Lessons Learned from Our SLP and ESL Teacher Collaboration —Part 3

Editor’s note: This is part three of a series on SLP-ESL educator collaboration. Read the first part, “Partnering With ESL Teachers to Better Serve Multilingual Children,” which appeared in December 2015; and the second part, “SLP and ESL Teacher Raise Awareness About Multilingual Needs and Benefits,” from July 2016. This is my third and final blog on the ESL/speech-language pathologist partnership my colleague, Lauren Harrison, and I developed. This last installment shares lessons learned and tips about creating and running our “BiG” (Bilingualism is a Gift) campaign.  I want to emphasize how one idea can make a difference. Our project involved presenting current, research-based information to help dispel myths and misinformation among those teaching and caring for children with communication challenges. We shared our campaign with families, caregivers, educators, psychologists, administrators and anyone else with an interest in a child’s development. We promoted “BiG” across our community! Even if a lot of what I share seems like common sense, I thought some of our insights might help other SLPs hoping to form a similar collaboration or project. Form a clear and simple message. Our message emphasized that “Bilingualism is a Gift,” as well as that children with communication challenges of any kind should not be excluded. Provide staff and families with reader-friendly materials and research. Empower families and give others the tools to support...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech Therapy Authors: Tags: Advocacy Speech-Language Pathology Bilingual assessment bilingual service delivery interdisciplinary collaboration Language Disorders Professional Development Source Type: blogs