Foundation Communication - Jill King , Speech-Language Pathologist

Foundation Communication - Jill King , Speech-Language Pathologist Speech therapy services for children with speech disorders such as apraxia of speech, phonological disorders, and articulation disorders.

01/20/2026

When parents first hear the word apraxia, it often brings more questions than answers 💬. One of the most important things to understand is that Childhood Apraxia of Speech is not about motivation or muscle weakness. It is about how the brain plans and coordinates speech.

This article from Apraxia Kids explains what apraxia really is, what signs parents may notice, and why children with apraxia often sound inconsistent even when they are trying their hardest. It helps many families have that “oh, that makes sense” moment.

Read it here:
https://www.apraxia-kids.org/apraxia_kids_library/what-is-childhood-apraxia-of-speech/

Clear information helps parents feel informed, confident, and ready to ask the right questions.

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of kind, thoughtful communication 💚💙. His words brought people t...
01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of kind, thoughtful communication 💚💙. His words brought people together and reminded us that voices, big and small, matter.

Kind speech, listening, and sharing ideas help children connect, express themselves, and care for others. Even everyday words can serve, uplift, and make a difference.

How did your family talk about kindness today?💓

A winter walk is a fun and free way to support your child’s communication while getting the whole family outside ❄️👣. Wh...
01/16/2026

A winter walk is a fun and free way to support your child’s communication while getting the whole family outside ❄️👣. When everyone joins in, it feels like time together instead of speech practice.

As you walk, follow your child’s lead and talk alongside them. Comment on what they notice as you move, whether it’s snowflakes falling, bare trees, or icicles hanging nearby. Simple comments during shared moments help language grow naturally through real experiences.

Everyday activities like a winter walk give children meaningful chances to build communication skills at home throughout the season.

Where does your family like to walk together in the winter?

Speech therapy is about so much more than just "talking."💬 It’s a holistic approach that builds:Social Skills: Learning ...
01/15/2026

Speech therapy is about so much more than just "talking."💬

It’s a holistic approach that builds:
Social Skills: Learning how to take turns and play with others.
Early Literacy: Developing the building blocks for reading and writing.
Confidence: Giving your child the tools to express their needs and feelings.
Vital Functions: Even addressing challenges with swallowing or picky eating.

The best part? You are the most important member of the therapy team! 🏠🙌

Because children learn best through play, therapy often looks like "just having fun." By practicing simple techniques during your daily routines, like bath time or grocery shopping; you can make a massive difference in your child's progress.

Next Steps for Parents:
Track Milestones:
Check out my blog on Milestones for Speech Sound Development to see how your child’s speech and language development compares to expected milestones.
👉 https://www.foundationcommunication.org/post/milestones-for-speech-sound-development

Sign up for a free screening:
If you want a closer look, I offer free speech and language screenings at Foundation Communication.
👉 https://www.foundationcommunication.org/screenings

Why trust me:
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and nearly 20 years of experience working with children with severe speech disorders, including verbal apraxia, phonological disorders, and articulation disorders. I hold certification with ASHA, am PROMPT trained through the PROMPT Institute, licensed by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and am a certified recommended provider for Apraxia Kids.

Act Early: You don't need a "wait and see" approach. Trust what you are noticing. Early support builds strong communication skills that last.

Kids love a good treasure hunt and this one turns movement into speech practice ❄️🧤. You hide the items. Your child find...
01/14/2026

Kids love a good treasure hunt and this one turns movement into speech practice ❄️🧤. You hide the items. Your child finds them. Language happens along the way 💬.

Start simple 🧺
Hide a few small objects around the room or in one container.
When your child finds an item, have them name it a few times, describe the item or use it in a short sentence.

Want to target sounds? 🔤
Choose items with the same sound your child is practicing.
For /s/, think scarf 🧣, spoons 🥄, sock 🧦, or a snowflake ❄️.
Each find is another chance to practice.

Want to build vocabulary? 📦
Hide items that match new words your child is learning.
Naming, describing, and talking about each item helps those words stick.

Ready to level it up? 🧭
Give directions instead of hints.
Look left ⬅️, right ➡️, above ⬆️, below ⬇️, next to 👥, or between 🧩.
You can keep directions short or make them more detailed based on your child’s goals.

It feels like play, but every step supports listening, following directions, and expressive language 🗣️. And best of all, you can adjust it to fit your child right where they are.

What treasure would your child love to search for first?

Parents: Did you know that a simple sheet of stickers is one of the best tools for practicing speech at home? 🤫Happy Nat...
01/13/2026

Parents: Did you know that a simple sheet of stickers is one of the best tools for practicing speech at home? 🤫

Happy National Sticker Day! Today we’re celebrating one of the most versatile (and affordable!) ways to boost your child's communication. Whether you're working on first words, tricky sounds, or following directions, stickers make the "work" feel like a win.

