Review: EdPuzzle for SLPs
SLPs constantly seek engaging tools to capture students’ attention while targeting speech and language skills. Video-based learning has surged in popularity, and EdPuzzle stands out as an interactive, adaptable tool for SLPs. But how effective is it in a speech therapy setting? Oh, just you wait!
Getting Started with EdPuzzle
Signing up for EdPuzzle is straightforward, especially for educators. The dashboard is clean, intuitive, and packed with useful features. SLPs can browse a vast (no really, it’s practically endless) video library, featuring pre-made lessons from YouTube, Khan Academy, and other educational sources. Even better, you can upload your own videos, tailoring them to the specific needs of your students.
How EdPuzzle Enhances Speech Therapy
EdPuzzle transforms passive video-watching into an interactive learning experience. Instead of simply watching, students engage with embedded questions, discussions, and annotations. You can easily create your own questions, choosing from multiple choice (AND you can upload photo choices), open-ended, or verbal answers! This level of interactivity keeps them focused while reinforcing communication skills.
Using EdPuzzle for Different Speech Goals
Language Comprehension & Inferencing - Pause videos at key moments to ask inferential questions, helping students strengthen critical thinking skills.
Vocabulary Expansion & Syntax Practice - Incorporate word definitions, synonyms, and sentence restructuring exercises directly into videos.
Social Communication & Pragmatics - Use real-world video scenarios to highlight tone of voice, facial expressions, and conversation cues.
Fluency Shaping Techniques - Guide students through slowed speech modeling, easy onset exercises, and visual cues within videos.
You can check out all of the EdPuzzle videos I’ve created here!
Customizing Content for SLP Sessions
SLPs can trim videos to focus on specific speech and language targets. Pause points allow for guided discussions, while closed captions offer an added layer of support for language processing. The flexibility in content adaptation makes EdPuzzle an extra special addition to your therapy sessions.
Engagement Features That Benefit SLPs
Elements like progress tracking and interactive responses keep students motivated. The ability to monitor responses in real time provides valuable data on student goals. Plus, immediate feedback empowers students to self-correct and refine their responses. This makes EdPuzzle a useful tool for home practice as well!
Compatibility with Teletherapy and In-Person Sessions
For teletherapy, EdPuzzle integrates seamlessly with screen-sharing tools, ensuring active participation in virtual sessions. Personally, I have used EdPuzzle during individual student sessions, group sessions, and whole-class language lessons! I’ve used it for preschool-aged students to seniors in high school. In-person, it can be used for small-group instruction or individualized learning. The adaptability across therapy formats makes it a strong contender for both settings.
Pros and Cons of EdPuzzle for SLPs
Pros:
✔️ Highly engaging for students
✔️ Customizable for various speech goals
✔️ Tracks student progress in real time
Cons:
❌ Free version has limitations on the number of videos you can store (but you can get 3 more by using my affiliate link!)
❌ Requires an internet connection for access
Maximizing EdPuzzle in Therapy
To get the most out of EdPuzzle, SLPs should choose age-appropriate content that aligns with therapy goals. Encouraging student participation through open-ended discussions, interactive pauses, and follow-up activities enhances learning. Pairing EdPuzzle with hands-on tasks, like storytelling or writing responses, may also strengthen targeted skills.
So, in conclusion…
Getting started with EdPuzzle is easy. SLPs can explore the free plan before upgrading to a paid version for unlimited storage and additional features. Ready to try it out? Sign up here.
