Meet Sara L. Smith & the Expanding Expression Tool (EET)

Sara L. Smith began her journey as a speech-language pathologist in a high-needs classroom, where students often struggled to describe everyday objects in more than a word or two. She knew they had more to say. One night, she created a color-coded tool to help them organize their thoughts and describe with depth. The next day, she introduced what would become the Expanding Expression Tool (EET)—and everything changed.

Her students began to describe with confidence and clarity, using multiple details instead of one-word answers. What started in one classroom quickly expanded to support general education, writing, vocabulary, and more. Today, the EET is used from preschool through high school—and even in college classrooms—across over 35,000 learning environments.

For over 20 years, Sara has trained educators, SLPs, and administrators across the U.S., grounded in her belief that every learner deserves tools that empower them to speak and succeed.

She’s also the author of the EETCHY Adventure Pack children’s books and creator of the EETCHY plush, inspired by a young boy who once fell asleep holding the original EET strand. Her hope was to bring the same language growth and comfort to children and parents at home.

Based in Michigan, Sara lives with her children Addison and Brady—the real-life names behind her storybook characters—and her husband Kevin, who supports her work every step of the way. Every EET product is shipped with care from her family’s local business.

The Expanding Expression Tool was built out of need, refined by experience, and fueled by heart—and today it’s changing the way we teach and learn language.

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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to purchase the full EET kit, or can I just buy individual materials?

We highly recommend starting with the full EET kit. It includes the strand, manual, icons, and all the instructional strategies needed to use the tool effectively. While we do offer supporting materials separately (like strands or steppers), they are only available to those who already own or are purchasing a kit. The kit provides the foundation for success.
What’s the difference between the EET kits? How do I know which one to get?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

  • EET Kit: Best for individuals or small groups. Includes the core strand, manual, object cards, prompt cards, stickers, easel, dice, and icons.
  • EET Combo Kit: Adds student strands and steppers to the original kit for increased group interaction and movement-based learning.
  • EET Works Kit: Ideal for full classroom implementation. Includes multiple strands, dry-erase boards, magnets, posters, and other reinforcements for large-group instruction.
  • Ultimate Early Elementary Pack (EETCHY Adventure Pack): Perfect for PreK–2nd grade. Includes two EETCHY books, a plush EETCHY with interactive features, posters, the EET Kit, and fun early-learning tools like the Beary Good Sentences board and EETCHY Steppers.

Need help deciding? Email us at eetsmiths@gmail.com and we’ll guide you!
Do I need to attend EET training to use the materials?

No, training is not required, but it is highly recommended. The EET Kit includes a detailed manual, but training gives you extra insight, real examples, and tips for stronger implementation.
Is the Expanding Expression Tool evidence-based?

Yes. The EET is research-supported and evidence-informed. It's used in over 35,000 classrooms, with user data showing improvement in oral language, writing, and vocabulary. Formal research is ongoing, and we’re happy to share data upon request.
What grade levels or ability levels is the EET designed for?

The EET is flexible and designed for all ability levels—from preschool through high school. It's used with general education students, English Language Learners, special education, and gifted students alike. The scaffolded design means it grows with the learner.
Can I use the EET at home, or is it only for schools?

You can definitely use it at home! Parents, homeschoolers, and private tutors use the EET to build vocabulary, oral expression, and writing skills in fun and accessible ways.
Our school requires vendor paperwork (W-9, vendor forms, etc.). Can you help?

Absolutely. Email eetsmiths@gmail.com and we’ll provide everything you need to set us up as a vendor.
Do you accept school purchase orders (POs)?

Yes! We accept POs. Please email them to eetsmiths@gmail.com.
How do I get started?

Start with the EET Kit—it includes everything you need. From there, explore our supplemental materials, trainings, and the EETCHY Adventure Pack to enhance your program. Questions? Email eetsmiths@gmail.com—we’re happy to help!