Sidebar Sidebar Sidebar

How to Teach Straw Drinking

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 9th Nov 2011

1.  To start, cut a regular straw in half.  Not only is a shorter straw easier to handle, but it also takes less strength for a child to suck liquid from a shorter straw. 2.  Dip the straw into a cup with liquid preferred by the child. Place the tip of your pointer finger over the top of the straw to keep the liquid in the straw. Remove the straw from the cup, keeping the top o …
read more

Strengthening Mouth Muscles

Posted by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP on 7th Jul 2011

My daughter's speech therapist suggested we have my daughter sip thick liquids (i.e. yogurt, chocolate pudding, etc.) through a straw to work on strengthening mouth muscles.  I have not been able to find straws thick enough to work.  Do you have a suggestion? . Drinking out of a straw (any straw) in general is a great way to help individuals learn how to keep the lips closed, how …
read more