Let’s be real: this school year has been intense. Caseloads are bigger, schedules are tighter, and we’ve got more on our plates than ever. If you’re feeling like there’s just not enough time in the day to see all your students, trust me, I get it. That’s why Speedy Speech is an absolute game-changer. It’s a quick, efficient way to help students make real progress without squeezing your already-packed schedule to the breaking point.
What is Speedy Speech?
Speedy Speech, or “5-minute therapy,” is all about short, focused sessions that target specific speech or language goals. Instead of your typical 30-minute session, these are 5-10 minute bursts of concentrated practice. The magic? You can fit more kids into your schedule without sacrificing the quality of therapy. For SLPs managing big caseloads (hello, all of us!), this is a lifesaver.
Why Speedy Speech Works for Busy SLPs
- More Students, Less Time: When you’ve got a caseload that seems impossible, Speedy Speech lets you see more students in a day without cutting corners. You still get in that critical therapy time, but in quick, manageable sessions that fit right into the school day.
- High Frequency, Low Stress: Short, frequent sessions mean students don’t get burned out. They pop in, get their focused practice, and go back to class feeling accomplished. And the best part? You see them often enough that progress really starts to stick—whether it’s articulation or language goals.
- Efficiency is Key: Let’s face it, we’re all juggling. With Speedy Speech, you don’t need a ton of prep or long therapy blocks. Just have your materials ready, knock out those 5-10 minutes, and watch the progress happen. Plus, it frees you up for those mountains of paperwork, IEP meetings, and everything else on your to-do list.
The Research Backs It Up
Research shows that shorter, more frequent therapy sessions can make a big difference. Skelton (2004) found that 5-minute articulation therapy led to noticeable improvements. Another study by McLeod and Baker (2017) also highlighted how short, regular sessions help students make faster progress. If you’ve got a caseload that’s bursting at the seams, Speedy Speech might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
My Favorite Speedy Speech Resources
I love keeping my speedy speech sessions simple but effective. Here are my go-to tools that help me stay on track:
- Articulation Station Hive: Perfect for quick articulation practice. This app keeps things organized and allows you to track progress easily.
- My Articulation Toolkits: Whether you print them or use them on Boom Cards, these toolkits are loaded with articulation practice activities that fit perfectly into short sessions. Great for those students who need repeated practice on specific sounds.
- Boom Cards: For a digital option, my Articulation Boom Cards are interactive and fun for students, plus they let me track progress in real time. Perfect for quick, engaging practice during Speedy Speech sessions.
FAQs About Speedy Speech
What About Medicaid?
A common question is how Speedy Speech works with Medicaid billing. Here’s the deal: respectfully, we serve students, not Medicaid. My district supports Speedy Speech because it works, but you’ll want to check with your district on their specific billing policies. If they’re unsure, this is where you get to advocate for your students. Show the research, explain how these short, frequent sessions help kids make progress, and help your district see the value.
How Do You Schedule Speedy Speech?
I usually fit 4 to 5 students into a 30-minute block, depending on how close their classrooms are. I pull each student for about 5 minutes, give them focused practice, and move on to the next. It’s efficient, keeps things moving, and allows me to work with more students in less time.
How do you explain this to parents?
Explaining Speedy Speech to parents can make all the difference in helping them understand how this model benefits their child. It’s important to communicate that while the sessions are short, they’re frequent and focused, providing targeted practice that leads to faster progress. I always emphasize that kids spend less time pulled from class, so they don’t miss important academics, while still receiving effective speech therapy. To help parents better understand how Speedy Speech works, I’ve created a free parent handout that explains everything. Feel free to grab it and share it with the families you work with!
Wrapping It Up
If you’re drowning in a huge caseload this year (I see you!), Speedy Speech might just be your new best friend. With short, targeted sessions, you can help more students make meaningful progress while keeping your workload under control. It’s all about working smarter, not harder—and Speedy Speech does just that.
Lots of love, Megan
Citations:
- Skelton, S. L. (2004). Effectiveness of 5-minute articulation therapy. Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 9(3), 12-18.
- McLeod, S., & Baker, E. (2017). Short, frequent articulation sessions: Increasing speech sound accuracy in children with speech sound disorders. Journal of Communication Disorders, 53(4), 102-113.
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