As part of the SLP chain letter link up, I got the opportunity to interview a few more SLPs in the blogging world. Meet Nicole Allison of “Allison’s Speech Peeps “. Her blog is super cute and full of great reviews, tips, and materials, definitely a blog to check out! Read her interview below to learn more about this clever, blogging SLP.
1. Your name, email, blog address, link to TpT store if you have one
Nicole Allison
Allison’s Speech Peeps (http://allisonspeechpeeps.
TPT Store (http://www.
2. When and why did you start blogging?
I started this blog in June 2012.
Why did I start? One word-ideas! I had gleaned so many ideas and resources from other bloggers out there and I finally decided it was time to give it a shot-as sort of a challenge for myself. I started this blog with the idea that perhaps a few close speech therapist friends might find it helpful. When I look at my page-views and see the number of followers growing every week, I am constantly humbled and blown away!
3. What is your favorite population to work with?
I absolutely love working with my kiddos on the spectrum. My favorite part of the week is when I work with my social groups. I love incorporating real-life, functional activities in these sessions. Not to mention, the kids and I usually have a good laugh during these groups! I live to catch those rare glimpses of light I see in a student’s eyes when he/she “gets it.”
4. How much time per week do you spend blogging and/or creating materials?
It depends. My husband and I are currently renovating our 120 year-old house. So…depending on the current house project, it can range anywhere from 2-10 hours per week.
5. What’s your favorite topic to create materials for?
I love creating evidence-based materials. I think it’s so important that we are able to back up what we do with research. I try to list the research supporting my materials in the product.
6. What’s the best thing about blogging?
Besides the benefits of networking, sharing ideas, and keeping in the loop, blogging ultimately makes me a better therapist. I constantly push myself to think “outside the box” by creating something new or trying something different with my students. I feel that my students have benefited tremendously since I started blogging.
7. Do you have any blogging tips?
The world of blogging can sometimes be overwhelming. If you are thinking about starting one or even getting more involved, I would set a weekly goal. My weekly goal is to try to post 2 times a week and keep up with other blogs by checking and commenting on them 2 evenings per week.
8. Do you have a favorite freebie?
I do! I offer a free visual for math language. I know, I know, math is an area we tend to stay away from, but students need to learn the language of every subject in order to be successful. Click here for Freebie!
