How to Use Simon’s Cat in Speech Therapy

The month of December is one where I find myself digging deep into my therapy bag to find something that will hold attention longer than 12 seconds.  At least.  Enter, Simon's Cat.

Simon's Cat is a free video series on YouTube that is (basically) wordless video shorts.  They are super short, usually about 2 minutes, and there are HUNDREDS available.  I had no idea these existed until this year when I heard Hallie @ Speech Time Fun discussing them and I was like….sign me up! 

These videos are perfect for working on so many skills!  In my groups lasts week, I jotted down a some WH questions to work on story grammar and answering questions.  We reviewed those after we watched the video, which gave us a great opportunity to discuss inferences we made, perspective taking, and character feelings.   

Thanks to Felice at The Dabbling Speechie, I had the perfect follow up activity.  We made a four square and drew a story board for the video.  This allowed us to break the video into 4 parts for working on narratives.  I like to use storytelling to target grammar skills, articulation carryover, and vocabulary… so basically this activity works for all of my groups.  It is especially great for mixed groups!

My student's really enjoyed watching Simon's Cat and it changed up the ordinary… which was really need as we inch our way towards winter break.  Do you use Simon's Cat in your therapy room?  What's your favorite video?