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The SLP Now Podcast is your go-to resource for practical speech-language pathology tips. Through this podcast, you'll hear directly from Marisha Mets, a school-based SLP turned research nerd. She’ll be joined by expert guests to answer your biggest questions. Submit your questions at slpnow.com/ask.
255 Episodes
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Show Notes: slpnow.com/252School-based SLPs don’t struggle with planning because they’re disorganized; they struggle because their workload is overflowing. And when something has to give, therapy planning is often the first thing sacrificed. But thoughtful, structured planning is what actually makes therapy more efficient and effective.In this episode, you’ll learn:A simple 5-step session structure to reduce cognitive loadHow to use goal-aligned materials to plan in minutes (not hours)Why thematic units dramatically cut decision fatigueA 30-second habit that makes future planning easierHow structure improves student progress and behaviorIf you’re ready to make therapy planning sustainable, start your free trial at slpnow.com/pod and put these systems into action.
Show Notes: slpnow.com/251A caseload of 63 students doesn’t tell the full story of your job. School-based SLPs juggle therapy, evaluations, IEP meetings, Medicaid billing, AAC programming, travel time, and more — yet capacity is often measured by one number. In this episode, we unpack the difference between caseload and workload, why “the math isn’t mathing,” and how to shift the conversation with clarity and confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between caseload and workload (and why it matters)Four principles to manage impossible workloadsHow to protect your contract hours without guiltSimple ways to document and make your workload visibleHow to approach administrators with clear, objective dataIf paperwork and planning are part of your overwhelm, check out our free trial at slpnow.com/pod.
Show Notes: slpnow.com/250Paperwork doesn’t have to be the reason this job feels unsustainable. In this final episode of our paperwork series, we zoom out and look at why burnout is often a systems problem (not a passion problem), and what actually helps school-based SLPs get paperwork done more efficiently. You’ll hear practical ways to reduce cognitive load, create repeatable workflows, and make steady progress without adding more stress to your plate.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Identify your biggest paperwork stressors and prioritize what matters mostUse a “buffet” approach to implement systems without overwhelmPlan IEPs and evaluations in a way that supports working aheadCreate reliable workflows that make paperwork feel manageable and sustainableIf you’re ready to make paperwork feel lighter, pick one strategy from this episode and try it this week.
Show Notes: slpnow.com/249Writing IEPs and evaluations doesn’t have to feel like starting from scratch every single time. In this episode, we break down simple, systems-based strategies that help school-based SLPs write reports faster—without cutting corners or second-guessing their clinical decisions. You’ll learn how small shifts, like templates and text expanders, can reduce overwhelm, boost confidence, and make paperwork feel far more manageable.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Eliminate “blank page syndrome” when writing reportsUse templates to streamline IEPs and evaluationsAvoid common copy-and-paste mistakesSave hours during progress note season👉 Tune in to start building a calmer, more efficient paperwork system you can actually sustain.
A simple paperwork system can save you hours and protect your focus during the school week. In this episode, I’m sharing an easy way to organize pending IEPs and evaluations so your desk stays clear, you always know what to work on next, and nothing slips through the cracks. You’ll hear my go-to folder + checklist setup, plus flexible options for SLPs who prefer printable systems or digital workflows.In this episode, you’ll learn:A “one-folder-per-student” system to keep paperwork containedHow to prioritize paperwork by due date automaticallyWhy checklists reduce errors and last-minute scramblingPrintable vs. digital ways to stay consistent and organizedHow SLP Now can streamline forms, progress monitoring, and remindersReady to make paperwork easier? Start your free trial of SLP Now at slpnow.com/pod.
Paperwork doesn’t just take time. It takes up mental space. In this episode, we’re kicking off a 4-part series to help you reduce paperwork overwhelm by building a simple planning system that supports your deadlines (and your sanity). You’ll learn how to map out what’s coming, spot your busiest months, and create realistic weekly goals so you’re not carrying every IEP and eval in your head at once.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Do a quick paperwork inventory to identify your biggest stress pointsAudit upcoming IEPs/evals by month to plan ahead with confidenceSet weekly paperwork goals that reduce decision fatigue and mental loadProtect focus time using simple schedule boundariesTry the SLP Now free trial at slpnow.com/pod to access the Paperwork Course + workbook and start building your system.
