I was pleasantly surprised that Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh (1992) is about the use of social language. Martha gains language after eating alphabet soup. It’s predictively funny because no one expects a dog to talk. It's also a thoughtful book because Martha "said exactly what was on her mind." She made embarrassing comments and talked too much. Her family doesn’t teach her social language skills, and since Martha doesn’t intuitively pick up the unwritten rules of communication, she's hurt when her family tells her to stop talking. The conclusion is a little scary and unlikely. Nevertheless, it’s always kind of fun to know something that a character doesn't. Ultimately, Martha begins learning what to say and when to say it. Sometimes she doesn’t say anything at all, and that's ok.
Ms Borens Art Room has Elementary Sub Plan: Martha Speaks. Very Visual SLP has Cut Paste TEXT IT OR THINK IT Social Language Counseling.
