Resonance Lab Activity Resonance Lab
Voice Studio // Module 02
Student
Date
Vibrations & Air
Before the voice makes words, it makes vibrations. Today, we are just "testing the equipment." No words are needed—only air and energy.
Phase 1: The Airflow
Try these "Silent Sounds." Circle the one that felt the easiest.
"Hhhhhhhh"
Fogging a mirror
"Sssssssss"
Slow leak in a tire
"Shhhhhhh"
Ocean waves
"Fffffffff"
Wind in the trees
Phase 2: The Hum
Adding "Vocal Texture" (vibration). Can you feel the vibration in your nose or chest? (Check the box if you felt it).
"Mmm-hmm"
The "I agree" sound
"Mmm-mmm"
The "Tastes good" sound
Phase 3: The Tool
If your facilitator has a Kazoo or a Slide Whistle , try making one long sound through it. The tool "hides" your voice while you practice making the vibration.
Sound Challenge
Can you hum the first three notes of your favorite song? (Don't worry about being in tune!)
Success! Maybe Next Time
Observation
Where did you feel the vibration the most?
In my throat
In my nose
In my lips
Nowhere yet
Voice Studio Facilitator Guide Voice Studio Facilitator Guide
Therapist Resource // Protocol
The Safe Space Rule
Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder, not a choice. Never "bribe" or "pressure" for speech. The Voice Studio approach uses "Stimulus Fading" and "Shaping" to lower the barrier to communication until the voice feels safe to emerge.
The Approximation Ladder
5
Conversation
4
Phrases
3
One Words
2
Sounds/Humming
Key Technique: Forced-Choice Questions
Open-ended questions (e.g., "How was your day?") are too high-pressure for SM students. Use Forced-Choice instead.
Avoid (Open-Ended)
"What do you want to do today?"
Use (Forced-Choice)
"Should we use the markers or the colored pencils?"
Standard Session Sequence
1
Warm Up (Non-Verbal)
Engage in a parallel activity (drawing, gaming, sorting). Establish presence without eye contact pressure.
2
The "Voice Studio" Activity
Introduce the Module worksheet. Use "I wonder..." statements to prompt thought without requiring verbalization.
3
The Bridge Prompt
Provide one forced-choice question. Wait 10 seconds (count internally). If no response, allow pointing/writing and move on.
Dealing with High Anxiety
If the student appears frozen (shoulders up, gaze fixed, no movement), back off the communication demands immediately. Revert to parallel play or a "safe" non-verbal activity.
Praise Strategies
When the student makes a sound or speaks, do NOT make a big deal of it. Avoid "Yay, you spoke!" This draws too much attention and spikes anxiety.
Better: "Thanks for telling me that. I'll put that on the list." (Neutral and task-focused).
The "Wait" Rule
Expect a delay. It can take 5-15 seconds for a student with SM to bypass the "blockade" in their throat. Silence is your ally; don't rush to fill it.
Module Goals Overview:
<table class="w-full text-xs"><tbody><tr class="border-b border-slate-700"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-400">Mod 1</td><td class="py-2">Non-speech sounds (Kazoo, humming, whispering "s" sounds).</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-700"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-400">Mod 2</td><td class="py-2">One-word vocalization (Yes/No, This/That).</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-slate-700"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-400">Mod 3</td><td class="py-2">Scripted phrases (Predictable routine-based speaking).</td></tr><tr><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-400">Mod 4</td><td class="py-2">Functional communication and context expansion.</td></tr></tbody></table>Choice Sparks Worksheet Choice Sparks
Voice Studio // Module 03
Student
Date
Power of the Pivot
Sometimes it is hard to decide what to say. This page makes it easy. I will give you two choices, and you just have to say one word . If that word feels too far away today, you can point first, and then try a "whisper-word."
Game 1: The Ultimate "This or That"
Morning
OR
Night
Movies
OR
Books
Summer
OR
Winter
Pizza
OR
Pasta
Game 2: The Sound of "Yes"
I will ask you three "Yes/No" questions. See if you can vocalize the answer, even if it's just a soft hummed "Mmm-hmm" for yes.
Do you have any siblings?
YES
NO
Do you like music with lyrics?
YES
NO
Is blue a cool color?
YES
NO
Progress Tracking:
Vocal Approximation 03
Scripted Steps Worksheet Scripted Steps
Voice Studio // Module 04
Student
Date
Stringing It Together
When we use a script, we don't have to think about what to say—the words are already there. We will read these "strings" together. You can start by whispering them while I read them out loud.
Level 1: Collaborative Reading
Let's read these functional phrases. I'll read the black text, you read the blue text (or we can do it together!).
"I need..." "...a pencil."
"Can I..." "...go now?"
"See you..." "...on Monday."
"That was..." "...very cool."
Level 2: The Scripted Swap
Choose one scenario below and practice the script. You can read it from the page.
The Cafe Order
ME: "What would you like today?"
STUDENT: "One iced latte, please."
The Question
ME: "Do you need help with this?"
STUDENT: "No thanks, I've got it."
Progress Tracking:
Vocal Approximation 04
Future Frequency Worksheet Future Frequency
Voice Studio // Module 05
Student
Date
Expanding the Studio
You have practiced your voice in this space. Now we are going to imagine taking that voice into the "real world." We will practice "Future Frequencies"—scenarios where your voice might be needed.
Scenario 1: The Library
"You're at the library and can't find the book you need. The librarian looks friendly but is busy. You walk up to the counter."
Preparation Checklist:
Take 3 deep breaths
Visualize the "Studio" safe space
Write the book name on a card
The Bridge Word:
"Help, please."
Try whispering it first
Scenario 2: Talking to a Peer
"A student in your class asks if they can borrow a highlighter. You have one to share."
Choose your response level:
LEVEL 1: Non-Verbal (Hand it to them with a nod)
LEVEL 2: Sound Only ("Mm-hmm" while handing it)
LEVEL 3: Vocal "Sure, go ahead."
Reflective Question
Which of these scenarios feels the "lightest" (easiest) to you right now?
You can write or draw your answer.
Progress Tracking:
Program Complete