Show Notes: slpnow.com/245Narrative graphic organizers are a simple tool that can unlock stronger storytelling, richer language samples, and better generalization across therapy sessions. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical ways to use a narrative graphic organizer with students across grade levels—whether you’re targeting personal narratives, story retells, or literacy-based therapy goals. These strategies are easy to implement, highly flexible, and designed to reduce overwhelm while supporting clear narrative structure.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Use graphic organizers to scaffold personal narrativesBuild pre-story knowledge before reading a book or articleSupport accurate and meaningful story retellsCreate parallel stories to promote generalizationIf you want to see these strategies in action and grab free graphic organizers, check out my on-demand SLP Summit course for a deeper dive.
Narrative graphic organizers are a simple tool that can unlock stronger storytelling, richer language samples, and better generalization across therapy sessions. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical ways to use a narrative graphic organizer with students across grade levels—whether you’re targeting personal narratives, story retells, or literacy-based therapy goals. These strategies are easy to implement, highly flexible, and designed to reduce overwhelm while supporting clear narrative structure.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Use graphic organizers to scaffold personal narrativesBuild pre-story knowledge before reading a book or articleSupport accurate and meaningful story retellsCreate parallel stories to promote generalizationIf you want to see these strategies in action and grab free graphic organizers, check out my on-demand SLP Summit course for a deeper dive.
Sequencing goals are common in IEPs, but do they actually lead to meaningful outcomes? In this episode, I share why I no longer write traditional sequencing goals and what I do instead to support generalization, comprehension, and real-world language use. We’ll look at how isolated sequencing tasks fall short and how embedding sequencing within narrative-based therapy can better support students’ communication skills.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why decontextualized sequencing tasks often don’t generalizeHow narrative-based frameworks support sequencing, memory, and comprehensionExamples of functional, measurable alternatives to traditional sequencing goalsPractical ways to scaffold sequencing within real stories and experiencesListen in to rethink how you target sequencing and walk away with ideas you can apply in therapy right away.
Every January, thousands of SLPs come together for the SLP Summit, and this year’s lineup is packed with fresh insights and practical strategies you can use right away. In this episode, I’m sharing what to expect, how to access two on-demand courses immediately, and why the live sessions (January 12–14) are truly worth tuning into. Whether you're craving evidence-based ideas or simply want to feel inspired again, this Summit has something for you.Sign up at slpsummit.com!
Show Notes: slpnow.com/242Want to access the free materials mentioned in the podcast? Go to slpnow.com/pod!In this episode, we break down six evidence-based strategies you can use to teach summarizing with clarity and confidence. From explicit instruction to picture-supported scaffolds, you’ll get practical tools you can use in your very next session.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✏️ How to explicitly define summaries, main ideas, and key details ✏️ Ways to use visuals and graphic organizers to boost comprehensio ✏️ Why modeling metalinguistic thinking accelerates learning ✏️ How sentence frames and text structures support generalization
Show Notes: slpnow.com/241Want to access the free materials mentioned in the podcast? Go to slpnow.com/pod!Did you know that just a handful of prefixes and suffixes account for most derivational words students encounter? In this episode, we break down simple, effective strategies for teaching morphology in speech therapy — so you can help students become confident “word detectives” without adding more to your plate.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to introduce affixes using clear, student-friendly examplesPractical ways to teach selected prefixes and suffixesA step-by-step framework for breaking down wordsTips for weaving morphology practice into any therapy unitTune in and bring a little more clarity (and confidence) to your vocabulary instruction!
