"Clinic Supply Box"

Since beginning undergrad I have accumulated items for my clinic box. It has now overtaken more than 1 box, but is more of a clinic closet. I think as an SLP, regardless of where you work, it is important to start creating your own "supply" closet. You never know what materials your job sites will have, if any at all.

I am not advocating spending tons of money, as most of my materials were free or very cheap. (Garage sales and Dollar stores are fantastic!) But having your own materials can save you if you need to plan a session quickly.  I am not going to list everything in my materials box, but the things I have found most helpful.

- Books: Most of these I found at garage sales, or free-to-good-home tables. I tired to find some that could be used year-round and a few for specific seasons. It is easy to pull a book last minute and target a variety of language and articulation goals.

- Rainbow extendable ball: I don't know what it is about this toy, but kids love it! It can be used to model a wider/more open mouth, or just as a reward. My classmates and I have used it with all ages of children, and clients with Autism have enjoyed it too. (Ollie likes it too!)

- Big foam dice: I got these from the dollar store, and have used these countless times. The easiest way to use these is as part of a basic game. The amount you roll is how many productions of the target needs to be done. I have also taped different things over the numbers to incorporate other activities. Kids love to roll the dice, and the best part is because they are foam, they won't hurt if a child throws them around.
- Bubbles: Everyone loves these. Plus they are a great stress reliever if you ever need a break!
- Coloring Stuff: Crayons, markers, color pencils, chalk, etc.
- Extra Toys/Fidgets: You never know what a child is going to like. If a random toy works as a motivator just go with it!

- Box of Articulation Cards: During the course of my education I have made articulation cards for every phoneme in each position. This has been helpful in school clinic where everyone is sharing materials. Having these cards means I don't have to rely on my school, and don't have to panic is someone else is using the same phoneme.
- Laminator: This is not really a clinic material, but for me has been a lifesaver! It was my "splurge" item for myself when I started grad school. I purchased one of the cheapest available, and while it has shortcomings, laminates materials well enough.
- TeachersPayTeachers: While this is not in my clinic box, I have begun to count this as an invaluable resource when trying to plan sessions quickly, or to get new ideas.

If you have any other items that should be in a "clinic supply box" please comment below!

Lisa

Drink of the Day: Lemon Tea with honey. Perfect for cold fall mornings/afternoons.