Students throughout the Valley Stream District 30 recently recognized Speech Awareness Week by participating in various speech and language activities.

During their physical education classes, students were divided into groups to cycle through different speech challenges. Separate stations had students match certain sounds with words, name different things they would take on a picnic or pass a ball according to a listening activity. Each class was challenged with a variety of games including football scrabble and other non-verbal communication games.

Activities were modified so that they would suit students of all grade levels and abilities. For example, younger students were asked to identify whether a target sound was present in a word, whereas the older students were challenged to determine if the sound was in the beginning, middle or end of the word.

The event was organized by speech therapists Kristin Princiotta, Jennifer Reilly, Rae Costa and Sharon Benyaminy in coordination with Shaw Avenue, Clear Stream Avenue and Forest Road’s physical education teachers.
“Speech Week is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the ways in which they communicate, and to practice speech and language skills that are crucial for academic success and effective communication,” said Ms. Princiotta.

Date Added: 6/17/2022