Dream Big Activity for Middle & High Schoolers

As you get back into routines after winter break, be sure to keep you older students engaged. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day in January and Black History Month in February are perfect themes to keep middle & high school speech students participating.

Keep reading below for 3 ways to use this Dream Big packet, which includes a digital and print version for a no prep solution to speech therapy sessions this winter. This Language Pack offers a range of activities to target goals: reading comprehension, vocabulary, creative writing, and media literacy. Check out how to adapt this versatile activity pack for all your students so your session plans for MLK Day and Black History Month feel relevant to your students.

1: Small Groups

Do you have older students targeting language goals like reading comprehension and tier 2 vocabulary words?

This packet starts with an expository reading that summarizes Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech and his legacy. It also includes vocabulary words and reading comprehension questions! Read this together with your small groups or mixed goal groups.

SLPs know how to use one resource to target multiple goals, so use this printable PDF for the following in your small group sessions:

• reading fluency: "I have a dream" summary offers read aloud opportunity for reading fluency goals.

• reading comprehension: comprehension questions following the reading ensure that students understand the content.

• vocabulary: fill in the blank sentences with tier 2 vocabulary word bank let students apply vocabulary skills while you collect data.

• articulation: have students with speech sound errors highlight words with their target sound, practice in isolation, then read the sentence for connected speech.

• stuttering : for students who stutter, practice reading using voluntary stuttering (bumpy speech) for a desensitizing and affirming practice. Let students choose if they want to use fluency shaping techniques like easy onset. If so, they can practice while reading aloud or discussing the concept.

• neurodiversity-affirming: For autistic and neurodiverse students, read the "I have a dream" excerpt and discuss discrimination. How did Dr. King's work and sacrifice not only help black people but also those with different abilities, disabilities, and language differences?

2: Push-in Classrooms

For classrooms where you push in as an SLP and lead whole groups or centers, use the Dream Big Vision board along with the reading about Dr. King's speech.

Print out vision board template for each student.

Brainstorm sample goals for the year as a group using growth mindset & resilience frameworks.

Provide markers, stickers, and magazines for students to draw, decorate, and express their personal dreams creatively.

Offer students a chance to share their completed vision board with the class, but don't require this. Sharing should be voluntary! If nobody shares, then show them your own vision board or goals for the year.

3. Teletherapy & Virtual Sessions

If you are working in telepractice, or have students on homebound service, here is a digital version to send home with your speech-language students. It is compatible with Google Classroom and google drive and includes:

• Expository Reading Summary of Dr. King's work and legacy (Google Form)

• Vocabulary fill in the blank sentences & multiple choice answers using Tier 2 words from civil rights terms (Google Form).

• Comprehension Questions 10 multiple choice questions based on the reading (Google Form).

• Media Literacy Extension with current websites with discussion prompts/questions (Google Form).

• "I Have a Dream" Vision Board template, to target creative writing and critical thinking & create goals for the next year (Google Slide).

You can also assign this virtual packet as a makeup lesson if student was absent from session, or for carryover at home. I have two students who transitioned unexpectedly to virtual speech therapy last month due to medical issues, so I will be using this packet with them next week. Ask students to complete the digital vision board with a caregiver or sibling, and bring back to discuss.

Hint: Email parents/caregivers a link so they can easily access it. Assign a "due date" because we all do better with a deadline.

Use these activities to spark meaningful conversation & target literacy with your older students.

They are the perfect no-prep solution to use in January & February this year. I hope they save you time & energy as you meet student needs.

Before you go, download these FREE BELLRINGERS . They are a great warm up or exit ticket to structure sessions:

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