are originally from the Philippines. She is a prestigious Fulbright Scholar and served in the U.S. Air Force. She currently plays an integral part of leading educational programs for low income children in New York. In this book, children will learn about interesting people in Asian American history. This excellent book contains biographies of people with heritage from various countries. Children can practice speech language skills while learning about the first Asian American astronaut, musicians, athletes (surfer/figure skater), architect, and even a U.S. Senator. Children will learn details about Japanese-American, Ellison Onizuka who dreamed about going to space as a child. He studied to be pilot and then worked towards being an astronaut. Because of his excellent skills, he was selected to be an astronaut and flew his first mission on the Discovery space shuttle. They will also learn about amazing Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, Chinese-American journalist Lisa Ling, Hawaiian-American surfer Duke Kahanamoku, and Thai-American Senator Tammy Duckworth who was a former U.S. Army helicopter pilot. They’ll also learn about excellent Chinese-American musician Yo-Yo Ma whose story inspires children to know that they all have unique gifts to share with the world and it is okay to be different. There are many others featured in this book too.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Listening Comprehension/Language Memory- Children should try to recall 3 facts when read aloud biographies. They can also practice answering literal and inferential questions pertaining to the biographies.
Syntax- During picture description tasks, children can practice verbalizing sentences with correct morphology (word structure) and syntax (sentence structure).
Shark Lady by author Jess Keating and illustrator Marta Alvarez Miguens
Shark Lady is about a Japanese American scientist Eugenie Clark who loved studying marine biology and especially sharks. Yikes! As a child, she enjoyed going to visit the New York aquarium with her family and swimming at the beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey. When she was in university, her professors thought that she was not brave or smart enough to be a zoologist or scientist because she was a woman. She certainly proved them wrong! Children will enjoy learning about her and practicing speech/language skills. At the end of the book, there is a nice timeline of her accomplishments through the years. She was born in New York to a mother of Japanese heritage and her father was American. Did you know that she earned her doctorate degree in Zoology and was also a Fulbright Scholar in 1950? She received this scholarship to study ocean life in the Red Sea. Eugenie Clark was an accomplished researcher who pioneered the use of scuba diving to collect scientific information. She even scuba dived well into her 90s in Jordan and Israel.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Tier 2 vocabulary- Children can practice explaining the meanings of tier 2 words using sentence context.
Sequencing- Children can use the timeline to describe key points in Eugenie Clark’s life.
Listening Comprehension/Language Memory- The SLP can provide practice opportunities for children to recall and answer literal comprehension questions about the story.
Nailah & Nash Take Tokyo, by author Jawad Williams, and illustrator Shiela Alejandro.
Children really enjoy this story about brother and sister, Nailah & Nash, who travel to Tokyo, Japan with their mom to visit their dad who plays professional basketball there. They get a little introduction to Japanese culture. What will they experience? They visit historic landmarks such as Toyko Tower, taste the cuisine, learn about the cherry blossoms which are the national flower of Japan, and even get Kimonos as a gift. At the end of the book, they watch their dad’s team win the Japanese Basketball Championship. The author, Jawad Williams is a former basketball player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He wrote this story about his children’s real life experiences. It’s so important to connect across cultures. Children who read and listen to this story will get an early life lesson about that as well. Children can readily practice speech/language skills with this book too.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Tier 1 vocabulary- Children can practice naming nouns, verbs, and adjectives while looking at the pictures.
Mean Length of Utterance (MLU)- The SLP can provide practice opportunities for children to produce oral simple sentences about the story.
Sequencing/Story Retell- Children should practice retelling the story with key events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Listening Comprehension/Language Memory- The SLP can provide practice opportunities for them to recall and answer literal comprehension questions about the story.
Down to the Sea With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen, author and illustrator
Down to the Sea With Mr. Magee is a favorite for many children. The author and illustrator, Chris Van Dusen, was born in Portland, Maine and studied fine art at The University of Massachusetts at Darmouth. He worked as a freelance illustrator for many years before publishing this book in 2000. In this book, the main character, Mr. Magee goes sailing and takes his dog Dee along for the adventure. While sailing, they spot whales off in the distance who are having their fill of breakfast. There’s just one whale that wanders off and is a bit too playful. What will Mr. Magee and his dog encounter? This story is ideal for early language learners to practice recall of story events and other skills. You may use my free wh questions comprehension check from my TPT store. Many children will like the vivid ocean themed illustrations in this story.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Tier 1 vocabulary- Children can practice naming nouns, verbs, and adjectives while looking at the pictures.
