In earlier posts, we discussed creating simple symbol-supported
extension activities to revisit the language content initially introduced on
the interactive whiteboard or iPad using an Animated Step-by-Step™ (ASbyS).
Dual=Representation symbols (symbols with the picture symbol on one
side and either the printed word or the photo on the flip side) were presented
as a wonderful way to reinforce the use of AAC during these ‘hands on’ extension
activities. (
I Spy with My Little Eye and Mary Wore Her Red Dress are
two examples of ASbyS lessons that are conducive to simple extension activities
that serve to provide practice with the content or alternately provide ‘a
better learning fit’ for that student with complex needs in your class.
Both activities have a slot-filler
format, i.e., symbols can be rotated
through a slot in a repetitively used sentence, e.g., I spy with my little eye something that is
_______; Mary wore her ______ _______ to
school today. The visual complexity of the sentence frame represented with symbols
can be adjusted in keeping with the needs of the individual student. The I Spy
With My Little Eye example depicts a full sentence structure, while the
Mary
Wore Her Red Dress example depicts a less complex setup intended for a
younger child. When manipulating the many
props (e.g. the cutout graphics of the clothes, the Dual=Representation Symbols),
a temporary
storage option is necessary to organize the materials to promote efficient
use during the lesson. There is nothing more debilitating for a potentially
great lesson than material manipulation that is a needless flurry of activity. Tempory
storage options are required to help you organize those materials for efficient
use.
Commercially-available storage options (depicted above)
include the following:
- portable bi-fold communication folder (about $36) http://www.nationalautismresources.com/portable-communication-folder.html
- multipurpose fabric easel
It is also possible to make your own velcro-receptive
storage option by attaching indoor-outdoor carpet (carpet with a loop rather
than a cut edge) to a firm base. I recently made six, 9” X 12” boards for a
school using new carpet remnants
(thank you to the construction worker at our new neighborhood TD Bank) and ‘burlap art panels’ purchased on sale at
Michaels (a craft supply store).
As the carpet had a self-adhesive
backing the process was quick … no messy glue required …. AND … best of all, given that sale at
Michaels, those six temporary storage boards cost a grand total of $3.00.
Summary: Many of the classrooms serving children with Complex Communication Needs require a continuum of options to best serve the continuum of students enrolled in those mixed ability classrooms. Animated Step-by-Steps™ provide a great starting point. Introduce the lesson on the interactive whiteboard, then follow that up with a one-on-one lesson on the iPad, or a more concrete extension activity using Dual=Representation Symbols.
Summary: Many of the classrooms serving children with Complex Communication Needs require a continuum of options to best serve the continuum of students enrolled in those mixed ability classrooms. Animated Step-by-Steps™ provide a great starting point. Introduce the lesson on the interactive whiteboard, then follow that up with a one-on-one lesson on the iPad, or a more concrete extension activity using Dual=Representation Symbols.
…’til the next post …
(new posts every Monday)
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©2015 Carol Goossens’, Ph.D.
Augmentative Communication Consultant
Speech-Language Pathologist
Special Educator
