How to Use QR Codes in Speech Therapy

So you've seen these funny little black and white squares everywhere and now people are making activities with them and you are thinking…what in the world is a QR code and HOW do I use that in therapy?  No worries, I'm here to save the day.First, let's start with what is it and where does it come from….QR stands for ‘quick response' and is made of little black and white squares.  It is sort of like a barcode that you find on things you buy.  These squares hold some sort of information, typically a web address or other written information, which can be scanned by the camera of smart devices (phones or tablets).
 In order for your smart device to be able to read it, you need an  app just for that…but that isn't a problem, there are tons of free QR readers in the app store (above are iOS apps, but there are many in the Android market as well!)
I have QR readers on my iPhone and my iPad.  I don't really prefer one over the other…these are just the two I have downloaded.  Now you are ready to scan!
All you have to do is point the scanner at the code and BAM!
Whatever is stored on the QR code pops up…this one was the correct past tense verb for the underlined word on the stimulus card.
You can find QR codes on many things…but they are becoming popular for teaching.  Why?  Because it incorporates the technology that kids love learning with!  Have you met a kid who didn't like using devices?  Actually, I have met one… but the other 59 kids I work with love getting their hands on technology for learning.
All of that is well and good…but how do you create those little squares?

Creating QR Codes is not that hard…first, you need a QR code generator, which you can easily find online.  I just googled it and found this one.  You choose the type you want, type in the text, and you're done!  You can save the QR code to your computer.
Not interested in making your own, but still want to use them?  Never fear, there are some great activities available on TPT already!  Here's my first one, targeting irregular past tense verbs…A.K.A. the MOST popular goal in my room this year.  I am trying to find FUN ways to target this grammar goal and QR codes were a great addition to my toolbox!  The kids love it!

Here's what's included:

• 2 levels…one with just a picture, and students will produce the irregular past tense, then they can check their answer by scanning the QR code.  This one is also good for having them produce their own sentence using the target.  Then, the same verbs, but at the sentence level…so they will replace the underlined word with the correct past tense verb, then they can check it by scanning the code.
• Answer key is included.
• 6 fun bonus cards if you are using it as a game…3 say “Lose a Turn” and 3 say “Extra Turn” when you scan them.
• Board game
• A recording sheet…this can be used as a center activity in the classroom or therapy room.  You could also send this home as a carryover exercise.

You can find this activity in my TPT Store!

Some of my bloggy friends also have QR activities available in their store:

Language Riddles in A Snap by Sublime Speech

Shopping for QR Codes & SpeechBook:  Emotional Inferencing by The Speech Bubble

Secret Agent Articulation & Turkeys In Disguise: Inferencing Activity by Speech Room News

QR Stars Verbs by Teach Speech

QR Codes:  Vocabulary Owls by Live Love Speech

Do you currently use QR Codes in therapy?  I would love to hear your thoughts!