WH Questions- Children can answer basic wh questions about the story. Use my worksheet for them to record their responses. It provides a field of 4 choices. I suggest reading aloud the questions and answer choices for kids.
Sequencing/Story Retell- Children should practice retelling the story with key events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Poems in the Attic by author Nikki Grimes and illustrator Elizabeth Zunon
This is a beautifully written story by African American author Nikki Grimes that paints scenes with glimpses of her life. I recommend this book because it is a wonderful intergenerational story about a little girl, her mother, and grandparents. The main character visits her grandmother’s house one weekend and discovers a special cedar box with poems that her mother started writing when she was 7. It tells of memories through the years as her family traveled around the U.S. and world since her grandfather was in the Air Force. They experienced various cultures along the way. The main character is captivated by her mother’s writings and decided to pen her own poems. At the end of the story, she presents her mom with a thoughtful handmade book of new poems that she wrote and copies of her mom’s poems as a child. Her mother loved the heartfelt gift.
Speech/Language Targets-
Sequencing- Children can use the book as a visual as needed to recall and verbally list the states and countries that the family visited.
Story Recall/Language Memory- Children can name activities or events that the characters experienced in the various places.
Compare/Contrast- Children can think critically to describe similarities and differences about the places where the family lived while the grandfather was in the military.
Listening Comprehension- The SLP may ask students literal and inferential questions to check for understanding of the text.
May Day and Me! Celebrating Florida’s Emancipation Day by author, Byron Dickens
This is a newly published book written by Byron Dickens. It was written to teach young children about an important time in Florida History. Did you know that May 20, 1865 is known as Emancipation Day or the day when slaves received their independence in Florida? This day has been recognized for over 150 years and May Day is celebrated in certain Florida cities and towns. Families and communities gather and enjoy food, games, and story telling. For example, Tallahassee, Florida in the panhandle has a large celebration each year. In the book, a father teaches his daughter about the day when African Americans in Florida received their “freedom” two years after Abraham Lincoln read the Emancipation Proclamation. This book has a simple story line so it is ideal for children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. However, it is good for them to learn about African American history. This holiday is similar to Juneteenth that is celebrated in other states. The author, Byron Dickens, is the founder of The Emancipation Day Festival of Northwest Florida. You can learn more about that here.
You can learn more about Tallahassee’s recognition of this day here:
City commemorating Florida Emancipation Day with special events (wctv.tv)
Speech/Language Targets
Tier 1 vocabulary- Children can practice naming nouns, verbs, and adjectives while looking at the pictures.
Mean Length of Utterance (MLU)- The SLP can provide practice opportunities for children to produce oral simple sentences about the story.
WH Questions- Children can answer basic wh questions about the story.
These are great books to add to your SLP, classroom, and home libraries. As always, for effective speech/language therapy it is always a good idea to supplement books with other interactive activities/games each month and year round to maximize children’s growth of essential communication and language skills.
Have you used these books before in speech/language therapy? How else may you use them purposefully during intervention? I welcome your comments below.
All the best,
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist & Consultant
Diversity & Equity Advocate
April Language & Literacy Books
I have specially curated a list of great speech/language therapy books for April 2021 that may be used effectively with children with language disorders, learning disabilities, and autistic kids as well. It is important to continue using children’s literature each month in speech/language therapy, in the classroom, and at home with your own children to build communication, language, and literacy skills. When you consistently and purposefully do so, they will build essential listening comprehension, oral language, and even language/auditory memory skills that are essential for academic and literacy success. Here are my recommendations.
A Way With Wild Things by author Larissa Theule and illustrator Sara Palacios
This is a vibrant and eye catching book to read aloud to children during the spring. Sara Palacios did an amazing job crafting the colorful and diverse illustrations that depict the storyline as it unfolds on each page. Larris Theule, the author tells a story about Poppy, the main character who is a bit shy, but she loves being outdoors in her element. Poppy loves nature including various insects and even camouflages herself throughout the story too since she is a bit shy around others. Children will be able to spot different insects like ladybugs, dragonflies, spiders, butterflies and learn the names of others like cicadas, roly polys, and praying mantis. At her grandma Phyllis’ birthday party, a dragonfly lands on the cake! Oh no! Poppy was glad to spot the dragonfly, but not on the cake. It soon flies towards Poppy and lands on her hand. Grandmother Phyllis tells the family that “Poppy’s got a way with wild things.” Everyone gathers around to take a look and Poppy takes a deep breath and then tells her family about the scientific name of a dragonfly. Then, Poppy and her grandma embrace and she affectionately says “You, wildflower, you.” This book reminds children who are bit timid that they too have things to share with others. Children can learn facts about bugs from the glossary at the end of the book. I recommend this book for children in grades K-3rd.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Tier 1 Vocabulary/Mean Length of Utterance (MLU)- During a picture description task, children can name tier 1 words and tell a sentence about each page in the book. Over time, they will be able to increase their MLU.
