Tally Counter Magic!

                                                                    Ta-da!

The use of tally counters for data collection or reinforcement may not be a new idea but I recently began using them during my therapy sessions and they have worked like a charm. I am always on a mission to make time in therapy more structured and  less of a hassle in an effort to optimized the time I have with students. Games and elaborate activities can be great in terms of getting children motivated. However, I never imagined that this simplistic, round, metal device would have the power that it does for getting students to activity participate during therapy (without bright colored magnetic chips, glitter, or game boards...possibly, a handstand or two).

I typically give my students a goal for the session. The goal is often based upon the activity and the number of opportunities my students have to provide correct responses. I usually keep the goal around 20 to 25 so that it is also attainable. For older students who are working on articulation, I challenge them to get 70 tally counter clicks during the therapy session.  As soon as my students walk into the speech therapy room,  they know to grab a tally counter and wait for instruction. They are eager to know what the goal is for the session. My kiddos typically receive two Skittles each time they come to therapy, participate, and behave appropriately. If a student reaches the goal that was set for the session, they get an additional Skittle. In addition to the extra Skittle, my students feel good about themselves as a result of the positive visual feedback from all of their correct responses. I allow my older students to work independently for a limited amount of time and assess their own correct responses using the tally counter. When articulation students are using an iPad app, they can record and play back their voice recording to determine if their target sound was correctly produced. For language kiddos who get time on the iPad, the app typically tells them if their response was correct. I allow them to count that towards points they earn during the session.

 Since I have began using tally counters, I rarely use games and my students rarely ask for them. The time I have to hone in on target skills has naturally maximized because time is not needed for setting up and putting away games/activities. I was able to find my tally counters for a reasonable price at an office supply store (approximately $3). I honestly wish I would have considered this sooner but now that I have it has definitely become the staple of my therapy sessions.