Clinical Skills Confidence: Language Samples Part 2
Time for Language Samples Part 2!
If you missed Part 1, check it out HERE.
I made a language sample checklist that can be used when taking language samples. It is not exhaustive, but should give you a good idea of a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Grab it HERE!
While taking a language sample, I am looking for the following:
- Does the student speak in complete sentences?
- Are there a lot of grammatical errors?
- Can I follow what the student is saying?
- Does the student use age appropriate vocabulary?
- Are there any stuttering like behaviors?
This is where we have to quiet our SLP tendencies to talk too much! I find it hard sometimes too, especially with a student who is shy or not really saying much more than 1-2 words. Resist the urge to ask too many questions. If you do speak, use open ended comments or questions, such as “I really like to go to amusement parks. I don’t like going on roller coasters though.” This way, the student will hopefully open up and start a dialogue, rather than just answering your questions with 1 or 2 words.
What do you use when taking language samples? Tell me below!