Tier 2 vocabulary- The SLP can facilitate children learning tier 2 words from sentence context such as patiently, symphony, coaxed, recognized, weaving, magnificient, preferred, landscape, shimmered, gasped, fragile, clearly, and fluttered.
Sequencing- Kids can try to recall the different things that Poppy camouflaged herself amongst.
Up, Down, and Around by author Katherine Ayres and illustrator Nadine Bernard Westcott
This is an ideal book for early language learners who are building basic vocabulary such as prepositions, nouns, verbs, and adjectives. It’s great to read aloud in April because of the garden theme. In this book, the author, Katherine Ayres, tells kids about the farm to table process in a whimsical way. They learn about planting seeds, watering them and watching them grow. It is a playful book that shows the main characters having fun in the garden and then eating a delicious lunch at the end with produce that they planted. Children will learn what vegetables grow above and below the soil. This is a simple yet inviting spring themed book for toddlers, preschoolers, and children in Kindergarten-1st grade.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Tier 1 vocabulary- During a picture description task, children can name and describe the produce in the book. They will see corn, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, broccoli, beets, green beans, okra, onions, and tomatoes. They can practice using adjectives to describe each food item and use prepositions to describe the direction that it grows. Kids can express verbs in sentences to describe the actions in the book such as dig, drop, watch, grow, piles, pull, pick, and eat.
Yes/No Questions- Children can answer yes/no questions about the direction that each vegetable grows. For example, “Does corn grow up?” or “Do carrots grow down?”
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by author Joanna Ho and illustrator Dung Ho
This is a beautiful book to celebrate Asian American children and remind them to embrace their differences and for children from other backgrounds to appreciate diversity. In the story, readers and listeners, are introduced to the main character who notices the differences between herself and her classmates. She sees that she has “eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.” She quickly recognizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother Amah’s, and her little sister Mei-Mei’s. I like that this book depicts an intergenerational family in a loving home environment. The illustrations in this book skillfully and purposefully demonstrate the appreciation that an Asian little girl should have about her eyes and heritage. The words paired with the illustration in this book are equally powerful. I love the scene of the main character sitting next to her grandmother Amah while she sips tea. She describes her as a woman with eyes that sees into her heart and that are filled with so many stories. This is definitely a heart warming book.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Figurative Language- Children can identify and describe similies in the book that compare the characters’ beautiful eyes to other things. Here are a few of my favorite:
Mama’s eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea crinkle into crescent moons when she comes home from work.
She scoops me in her arms, eyes sparkling like starlight, and tickles me until we laugh.
My lashes curve like the swords of warriors.
Listening Comprehension- Children can answer literal and inferential wh and how questions about the story.
Birds by author Keven Henkes and illustrator Laura Dronzek
This has been one of my favorite spring themed children’s books for several years since I truly love being outside at this time of year. It’s great for the month of April. I love the cover and illustrations throughout the book that help the story come alive. In the story, the main character tells readers and listeners about hearing birds singing outside her window while we see the image of a beautiful cherry blossom tree. Then we see various colored birds perched on the cherry tree too. The little girl imagines what it would be like to fly like a bird.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Listening Comprehension- Children can answer literal and inferential wh and how questions about the story.
Expressive Language/MLU- Children can verbally communicate sentences about the book. SLPs can give them sentence starters as needed such as “I see the ___________” or “I like the _________.”
What’s the Commotion in the Ocean? by author Nyasha Williams and illustrator Sof’ya Glushko
This is an excellent book that I purchased last year and I’m excited to use it in speech/language therapy this April. Nyasha Williams is an African American author who is an elementary school teacher. The theme of this book is about ocean conservation efforts. First of all, the main character, the Black mermaid in this story disrupts the idea that there can only be one representation and skin tone of a mermaid. This is a good message so that Black children can see themselves reflected as main characters in books too. Then, the mermaid teaches that the ocean is pleading with us to protect it because it is an extensive ecosystem. Children will learn about items that are polluting the sea like plastics and fertilizer run off from lawns/farms. They will learn about how the demand for seafood is even creating overfishing that is damaging to the health of the ocean and significantly reducing the quantity of various species of ocean life. I like that the mermaid provides tips to prevent further ocean pollution and facts about the sea at the end of the book. I recommend this book for children in grades K-5th. It can easily be adapted for use with children with communication/language disorders, specific learning disabilities and autistic children.
