The Power of a Hello Song: Starting Speech Sessions on the Right Foot

Ever had a session where it felt like you were wrangling a tornado? 

Or one where you threw every trick in your toolbox at a client, only to watch them stay dysregulated? 

If you’ve been there, trust me—you’re not alone.

Those moments used to feel overwhelming for me, too, until I discovered a simple but powerful strategy: using sensory input paired with a hello song to start sessions off right.

Why the Start of Your Session Matters

Think about how your clients enter the room. Maybe one bursts in like Tigger, full of energy, bouncing off the walls. Or maybe another shuffles in like Eeyore, low-energy and disengaged. Both of these states are signs of dysregulation—too much or too little sensory input.

Instead of diving straight into a speech activity, I focus the first few minutes on helping my client find their “just right” state. And a hello song, combined with sensory input, is one of my go-to tools for doing this.

The Role of Sensory Input

Sensory input—whether calming or alerting—has the power to shift regulation. Pair that with a familiar routine, like a hello song, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

For the Tigger-like child, I might use a slow-paced song with deep-pressure input, like gentle squeezes on their shoulders or rhythmic rocking. 

For the Eeyore-like child, I’ll add alerting input, such as clapping, upbeat tempos, or jumping movements to energize them.

In both cases, the hello song becomes more than just a transition—it’s a grounding moment that sets the tone for the entire session.

The Magic of the “Just Right” Moment

When I match the input to the child’s sensory needs, it’s like flipping a switch. Suddenly, they’re present, regulated, and ready to engage. And let me tell you—once you and your client are in sync, the rest of the session flows so much smoother.

Plus, it’s fun. For them and for you!

Real-Life Strategies You Can Use

On a recent episode of Making the Shift, I shared real-life examples of how I incorporate this strategy into my sessions, along with some of my favorite sensory tools that never fail me. 

Whether it’s a bouncy ball, a weighted lap pad, or even just the beat of your hands on a drum, the options are endless.

If you’ve ever wondered how to set the tone for a session, this approach might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

If you missed the live episode, don’t worry—you can still catch the recording! I dive into practical tips you can try immediately and show you my top sensory tools for regulated, productive sessions.

👉 Watch Making the Shift: My Go-To Strategy for Starting Speech Sessions with a Regulated Child here.

Let’s make every session smoother, more productive, and more fun—starting with hello.