In recognition of Speech-Language-Hearing Month, students across both buildings at Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) came together on May 28 for a schoolwide event focused on a powerful goal: building communication in meaningful, accessible ways.
Organized by the Speech Pathology Department and led by Alexandra Weissmann, Clinical Coordinator, the event transformed the school gym into an engaging, interactive space where students could explore language through play.
Students from preschool through young adulthood rotated through four activity stations designed to encourage self-expression, conversation, and connection.
At a feelings station, students created emoji masks representing emotions such as happy, sad, and tired, providing a creative opportunity to identify and express how they feel. Nearby, teachers used simple conversation cards and prompted students to answer questions like “What is your favorite color?” and spark dialogue and increased confidence in communication.
A bubble station quickly became a favorite, inviting students to describe what they were seeing and experiencing in the moment. As bubbles floated through the air, students practiced expressive language, happily shouting observations, such as “I made a bubble” and “It’s going to pop.” At another station, more advanced prompts encouraged deeper conversation, asking students to share preferences and explain their thinking, helping expand both their vocabulary and reasoning skills.
Each station incorporated communication boards and visual supports, ensuring that every student—regardless of communication style—could participate. These tools help students build language through both verbal expression and alternative communication methods.
“Speech therapists use a lot of visuals just to build their language,” Alexandra shared, noting that the activities also demonstrate practical strategies teachers can use in the classroom. By modeling everyday words and phrases, such as “put in” and “open,” staff help students develop the foundational language needed to communicate more independently.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration among therapists, teachers, and families. Strategies used during one-on-one therapy sessions are most effective when reinforced in the classroom and at home. “We’re hoping that what we’re doing one-to-one can overlap to the classroom, overlap to home, just to increase their communication,” Alexandra explained.
For families, the takeaway is simple but impactful: modeling language matters. Whether spoken aloud or demonstrated using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, consistent modeling helps students build confidence and develop their own communication skills over time.
Above all, the event showed that communication goes beyond requesting needs. It’s about connection. “Communication is so important,” said Alexandra. “We want them to do more than share requests. We want them to be able to tell us how they’re feeling.”
Through hands-on activities and shared experiences, students not only practiced language skills, they built the tools to express themselves, connect with others, and grow more independent every day.