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Listening Comprehension/Auditory Memory- Children can answer literal wh and how questions. They will practice their recall of information.
Critical Thinking- Children can answer reasoning and inferential questions.
Tier 2 Vocabulary- SLP can guide children to explain the meanings of tier 2 vocabulary using sentence context. Some suggested words are: commotion, aid, extensive, difficulty, beneath, supports, thrive, ingesting, demand, dwellers, origin, solutions, ownership, debris.
Ladybug Girl by author Jacky Davis and illustrator David Soman
Many preschool and K-2 grade children enjoy the Ladybug Girl book series about the main character, Lulu. I have used it purposefully in speech/language therapy several times over the years with a wide range of children. Lulu loves ladybugs and dressing up in her favorite costume. In this book, Lulu’s mom says that she has work to do at home so she has to figure out her own fun for a while. Her older brother immediately decides to go outside to play. He is going to play baseball with his friends and she wants to join them. However, she is not allowed according to him because she’s too young. Instead, she walks around the house with her dog to find something fun to occupy her time. She looks at the towering bookshelf, but she hasn’t learned to read yet. She waters an avocado plant and then decides to go in the backyard. What adventures will she encounter when she explores outside?
Speech/Language therapy targets:
Tier 1 Vocabulary/Mean Length of Utterance (MLU)- During a picture description task, children can name tier 1 words and tell a sentence about each page in the book. Over time, they will be able to increase their MLU.
Listening Comprehension/Auditory Memory- Children can answer yes/no questions & wh questions about the book. They can practice their recall of information too.
Problem/Solution- Children can name a realistic problem in the story and Lulu’s solutions.
Sequencing- Kids can identify the activities that Lulu does in her backyard to have fun while her parents work at home. For example, she jumps in a big puddle, plays fort, balances on and walks across a fallen tree trunk, climbs an apple tree, and watches her brother play baseball with his friends.
I hope that you use these books meaningfully in speech/language therapy, the classroom, or at home this April.
All the best,
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist & Consultant
Diversity & Equity Advocate
March Language & Literacy Books
When selecting books for use in speech/language therapy, I recommend books that will appeal to a variety of children and that can be used meaningfully with children with language disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism, and learning disabilities. I also select seasonal books and those that celebrate heritage months. Did you know that March is Women’s History month? Some of my recommendations will recognize important women in the United States and around the world. Here are my March 2021 children’s literature selections:
Soccer Star, written by Mina Javherbin, and illustrated by Renato Alarcao, is a wonderful children’s book to kick off the upcoming spring season. Soccer is a favorite sport for many children. The author was inspired to write this book based on many children in Brazil who work very hard to overcome poverty. For some children, they excel at soccer and are able to play for their country Brazil against many international teams. In this realistic fiction book, the main character, Paulo Marcelo Feliciano, desires to be successful at soccer so that his mother doesn’t have to work long hours. We are introduced to the other kids on his soccer team and some of them also work to help their families. Paulo has a job to help Senhor da Silva fish during the day and practices his school work and soccer in the evenings. Givo works on the carnival floats, Carlos shines shoes, and Jose performs for tourists. It’s certainly a different life for the characters in this book, yet they are hopeful for a successful life in the future. They do have time for fun too and play their soccer matches on the beach! What will happen during the game in this story? This book may be used purposefully in speech/language therapy with children in grades K-3 to address these learning goals:
semantics– tier 1 and tier 2 vocabulary
oral language/syntax– produce simple, compound, and complex oral sentences
listening comprehension– literal and inferential wh questions
Here’s a Boom Card activity for this book. Here is a printable listening comprehension activity.
Under the Sea, illustrated by Peter Scott, is a beautiful book for use during early intervention with toddlers and preschool children. The simple storyline is ideal for building early listening and speaking skills in young children. Each page has a simple sentence and poses a question for them to find the hidden fish in this Usborne Lift and Look book. I recommend this book for use in speech/language therapy or at home with parents to build:
listening/following directions– children complete 1 step directions to identify nouns
semantics– label or name basic tier 1 words (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
oral language/syntax– verbally express simple sentences (e.g. I see the _________, The ________ is __________ (adjective). , The _________ is __________ (verb)
Dancing in the Wings, written by Debbie Allen, and illustrated by Kadir Nelson is an inspirational book for young children. It is based on her experience as a dancer when she was a child. Debbie Allen is an actress, director, choreographer, and producer. In this story, the readers and listeners are introduced to Sassy, the main character, who loves ballet and shares her opinion when her brother teases her about her big feet and long legs. She enjoys going to dance class, but she is often not selected for roles in the recital because she is too big for the boys to lift her up and she looks out of place in the dance formations with the other girls. Until one day, an international dance teacher comes to town and recruits dancers for a summer dance festival in Washington, D.C. Who will be chosen to participate in this special event? This is a realistic fiction book that may be effectively used in speech/language therapy with children in grades K-3 to provide practice opportunities for:
listening comprehension– literal and inferential questions
verbal narratives– oral story retell with key elements, story grammar
syntax– verbally express simple, compound, and complex sentences during picture description
Here’s a Boom Card activity for this book. Here is a printable activity for listening comprehension.