Show Notes: slpnow.com/240Did you know that nearly half of English words have more than one meaning? In this episode, we break down simple, evidence-backed strategies to help students infer meaning, build vocabulary, and strengthen comprehension—all without adding more prep to your plate.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to introduce the concept of multiple meaning words with concrete, student-friendly examplesWays to teach students to use context clues and imagery to determine meaningMetalinguistic prompts that support flexible thinkingHow to use graphic organizers and parts-of-speech frames to deepen understandingIf you want ready-to-use activities for these strategies, start a free SLP Now trial (slpnow.com/pod) and explore the Multiple Meaning Words Skill Pack.
What if teaching describing could feel simpler and more effective? In this episode, we break down evidence-based strategies and share practical tools you can start using right away. From visual supports to vocabulary journals, you’ll learn how to build stronger describing skills with confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Teach key attribute categories using clear, structured supportsUse contrastive examples to boost understandingBuild vocabulary with journals and scaffolded visualsSupport generalization through sentence framesSign up for the free trial at slpnow.com/pod to download the Describing Helper and start using it in your sessions today!
Show Notes: slpnow.com/238In this episode, I’m sharing five simple, research-backed strategies you can use to target basic concepts in a way that really sticks. You’ll learn how to keep instruction focused, embed concepts in meaningful contexts, and use gestures and visuals to boost understanding. I’ll also walk you through how to put it all together with one of my favorite books, Zoe Gets Ready, using a literacy-based therapy framework.Tune in to discover practical ways to target basic concepts while keeping therapy fun, functional, and evidence-aligned.Go to slpnow.com/trial to download the skill pack and therapy plans! It's free!
Access the Sentence Pack (for free!) here: slpnow.com/podShow Notes: slpnow.com/237In this episode, we’re diving into five evidence-based strategies to boost your students’ Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) — in a way that’s fun, functional, and easy to track! 🎯You’ll learn how to:✅ Use language samples to identify targets and monitor progress✅ Embed MLU practice into play, books, songs, and routines✅ Model just above the child’s level for natural growth✅ Use sentence frames and visuals to support longer utterances✅ Give students space with contingent responses and wait timePlus, I’ll show you how it all comes together in a Little Blue Truck therapy plan.✨ Resources MentionedFree Language Sample Sheet: slpnow.com/free-language-sample-hackSentence Pack: slpnow.com/materials/sentence-pack/Therapy Plans (including Little Blue Truck): slpnow.com/pod
Show Notes: slpnow.com/236Even our youngest students use complex syntax, but what happens when they don’t? In this episode, Marisha breaks down why syntax matters (even for kindergartners!) and shares practical strategies to assess and target structures like passive voice, relative clauses, and adverbial clauses. You’ll learn evidence-based techniques such as focused stimulation, sentence combining, and sentence decomposition — plus how to easily embed these skills into your literacy-based therapy sessions using SLP Now resources.
Help your students master compound sentences! In this episode, Marisha shares five evidence-backed strategies—from visuals and sentence combining to movement and classroom collaboration—that make teaching conjunctions clear, fun, and effective.
Full Show Notes: slpnow.com/234In this episode, Marisha shares six practical, evidence-based strategies to target following directions. From pinpointing the right foundational skills to collaborating with teachers and planning for generalization, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable ideas you can use in your sessions right away.✨ What You’ll Learn:How to assess and identify the root causes of direction-following difficultiesThe power of recasting and corrective feedbackWhy incorporating movement boosts comprehensionHow to explicitly teach and model strategies like rehearsing and visualizingWays to partner with teachers for greater carryoverHow to plan for generalization from the start🎧 Tune in for practical tips you can apply this week!
Full Show Notes: slpnow.com/233WH questions are foundational for language, literacy, and classroom success—but teaching them effectively can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Marisha shares six practical, evidence-backed strategies to help your students master WH questions using the Assess–Teach–Practice framework.You’ll learn how to assess to find the right starting point, teach question words with visuals, scaffold instruction through a hierarchy, focus on one question type at a time, embed practice in meaningful contexts, and provide high-repetition practice for generalization.Go to slpnow.com/trial to download the WH Questions Skill Pack. (It's free!)
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This was so insightful and helped put some of the fears related to the unknown world of telepractice to rest! Looking forward to getting started in this type of role!
Marisha, where can I find the resources? I thought you said Slpnow/4