Rethinking Themes! Being Culturally Responsive with Literacy Therapy

Thematic intervention is an evidence-based practice used by teachers in classrooms as well as by speech language pathologists in therapy sessions. Using themes offers a meaningful way of presenting information and choosing themes that are relevant to students helps build a connection between therapy and real life. It is also a time saver and an easy way to streamline planning and preparation! Research studies have shown improved communication outcomes when themes are utilized; however, when we limit the types of books and images used in thematic intervention, we limit our students' access to characters and stories that represent their own lived experiences and reduce their exposure to experiences that differ from their own. This course will focus on how to utilize picture books with inclusive representation for thematic intervention.

Explore Course

Presenters

Shontaye Glover Jones
MS CCC-SLP
Shontaye is a children's book author, pediatric SLP, content creator, and professional speaker. In 2016, she founded her private practice Having Our Say, LLC to create a space where families and children would feel seen, valued, and be heard. Shontaye works with organizations and school districts around the country with a focus on literacy and creating equitable spaces for all students. Written under the pen name "Taye Jones," her debut picture book, "Liam's First Cut" (2020) is a story that centers family and neurodiversity as Liam, an autistic Black boy, prepares for his first trip to the barbershop. Her second book The Season of Yes! (2023) is a love letter to her favorite time of year, summer, and spending quality time with her mom during the season of endless opportunities for fun!

Learning Objectives

Explain the benefits of using themes in literacy based therapy for progress and generalization of skills
Discuss how to complete a diversity audit of literature and books
Describe how to use the literacy framework from a culturally responsive lens

Agenda

10 minutes	Introduction & benefits of using thematic instruction
10 minutes	Diversity audit and resources
25 minutes	Examples of pre and post story activities from a culturally responsive lens
10 minutes	Exploration of inclusive books centering around common themes
5 minutes	Questions/ Discussion

Disclosures

Speakers - Financial	Shontaye Glover Jones is the CE Administrator and Managing Director of Bright Ideas Media, which is the ASHA CEU provider for this course. She is the author of Liam's First Cut and The Season of Yes! and receives royalties from the sale of her books. Shontaye Glover Jones is receiving compensation for this course and is receiving compensation for The Equity Series as an event co-sponsor.
Speakers - Nonfinancial	Shontaye Glover Jones has no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Course - Content	Shontaye Glover Jones is the author of two children's books that will be mentioned during the presentation as well as other resources sold on her sites.
Course - Financial Support & In Kind	This course is being sponsored by Having Our Say and SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area, Professional Area