Little Dreamers Visionary Women Around the Word, is a book of inspirational biographies written by Vashti Harrison. Vashti is an author, illustrator, and filmmaker who currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. She was inspired to write children’s books after living for a while in Trinidad and Tobago where her mother is originally from. This book is a tribute to women around the globe who have accomplished extraordinary things. Children will learn about Katherine Dunham, the Matriarch of Black Dance, who founded the Dunham School of Dance and Theater and formed the Ballet Negre, one of the first Black ballet companies in the United States. She also created a school to teach young Black dancers about their heritage. They will also learn about Ester Afua Ocloo, an entrepreneur from Ghana who was born in 1919 and opened the first food processing plant in Ghana. She later studied in England and returned to Ghana to help the economic development of her country. In 1990, she was the first women awarded the Africa Prize for Leadership. Children will learn numerous facts about important women in world history such as Violeta Parra. She was born in 1917 in Chile and was a musician, painter, embroiderer, and ceramicist. She was well known in her country, Latin America, and in Europe for her folk songs. Did you know that she was the first Latin American artist to have a solo exhibit at the famous Louvre Museum in Paris and that she is celebrated as the mother of Latin American folk music? Here are ways to use this book to target speech/language objectives for children in grades 3-5 and even middle school:
language memory– recall 3 facts when read aloud the brief biographies
listening comprehension– answer literal wh questions
critical thinking– answer reasoning and prediction questions
Little Blue Truck’s Springtime is a spring themed book for toddlers and children in preschool. It is written by Alice Schertle and illustrated by Jill McElmurry. In the book, Toad goes on a ride in the truck through the countryside and notices his farm animal friends along the way. This book is ideal for children with language delays who are building basic vocabulary skills and learning to identify words by pointing to language targets in pictures. Here are some other goals to target purposefully in language therapy:
receptive language– identify nouns in pictures
expressive language– label/name tier 1 words
categories– name vehicles, name things that fly, name things that grow, name farm animals, name things that hop
basic concepts– name colors, big/little, open/close, name spatial concepts (in, on , next to, above, below)
Vashti Harrison is also the author of another excellent biography series, Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History. I recommend this book because speech-language pathologists will have plenty of choices of non-fiction text to use during language sessions. You can select from 40 significant women in the U.S. that have made a positive impact in American society. Children may learn about Zora Neale Hurston, a Black writer, folklorist, and anthropologist. She lived in Eatonville, Florida that was recognized as the first self-governed, all black city in America. This was in the reconstruction era after the Civil War and emancipation of African slaves. She attended Howard University and later moved to New York. Zora Neale Hurston was known as the Queen of the Renaissance. They can learn about Bessie Coleman, the first African American women in the world to receive her pilot’s license. She was born in Texas, but received her aviation training in France since she was not allowed to attend aviation school in the U.S. Bessie Coleman excelled at stunt flying and aerial tricks. Do you know about Marian Anderson? She was a famous and accomplished Opera Singer that was even invited to the White House to sing for President and First Lady Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s. She performed at venues in the U.S. and Europe. She sang at the presidential inauguration for John F. Kennedy. Marian Anderson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and sang at the Historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. This book in packed with great informational text for elementary and middle school age children. SLPs can use this book to target the following:
language memory– recall 3 facts when read aloud the brief biographies
listening comprehension– answer literal wh questions
critical thinking– answer reasoning and prediction questions
Here are my other March children’s literature selections previously highlighted over the years with accompanying speech/language activities. They relate to the spring theme and Irish Heritage Month. Click on the links to access resources:
Green Shamrocks- WH Questions worksheet
Too Many Carrots- Sequencing & WH Questions
Quiet Bunny’s Many Colors- Sequencing & WH Questions
Historical Irish Americans Non-Fiction Passages- Comprehension, Context Clues, Compare/Contrast, Word Associations
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover- Sequencing & WH Questions
Speech-language pathologists may use these activities during in person or telepractice sessions. You can screen share these PDFS and annotate on the documents. You can print these activities for children to complete during in person sessions or you may project for whole group activities as a visual aid.
