Whether you’re a newly minted school SLP or a seasoned pro, here are the essentials to pack in your school bag so you’re all set for success.

<h2>Must-Haves for Every School SLP</h2>Whether you’re a newly minted SLP or a seasoned pro, you’ll want to pack some essentials in your school bag, so you’re all set for success.If you’re embarking on your SLP career or switching from a clinical to a school environment, in addition to being excited, you may feel nervous about what to expect. Preparation can go a long way toward easing your concerns.Plus, it’s exciting to gather your tools of the trade as you dream about how you’ll help improve kids’ lives in your new role!<h2>Essential SLP Tools for the Classroom</h2>This list of SLP tools for the classroom should serve as a jumping-off point. Tailor the list to fit your specific role, caseload, age group and needs.<ul><li>Rolling crate – Since you may be traveling within a school or between schools, you’ll want to be able to transport supplies easily. Look for a rolling crate that’s collapsible, has a retractable handle and has wheels. You can also use a small rolling cart or wire dolly with bungee cords.</li><li>Tablet – An iPad or other type of tablet makes a great SLP tool. If you’ll use the tablet with students, get a rugged case to protect it. Tablets are ideal SLP tools for articulation apps, receptive and expressive language apps, flashcards, tracking progress, AAC, word prediction and more.</li><li>Books – Start your collection of picture books and books for readers of various levels. Also, add reference books for yourself as an SLP. Here’s a <a href="https://www.speechimprovementcenter.com/speech-therapy-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">list of books</a> to get you started.</li><li>Sticky notes – Get an array of sticky notes, from tiny tabs to big squares. They are not only helpful in organizing your paperwork, but sticky notes are also a go-to tool for SLPs. During reading, they can help kids summarize, mark passages, sequence information and more.</li><li>Dry-erase boards and markers – Use dry-erase boards to write directions, play games, and teach. You can use dry-erase markers to write on tables, laminated cards or plastic sleeves.</li><li>Mirror – Keep a mirror on hand for articulation practice. Ensure you have one that allows students to see their entire face, neck and shoulders, so they can focus on speech and upper body movements.</li><li>Games and toys – Stock up on <a href="https://www.annadeeslp.com/post/best-games-for-speech-therapy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">games</a> like Let’s Go Fishing, Jenga, Connect 4, Mr. Potato Head, and Shark Bite. Also, start your collection of building blocks, Play-Doh, bubbles, fidget toys, paper, pencils, crayons and markers.</li><li>Online resources – Get subscriptions for <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/slp-therapy-tools-and-games" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">online tools</a> like <a href="https://wow.boomlearning.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Boom Cards</a>, <a href="https://www.slptoolkit.com/pricing/'" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SLP Toolkit</a>, and <a href="http://littlebeespeech.com/articulation_station.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Articulation Station</a>. Bookmark <a href="https://www.asha.org/siteassets/uploadedfiles/money-talks-handout.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ASHA</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAheacBhB8EiwAItVO27GLkEj8EoJozTRt4d3ZANoGyp3ZjDAV0Rug4L5dNT-UJyftyNLbBRoCkrAQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a>, and our <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/educator-resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CCE Educators’ Resources</a>.</li><li>Calendar – Scheduling is a significant part of what you’ll do, so be sure to have a paper or electronic calendar handy wherever you go.</li><li>Sanitizer – Get hand sanitizer and wipes you can use on computers and electronic devices. Be sure to disinfect materials between uses.</li><li>Backup binder – Have a notebook full of activities prepared in advance in case you need an emergency activity.</li><li>Rewards – Keep a list of rewards along with some small prizes. For non-tangible rewards, consider dancing to music, a positive phone call home to parent, etc. For tangibles, keep bookmarks, stickers, tokens, erasers, pencils, and certificates.</li></ul><h2>Resources to Help You Build Your SLP School Kit</h2>You may be wondering how you’ll afford to compile the items on your list, but don’t fret! While many of the tools are items you’ll want to invest in to keep and use throughout your career, others are resources your employer may provide for your position.Fortunately, there are several ways to get funding to help you build your tool kit! Here are a few ideas:<ol><li>Ask your agency or school</li><li>Submit a request through the special education department</li><li>Ask the PTA</li><li>Find <a href="https://www.asha.org/siteassets/uploadedfiles/money-talks-handout.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">donors and apply for grants</a></li><li>Ask a retiring school SLP if they want to hand down supplies</li><li>Visit yard sales and dollar stores</li><li>Create a classroom project on <a href="https://www.donorschoose.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">donorschoose.org</a></li><li>Get <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-to-Get-Access-to-the-Top-12-iOS-Symbol-Based-AAC-Apps-TPT-Freebie-6869004" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">free access to AAC apps</a></li><li>Use free SLP <a href="https://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/speech-therapist/free-speech-therapy-tools-worksheets-printables/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">worksheets</a> and <a href="https://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/speech-therapist/free-speech-therapy-tools-worksheets-printables/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">resources</a> available online</li></ol>Enjoy assembling your SLP toolkit. Happy packing!Browse our <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/blogs/slp-therapy-tools-and-games" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SLP jobs</a>!

The Essential SLP School Kit