Most Fridays our Literacy Group meets, with students who are
home-schooled because of medical issues.
Students all use AAC, and have significant mobility and access
needs. This year, we have been on a
world tour, studying history, music, culture, and foods across several
countries. During December, we compared
holiday traditions for several of the regions that we had studied. In conjunction with our study, we read
several texts (Hanukkah, Winter Holidays,
Diwali), did a candle science experiment, and completed a word web for the
word LIGHT.
But the most fun part of our morning was making . . . Potato
Latkes! We used the animated Step by
Step activity to support this, with great success. Students were focused and enjoyed both giving
and watching the instructions. They also
loved eating the latkes! I’ve
highlighted a few features that were especially helpful.
Key Features That Supported Learning:
- Text First – I am a big fan of showing text BEFORE you show any graphics. This activity shows text, and the graphics (photos, drawings, symbols) are not shown until AFTER the next selection is made. This means that adults can control reading, then confirming what has been read through graphics and animation
- Range and Quality of Graphics – Graphics used in this activity included high-quality drawings of people and objects, plus photographs (e.g., frying pan), and symbols (e.g., PCS symbols) to extend learning. The combination of graphics and animation offered excellent comprehension support.
- Animations – We used the Don Johnston switch interface, so that students could be in charge of the animations. The switch interface provided empowerment, and the animations supported meaning and engagement.
- Well-Selected Sound Effects – Sound effects were very helpful for lengthening student engagement, and were well chosen to add ‘zip’ to the activity, without being annoying.
Caroline Musselwhite has a wealth of clinical information. Check out her work and the work of her talented colleagues at http://aacgirls.blogspot.com and http://aac-balancedliteracy.wikispaces.com
...'til the next post .... (new posts every Monday!)
Visit my website http://www.animatedstep-by-steps.com
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©2016 Carol Goossens’, Ph.D.
Augmentative Communication Consultant
Speech-Language Pathologist
Special Educator