This is another Women’s History Month book that may be used effectively in speech/language sessions too. Woman Who Changed the World, 50 Amazing Americans. Click here to access. This is not an affiliate link.
I hope that you have a good March and continue building successful lives of the children that you provide speech/language services for each week.
All the best,
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist/Consultant
Diversity & Equity Advocate
February Language & Literacy Books
Each month I provide children access to a variety of children’s literature selections during speech/language therapy. These books may be used purposefully with children with speech/language delays, intellectual disabilities, speech/language impairment, specific learning disabilities or autism. Here are 6 recommendations that speech language pathologists can use meaningfully to build communication, language, and literacy skills in young children.
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, is written by lawyer and author Meena Harris. This book is about her mother, Maya, an attorney and her aunt, Vice President Kamala Harris when they were children growing up in California. In the story, Kamala has an idea that she would love a community playground. With persistence, she along with her sister Maya get the support of neighbors to make their desire a reality to improve their community and have a fun place for kids to come together. This book teaches children that their voices can promote positive changes. It’s an excellent story for preschool and elementary school aged children. Here’s a read aloud by the author.
Speech/Language Targets: WH Questions, story retell, critical thinking
Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish is a lighthearted story about the main character Amelia. In the book, she spots hearts everywhere as she goes about her day. Later, she creates Valentine’s cards for her classmates. At school, they have a Valentine’s Day party with delicious treats and punch. While there, she realizes that she left the cards that she made on the bus. She improvises and writes special notes on a deck of playing cards that her mom gave her that morning. After school, she sees her classmate Jeremy who missed school because he was sick. She decides to give him her bag of cards that she received at school. Later at home, her parents exchange Valentine’s gifts and remind each other and Amelia how much they are all loved and appreciated. This is a great story for use in speech/language therapy or at home with your own children. You can listen to a read aloud here. Use this complimentary listening comprehension WH questions worksheet to purposefully build skills in children.
Speech/Language Targets: WH questions, story retell, literal/figurative language, vocabulary
Hank Aaron Brave in Every Way by Peter Golenbock is a great book about an African American baseball legend who excelled despite navigating racial discrimination. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come. He played at at time when most teams did not allow Black players. As a child he always loved baseball and played for local teams before getting the opportunity to join a professional team. At first, his mother did not want him to join since the other players were adults. He later got the opportunity to travel out of state to play for the Milwaukee Braves. This team later became the Atlanta Braves and he moved to Georgia. He was happy to be closer to his home state of Alabama. It was here that he broke Babe Ruth’s record for the most home runs. Hank Aaron was a man of tremendous strength and courage. He achieved despite obstacles. Here is a read aloud.
Speech/Language Targets: semantic processing, story recall, sequencing of events, inferential/critical thinking
Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue is a children’s book about Ron McNair, scientist and astronaut when he was a nine year old boy. He always had a fascination with airplanes and enjoyed going to the library. There was just one big problem. Due to unfair and racist Jim Crow laws of the south, he was not able to check out books. One day, he decided that he should be allowed to check out books like the white children. However, this was not allowed in South Carolina where segregation laws were still in place. Ron wanted a library card and insisted that he have one. What happened when he did so? He was quite the courageous little boy and as an adult. Imagine if he never advocated for himself. This book reminds children that it is good to have courage and stand up for what is right. This is a way to promote CHANGE! Building literacy skills are a right for Black children too! You can access a complimentary WH questions listening comprehension worksheet here.
Speech/Language Targets-vocabulary, listening comprehension/WH questions, story retell, critical thinking
The Day it Rained Hearts, by Felicia Bond, is a whimsical yet simple book with a Valentine’s Day theme. In the story, the main character Cornelia catches hearts as they fall from the sky. Then she makes Valentine’s cards and mails them to her friends. This book is ideal for children with speech/language delays who are learning to build basic communication and language skills. It teaches them an important lesson about sharing and compassion for others too.
Speech/Language Targets: Tier 1 vocabulary, picture description, WH Questions
Love Monster and the Perfect Present, by Rachel Bright
This is a colorful book where Love Monster is excited about Present Day! There’s just one problem. He is not sure what the perfect present will be for his special monster friend. He learns that the best gift is not one that can be bought, but made instead. At the end of the story, his friend is appreciative of his thoughtfully decorated gift.