Sticker Use:
1️⃣ Motivation: Use them as rewards or tokens for trying new words.
2️⃣ Vocabulary: Describe colors and shapes, and practice core words like "more," "help," and "put."
3️⃣ Articulation: Find stickers that start with your child’s target sounds for fun repetition.
4️⃣ Following Directions: Practice instructions like "Put the bird on the tree."
5️⃣ Social Skills: Use face stickers to talk about emotions and practice "my turn, your turn."
6️⃣ Fine Motor: Peeling and placing builds the hand strength needed for writing!

Swipe through for 6 easy ways to use stickers in a learning session! ➡️

Winter stories are such an easy way to support language without adding anything extra to your day ❄️📚.If your child enjo...
01/13/2026

Winter stories are such an easy way to support language without adding anything extra to your day ❄️📚.
If your child enjoys cozy reads, winter books naturally invite new words, questions, and little conversations while you cuddle up together.

I put together a blog sharing 9 winter-themed books I love using in speech therapy and how each one supports speech and language growth.

Here’s a peek at the list 👀👇
• The Snowy Day ❄️
• The Mitten 🧤
• Amy Loves the Snow ☃️
• The Biggest Snowman Ever ⛄
• Snowmen at Night 🌙
• There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! 🤍
• Sneezy the Snowman 🧣
• Under My Hood I Have a Hat 🎩
• Hello, Snow!

Each book gives you meaningful opportunities to work on things like vocabulary, sequencing, WH questions, rhyming, and sound practice all through story time 💬❤️.

You can read the full blog with ideas for using each book here: https://www.foundationcommunication.org/post/9-winter-themed-books-to-use-in-speech-therapy-sessions

Which winter book would your child want to read from this list?

Being stuck inside during winter can make the day feel long ❄️🏠, but a simple indoor obstacle course can change the ener...
01/10/2026

Being stuck inside during winter can make the day feel long ❄️🏠, but a simple indoor obstacle course can change the energy fast. Pillows, couch cushions, tunnels, and chairs turn your living room into something your kiddo wants to move through and talk about.

This kind of play is perfect for practicing following directions 🗣️➡️. As your child moves through the course, give short, clear directions that match what they’re already doing:
“Go under the table.”
“Jump over the pillow.”
“Stop at the chair.”

Movement helps kids stay engaged, and those quick directions give them meaningful listening practice while their body stays busy👂. You can repeat directions, switch them up, or let your child give directions back to you for even more language practice.

What’s the favorite obstacle your kiddo would add to a course like this? 🛋️🧱

Winter break means kids are home, routines are different, and sometimes your child is just having a moment ☕️❄️. And hon...
01/09/2026

Winter break means kids are home, routines are different, and sometimes your child is just having a moment ☕️❄️. And honestly, sometimes parents are too. When that happens, a cup of hot chocolate can give both of you a quick moment of calm.

This simple breathing activity uses the idea of hot chocolate to help the body slow down. Cup your hands together like you are holding a mug. Breathe in through your nose like you are smelling the hot chocolate. Then blow out through pursed lips like you are cooling it down before taking a sip.

Repeat this for 3–5 breaths. This kind of slow breathing sends oxygen to the frontal lobe and helps create a sense of calm and focus for both you and your child.

Sometimes a shared pause is exactly what’s needed.

When children are learning to speak, their brains take longer to “download” what you said and find the right words to sa...
01/08/2026

When children are learning to speak, their brains take longer to “download” what you said and find the right words to say back 🗣️💬. We often talk too fast or ask another question before they have time to respond.

The five-second wait is a simple shift. Say one thing, then stop completely and silently count to five. That pause acts as an invitation for your child to take a turn in the conversation.

Why this works:
• It gives their brain time to process what they heard and plan a response.
• It removes pressure because you are sharing an observation, not quizzing them.
• It teaches initiation so your child learns they can start the conversation, not just answer.

Next time you’re talking with your child, give them the gift of five seconds of silence. That pause is often where their voice shows up.

Hearing from parents means so much to me 💙💚.Your words reflect the effort, trust, and teamwork that go into this process...
01/07/2026

Hearing from parents means so much to me 💙💚.

Your words reflect the effort, trust, and teamwork that go into this process, and they help other families feel supported as they begin their own speech journey.

Thank you for sharing your experience and for allowing me to be part of your child’s growth. Working together truly makes a difference.

If you are looking for something already planned to use with your child, this free Penguins Spatial Concepts activity fr...
01/06/2026

If you are looking for something already planned to use with your child, this free Penguins Spatial Concepts activity from Speak Up with Miss Jill is ready to go 🐧❄️.

Your child uses the penguin as he plays hide-and-seek around a mountain to practice spatial words like behind, in front, under, over, next to, and between. The printable includes both filled-in and blank options in color or black and white, so you can use it in a way that works best for your kiddo.

It’s a hands-on activity that helps your child follow directions, describe actions, and build short sentences without you needing to plan anything ahead of time. Grab this FREE resource here https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spatial-Concepts-with-Penguins-Winter-Themed-Language-Activity-9080890.

Which spatial word is your child currently working on?

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2093 Woodsedge Court
Hebron, KY
41048

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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Website

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Speak-Up-With-Miss-Jill, https://www.face

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