In the past I have mentioned that I use the Expanding Expression Tool in therapy. It’s a multi-sensory tool that can be used to increase students oral and written language. No explanation from me, will help you understand as much as the example over at their website. If you aren’t familiar with it – go check it out! Just know that every bead on the strand represents one of the ways we can talk about an object. For example the green one is a reminder to identify the ‘group’ or category of the object. 
A lot of you have been asking how I use EET in my speech room. I wanted to share a quick idea with you today for a way I use the EET once my kids are used to it. Most of my older kids are in groups that are mixed. Meaning I have both articulation and language students. 
The bingo games through Super Duper Inc. are a staple in my room. So this is how I am combining the two, to target both articulation and language in a single session! 
The kids all get out bingo cards and chips. Then we take turns pulling cards. When the articulation students draw a card, they say the word and then their word in a sentence. When the language students draw a card they need to define the object/item. I always have the EET on the table. Some friends need the tool to touch to be successful. I also usually write a few of the most important terms on the board or a post-it, for friends who are moving toward relying less on the strand. 
In the example above, the student could define RAIN as a type of weather that comes from increased moisture in the clouds that comes down as water and sometimes comes with storms. That’s a big step up from “It’s wet” – which is usually their definition for rain the first time around! If you don’t have the EET, you can still work on these skills. Just help your students decide what makes a good definition and give them from written guidelines/visual prompts to use! Do you have the EET? Do you love it? How are you using it in your speech room?
Join the SRN newsletter!
I'm so glad you stopped by! If you'd like to keep up with the newest posts and get exclusive free downloads, please sign up for the newsletter! Your first freebie is ready as soon as you subscribe and confirm your email!
Such a cute idea!! I checked out their website. I am wondering if anyone out there has a DIY idea to create the same concept?!? I would love to get that kit for my speech room but budgets are so tight I will be shocked if I can buy glue for my students next year!!
It’s definitely something you can create on your own. I found PowerPoint presentations and worksheets/printables. If you can’t find them on your own, email me and I’ll send them to you. Rhendaremle@gmail.com
Illinois Speech and Hearing Convention hosted Sara Smith this year (can’t say enough about her), and her handout is posted on ISHA’s website… http://www.ishail.org Scroll down to ISHA Annual Convention/Brochure Handouts, and her speaker session was #23. Here is the direct link: http://www.ishail.org/isha/education_ektid1394.aspx
Sarah Moon
ISHA Program Chair 2012
The PowerPoint presentation is available on many other sites if you google it. I am no longer able to email my documents. Thank you, Rhenda.
I was looking at this set and also was thinking of doing a DIY version…I’ve used basically the SAME concept but using cards for the “cue”. Love it.
I’ve made these in smaller version with many of my students. I go into our Cognitive Impairment and Resource classrooms in my school. We set up stations around the room and painted wooden beads (purchased at Michael’s I believe) to go with each of the colors. I still have mine that came with the kit, but now each student has one to hold at the same time. I’ve made up a bunch of other materials as well to extend the use of the tool (using Boardmaker to include more pictures for my CI kids, doing a writing assignment for “My Principal” and “My Mom” for Boss’s and Mother’s Day. So much you can do with this wonderful tool!
Hi Jenna, I use the EET quite a bit with my kids, too. I just started doing some co-teaching in a 2nd grade room in one of my buildings. The kids were somewhat familiar with the EET because one or two teachers were trained in it. Last week, I used it to brainstorm ideas for a retelling of a short story they read. I like using it for more than just definitions, and this is the first time I’ve tried the retelling idea. Teacher loved it, I get to teach a litle again (I used to teach gen. ed.) and it’s fun to use. I like the versatility of it–I’d like to try the biographies idea next.
I have a great Melissa and Doug wooden lacing set that would make a great DIY version of this activity. I found mine at cheap Marshall’s/Ross/TJMaxx (forget which exactly) but you could also get a cheap version of it at Michael’s with a 40% coupon.
This reminds me of the $20,000 Pyramid, how you had to make clues to get the person to say the word.
I love it! Thanks for combining these two activities and sharing with us!
I love my EET and use it ALL the time! What a great way to combine the two for mixed groups! I always love your ideas!