Speech/Language Targets– Picture Description, Yes/No questions, WH questions, Tier 1 vocabulary, Basic Problem/Solution
February is a month that tends to go by so fast! I hope that you can use at least one of these selections this year. Here’s a previous post with other February children’s book recommendations. I have used numerous other books throughout the years in a meaningful way to build communication, language, and literacy skills in children with special needs. Check my website later for my 10 children’s literature recommendations that celebrate Black authors and children that you can use throughout the year in speech/language therapy.
Diversity & Cultural Heritage
Diversity continues to be at the forefront of many organizations’ platform in the United States and throughout the globe. As a multicultural and multilingual speech/language pathologist, diversity is something that I have always valued and appreciated. Therefore, I am continuing my interview discussion series on topics related to Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity so that speech/language pathologists and educators can have access to meaningful information on this topic. It is important to acknowledge the varied and valid perspectives on these topics that influence our valuable work as therapists, educators, and leaders. Many professionals in these allied fields work with students, clients, and families from various backgrounds while some may live and work in communities where the people that they serve are of the same racial and ethnic backgrounds as them. It is important that those individuals especially continue on their journey of being more culturally responsive. The first step on that path is to be more culturally aware of various individuals, their communication styles, and individuals’ cultural heritage as some may require speech/language therapy, educational, or services in the allied health sector. It will also enhance your ability to interact effectively with colleagues.
I am purposefully highlighting unique voices on the topic of Culture. It is critical to emphasize the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation. Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of various individuals within society. It may include books, works of art, monuments, oral traditions, performing arts, or cultural festivals.
Cultural Heritage affirms people’s identity and it is important that it is preserved from one generation to the next regardless of where you live in the world. Within the diaspora, it is critical that the culture of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are respected, appreciated, and integrated into the large society.
Today, I have an excellent feature to share with you. I interviewed Stefanie Thomas Gilbert-Roberts, the Director of Strategy and Projects at CUMEDIAE, a Brussels based non-profit consultancy specialized in project management and advice in the creative & media sector in Europe and beyond. She is also the Founder and Creative Editor of Cultural Voice eZine, a global magazine focused on Business and Culture founded in 2011, and Non- executive Director of Artistic Expressions Ltd. She has over 10 years project development/management experience across Europe and the Caribbean, with extensive knowledge in the cultural and creative industries sector. Stefanie has represented Jamaica, the Caribbean and the Americas in an official capacity at the highest levels internationally on behalf of Caribbean youth and entrepreneurs including on the Culture Advisory and Youth Committees of Jamaica’s National Commission for UNESCO. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency that promotes collaboration in education, the sciences, and culture.
During the interview, we discussed cultural heritage, ways that the arts and creative industries strengthen cultural values, beneficial tips for working with colleagues and clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the benefits of greater collaboration in the global society across sectors and so much more! You will certainly be enriched by listening to this dialogue! I welcome your relevant comments on this blog. Listen to the interview here. After listening to the interview, it will deepen your understanding of cultural diversity in the U.S. and the diaspora so that it can positively inform your professional work and broaden your personal experiences. It is imperative that we as a society connect across cultures.
All the best,
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist/Consultant
Diversity & Equity Advocate
January Language & Literacy Books
We are now in the final stretch of January for 2021. It has been quite the month in the United States of America. Last week we had the inauguration of our new president Joe Biden and our first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris! That was quite amazing! I am truly proud that the first VP in the U.S. is a Black woman who also shares my Jamaican Heritage. She is also of Indian descent. There has been a push lately to have more diversity in all sectors and now we have just that in the second highest position in this country! I am beyond excited!
Anyhow, in regards to speech/language therapy, I traditionally feature many children’s books related to the winter theme to build communication, language, and literacy skills. This year, I’ve added three different and diverse books to my recommendations that you probably have not used during January in speech/language therapy or your classroom.
My first recommendation is Auntie Luce’s Talking Painting by Francie LaTour. This author is a Haitian American woman who was inspired to write this story based on her own life experience. It tells the story of a young girl who travels to Haiti during the winter from the U.S. to visit her family. During her trip, she has the privilege of having her aunt, a local artist, paint her portrait. This portrait represents a true cultural artifact that affirms her identify. Her aunt tells her stories about her family and her ancestors from Benin and other African countries. She tells her about the Freedom fighters in Haiti who defeated French soldiers and how Haiti became the first independent Black country during the colonial era. This is an excellent book that has rich vocabulary and will promote critical thinking skills during speech/language therapy or the classroom. You may have recalled that I recommended this book during the summer as well for Caribbean American heritage month. Here’s a read aloud of this amazing story.
