Collaborating with the art teacher! (tips and ideas for the school SLP)

It is so important as SLPs to collaborate with other professionals working with our students, especially when you work in the schools.  SLPs usually frequently collaborate with classroom teachers, OTs, PTs, resource room teachers and school psychologists.  But what about others working with that child?  One such colleague is the art teacher!

People always forget about this one!!  But there is so much language that can be pulled during art class!!  Many art teachers are not aware of which students are receiving speech and language services and why.  

It is important in the beginning of the year to approach them and let them know!  

Educate them on how to help target speech and language goals:

• Encourage students to request, ask questions, use complete sentences.
• Present instructions verbally and visually
• Be patient to let students with articulation or fluency goals use their strategies to speak slowly and clearly
• Use carrier phrases or sentence strips if necessary 
• Use simple, short phrases or sentences
• Use visuals when teaching new vocabulary
• and more!

It is so important to work together with your colleagues.  Educate them!  Many want your help and are afraid to ask!!  Let them know they can come to you for help.  What else can you do?!

• Find out what vocabulary or concepts they are working on in the art room and practice using them in the speech room
• Role play problem solving or social scenarios
• Do mock art project so students can practice following directions or expressing sequences
• Work on conversation starters that students can use in the art room while working with classmates
• and more!!

How do you collaborate with teachers?  Any other suggestions or ideas?!  Feel free to comment below!