Most activities are ideally structured to elicit a maximal number of target responses in a given period of time, to enable the client to receive as much practice as he or she can in the session. For most clients, reading is often a good beginning activity because it provides a script. Clinicians can also use reading as a transition activity, flowing into conversational (propositional) speech. The client reads a brief statement and is then asked to give his or her opinion on the topic.

The following sample treatment activities provide ideas to adapt to the needs of individual clients.

Sentences. Construct sentences loaded with words or sounds the client has difficulty saying fluently. Have the client read the sentences aloud using speech targets appropriately.

Dear Abby. Affix the first portion of a question posed to "Dear Abby" on the front of an index card and past her response on the back. Ask the client to read the question aloud, using his or her speech targets. After reading the question, ask the client to give their advice to the reader (using targets). Then after a brief explanation or discussion, have the client read "Dear Abby's" response.

Story Sharing . The clinician begins to tell a story identifying a scene, a few characters and an action. After a minute, the client continues telling the story using a speech target, embellishing upon the details and actions of the characters. The storytelling goes back and forth a few times between the clinician and client.

Phone Calls. Have the client contact stores to inquire about the cost of various items and ask questions about the product using speech targets. Have the client give their name at the beginning of the call. You might call a tire store to ask about the price of a particular size tire and the quality rating of the tire. Or contact a hardware store to ask the price of chain and ask about the strength rating of the chain.

Asking Questions. Using speech targets, have the client ask questions of individuals (strangers); asking directions or questions about the facility. Begin in the clinical setting, then proceed to locations outside the clinic building.

Negative Practice Exercises. Have the client read a very brief paragraph or series of sentences contrasting "hard articulatory contacts" with "light articulatory contacts" on the first word of each sentence.

Travel Dreams. Page through an atlas with the client having them describe places they've visited (using targets) and describing various aspects of the geography, weather, the nature of the people and things the enjoyed doing while there. Ask their recommendations for things to do when visiting the location.

© Rentschler, 2001