Next, Jan Brett’s excellent book, Three Snow Bears, has been one of my favorite winter themed stories for several years now. The author was inspired to write this book after traveling to Northern Canada where she met some indigenous Inuit people. A-looki, the main character, represents a curious Inuit girl who discovers an igloo and goes inside to explore. Inside, she finds hot soup, warm boots, and a cozy place to rest her head. There’s just one thing! This igloo belongs to the Snow Bear family who went out for a walk while their breakfast cooled down a bit. While on their stroll, they help rescue A-looki’s huskies that were drifting away on a piece of ice that was floating away. A-looki was fast asleep inside the igloo and completely oblivious to her barking dogs outside who needed help. I love the illustrations of this story and the parallel between this story and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s an ideal book for young learners. You may use my Boom Cards listening comprehension check for this story or my printable WH questions worksheet.
My third recommendation is Rainbow Crow, a Lenape Native American tribe legend. It is retold with permission by Nancy Van Laan. I have used this book in speech/language numerous times over the years. It is an engaging and well written story that is ideal for speech/language therapy lessons and purposeful classroom interactive read alouds. In this book, readers and listeners, learn about Rainbow Crow, one of the most beautiful birds. One winter, there is heavy snow that is quickly covering the forest. The animals are taken by surprise and need help since the smaller animals were almost completely covered in the snow. These animals decide to climb on the larger animals to stay safe. This is a big problem in the story and they need a solution. In the midst of trying to decide what to do, Rainbow Crow appears. What will he do? There is a special ending that you don’t want to miss and it has an important message about diversity. You can watch a read aloud of this story here.
Grace Goes to Washington, by author Kelly DiPucchio, and illustrator LeUyen Pham is a timely book to read aloud this January to children in speech/language therapy, the classroom, or even at home with your own kids. Do you remember Grace? In a previous book, she is elected student body president at her elementary school. Now she is excited that her class is going on a field trip to Washington D.C. Before the trip, Mrs. Barrington gives the class an important lesson about the three branches of government. While in D.C., Grace and her class visit the Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol, White House, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. When they return to school, the school needs to vote on how to spend money they raised from a bake sale. The students brainstorm ideas on what to spend the money on. Grace suggests that Aman, a new student, present his idea to the student council. In the end, the classmates vote for his idea, a Friendship Mall, where students can gather at recess when they want to sit and chat with each other especially on days when they need a friend. This is a good book to activate student’s prior knowledge about Washington D.C., historic monuments, and the 3 branches of government. There are plenty of tier 2 and tier 3 vocabulary that you can introduce during the read aloud and after the reading to build language skills.
Snowmen at Night, written by author Caralyn Buehner, is another classic winter themed book that many children enjoy. This is a good book for students to practice answering wh questions or story retell. In this story, a young boy builds a snowman during the day. The next morning, he notices that his snowman is leaning over. He begins to wonder what snowmen do at night. Hmmm… He thinks that perhaps they go to the park and play all night long. He imagines them having races, doing skating tricks on the frozen pond, playing baseball with snowballs, having a snowball fight, and going sledding. How do they feel at the end of the night? Speech/language pathologist and teachers can get an interactive Boom Cards activity to practice listening comprehension or join almost 5,000 people who have a printable WH questions worksheet.
My last recommendation for children’s literature to use in January is Snowmen at Work, by Caralyn Buehner. In this book the same little boy from her other story builds a snowman. Instead when he wakes up the next morning he notices a shovel next to his snowman. He also notices that his walkway leading to his front door is already shoveled. He wonders who shoveled the snow? Was it the snowman? Do snowmen work during the night while people sleep. Hmmm. The main character imagines all the jobs that snowmen may do. Perhaps they stock frozen foods at the grocery store, work as mechanics to fix snowmobiles, visit pet store with snow animals, work as bakers making delicious treats, teach snow children, or deliver frozen pizza from Frosty Pizza. Students can compare and contrast this story with the previous one. They can complete language practice with an interactive Boom Cards activity, printable WH questions worksheet, or printable synonyms & antonyms worksheets. If you prefer, you can have students annotate answers to this worksheet during a telepractice or Zoom speech/language therapy session.
I have a few other speech/language activities to other popular and engaging winter themed children’s books including:
Sneezy the Snowman- Boom Cards activity or join over 5,000 people who have my printable WH questions worksheet
The Mitten- Boom Cards activity or printable activity packet (WH questions & vocabulary)
There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow- Sequencing & WH Questions printable activity
Tier I and Tier III vocabulary- Categorization Activity
Thanks for reading my children’s literature recommendations for January. I hope that you found some activities that you can use to build essential communication, language, and literacy skills too. Check back soon for next month’s selections.
All the best,
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist
Diversity & Equity Advocate