Unlocking Language Learning with YouTube: A Speech Therapist's Guide
Let's talk YouTube. Yep, that's right—YouTube isn't just for cat videos and makeup tutorials. In fact, it's a goldmine of resources for fostering emerging language skills in our little ones. Now, I know what you're thinking: "We've all used YouTube with kids before." But bear with me, because there's more to it than just plopping them in front of the screen while we sip our coffee (although, let's be honest, sometimes that's exactly what we need). Here's some of the things I've found out there in the big wide 'Tube.
So...while nothing I share here is exactly news-breaking, I hope I have some ideas and links that give you a bit of a boost to your everyday!
Youtube for motivation
First off, there's the motivator videos, the ones we can offer as rewards or to have kids request. We all know the kids love the great fun stuff out there, and it can be tricky finding what catches each kid's attention - and it can change rapidly (because nothing is easy!). Depending on what each student likes or needs, it can range from the catchy, energetic songs...
I will say that, while it does block the ad on a website, there is often still the space where the ad would be. Often, a reader extension like ReadBee will remove those spaces and focus on the text.
So, there you have it—YouTube isn't just a time-sucking vortex; it's a valuable tool for nurturing language development in our young ones. So go ahead, dive into the 'Tube, and let the learning—and the fun—begin!
Until next time, my e-speechies,
"We Are The Dinosaurs" by The Laurie Berkner Band
Youtube for concept teaching
Then we have the fun concept teaching videos. These teach concepts in an enjoyable, engaging way that kids don't realize they are learning. The repetition of each concept is what makes it beautiful, and more often than not, the children will be imitating by the end of the song. We have core vocabulary songs...
body part songs...
Farm animal songs...
Action word songs...
Old MacDonald | Real Animals | Jack Hartmann (Love this one, because so many of our kids haven't actually seen a real pig, let alone heard one)
If You’re Happy and You Know It
Story Videos
But what I like best are the story videos, that offer a treasure-trove of language-rich content. Some of them are musical, like Pete the Cat and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom...
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
I find that switching between all of these, and using a mix of planning and using my super SLP thinking skills (because we all know how these best laid plans often go, especially with kids involved), I can hit so many emerging language goals like attending, labelling, requesting and commenting.
Pro tips for Youtube in therapy
Interactive Viewing
You can pause the video and talk about it, or wait for a request. Or you can watch the whole thing at one time, then use the precise seeking (or link at different times in the video) to go back to different moments to talk about.
Slow it down
Another great thing about many of the English learning videos is that they are told at a slightly slower rate of speech. But if they aren't, experiment with using the speed setting. I find that going to 75% doesn't usually affect the quality of the speech, but allows the listener more time to process.
Split your screen
Divide your screen into two to display two different videos side by side, giving kids a visual choice so they can see what you are offering and point. An example is up at the top of this page.
Theatre Mode
And if you're worried about distractions, try Theater Mode view to help keep things focused. It presents the video screen the entire width of the window, so it squeezes out the ads on the side.
So if I'm able to to have a few moments to reset things before a session, I have the screen split to show two videos side by side in Theater Mode so the child can make a choice.
If you select full screen, it will fill the entire screen, regardless of whether it is split or not. So I use that after the child has chosen. Then I hit escape when we are ready for another choice, to return back to the split screen.
Reduce Inappropriate Ads
Create a separate "school" account to help reduce the number of inappropriate ads and video suggestions.
Advertising Hacks
Now, there are some tricks for eliminating ads from YouTube videos, like adding a dash to the url or using a website or browser extension. Unfortunately, I've found that they either don't work with the Kids videos or they are so unwieldy to use with the short attention spans that it isn't worth it. Not to mention Youtube is actively working to block the adblockers. But you can definitely try them if you'd like!
Update 12/24
I recently found the free internet browser Brave and have been using it the past couple of weeks. It was simple to move my Google bookmarks into Brave, and I am using it solely for use with the kids, so it streamlines my therapy sessions too. I haven't had a single youtube ad, and I haven't noticed other ads popping up on websites.I will say that, while it does block the ad on a website, there is often still the space where the ad would be. Often, a reader extension like ReadBee will remove those spaces and focus on the text.
Turn Autoplay Off
You don't want your videos moving on without you. Go to the settings icon to turn autoplay off.
Organization of videos
Now, I know what you're thinking: how do I keep track of all these fantastic videos?
Playlists
Yes, YouTube has playlists, and those are great, if you can use them. Unfortunately, most of these videos are considered YouTube Kids videos, which means you can't save them to a playlist.
Copy & paste links
Well, fear not! While you can't save kid videos to your YouTube playlists, you can easily share them, copy the link, and paste it into a handy document for future reference. Don't forget to set the start time for an even more streamlined list.
I have a document for my Emerging Language Classes that I keep on Outline Mode, and each of the above videos are under their own headings, so they are easy to find while I'm in a session. It's a simple trick that keeps everything organized and ready to roll whenever you need it.
Want to see my list? Subscribe below for my Early Learning Links and other exclusive freebies.
Visit my Mrs. Speech Youtube Channel for playlists.
Oh, and here's a bonus hack: before you share and copy the link, set the video to start at exactly the right second to skip any unnecessary chatter at the beginning. Efficiency at its finest!
So, there you have it—YouTube isn't just a time-sucking vortex; it's a valuable tool for nurturing language development in our young ones. So go ahead, dive into the 'Tube, and let the learning—and the fun—begin!
Until next time, my e-speechies,
Mrs. Speech
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