Month: February 2023

AAC
Scavenger Hunts with AAC
- 11:26 pm
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- by Rhosemarie
AAC Scavenger Hunts
Planning a scavenger hunt in the classroom can be a fun and interactive way for students to explore their surroundings and use their AAC systems.
Here are some steps to create a successful scavenger hunt in the classroom
Choose a theme
This is the fun part! Get creative and think of fun engaging themes that reinforce a concept you are learning in the classroom! Here are some fun themes to try in your classroom:
Nature scavenger hunt: Students can search for items related to nature such as flowers, leaves, rocks, and other natural items.
Photo scavenger hunt: Give students a list of specific photos they have to take such as a selfie with the principal, a friend in a different classroom, or the water fountain.
Holiday scavenger hunt: Have students find holiday-related items such as Christmas decorations, Easter eggs, or Halloween costumes.
Treasure hunt: Students follow a series of clues that lead them to a final treasure or prize.
Around the world scavenger hunt: Students have to find items related to different countries or cultures such as traditional clothing, flags, or food.
Mystery scavenger hunt: Students have to solve a mystery by finding clues and completing challenges.
Science scavenger hunt: Students have to find items related to science such as lab equipment, fossils, or telescopes.
Historical scavenger hunt: Print pictures of historical items or landmarks such as old buildings, monuments, or artifacts and hide them around the classroom for students to find.
Create Clues
Create clues that are challenging but not too difficult for your students. Consider using a mix of riddles, puzzles, and visual clues. Target core words and use AAC devices to make the scavenger hunt more interactive.
Some core words to target for a scavenger hunt are: WHERE, HERE, THERE, GO, STOP, LOOK, and OUT. You can talk and model core words as students search for hidden items. “WHERE is the hidden item?”, “HERE is the hidden item”, “GO find the item”, “STOP and LOOK over THERE!”, “Take the item OUT of the hiding place”.
Determine the Hiding Spots
Decide on the locations where you will hide the clues. Make sure they are easily accessible and safe for your students to reach. Do you want to hide items all around the school, or just stay in your classroom? There are many places you can hide the items.
Remember, a successful scavenger hunt in the classroom is all about engaging your students and making learning fun!
AAC
Read Aloud with AAC
- 11:25 pm
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- by Rhosemarie
This post may contain affiliate links.

Read Aloud with AAC

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices can be used to enhance read-aloud’s for students. AAC devices can help students communicate their thoughts, feelings, and questions about the text being read.

Here are some ways to use AAC devices with a read aloud

Create AAC Symbol Supports

Create AAC symbols that represent keywords and concepts in the book. This can be done using a software program, such as Boardmaker or SymbolStix. I use Boardmaker to create symbol supports for read-aloud in my classroom. I create symbols for core words, main characters, and setting in the story.

Use the AAC symbols to follow along

As you read the book aloud, point to the AAC symbols that represent the words being read. This helps the students associate the words with their meanings. I like reading stories with predictable repetitive text. Picture books with repeated storylines develop language and literacy skills. I program the repeated storylines onto AAC devices so students can help read along.

Some of my favorite books with repeated storylines are:

Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Eric Carle

This book is a classroom favorite. It is predictable, fun, and engaging. The repeated storyline in this book is, “______ what do you see?” This repeated storyline is perfect for targeting core words, WHAT and SEE.

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin, Illustrated by James Dean

Pete the Cat is a staple in our classroom! The eye-catching colorful illustrations by James Dean, and the catchy song make this book a student favorite. Throughout the story, Pete loses his buttons! The repeated storyline in this book is, “Did Pete cry? goodness no, buttons come and buttons go. He kept on singing his song …” This repeated storyline is perfect for targeting core words, NO and GO.

Who Sank the Boat by Pamela Allen

This is a cute story about a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig, and a tiny little mouse, a group of friends who decide to go on a boat one sunny day. The repeated storyline in this book is, “Do you know who sank the boat?”. This repeated storyline is perfect for targeting core words, YOU and WHO.

Spider on the Floor by Raffi

This book is a sing-songy catchy story about a spider on the floor! The spider ends up on different body parts, so it’s the perfect story to teach body parts as well. The repeated storyline in this book is “There’s a spider on the _____” This repeated storyline is perfect for targeting the core word ON.

I Went Walking by Sue Williams

This fun book follows the main character as he goes for a walk and sees different animals along the way. The repeated storyline in this book is, “I went walking” “What did you see?” This repeated storyline is perfect for targeting the core word SEE.

Ask questions

Use the AAC symbols to ask questions about the book. For example, you could ask a student to point to the symbol that represents the main character or the symbol that represents the setting. You can also point to the symbol and ask the student a yes or no question about the symbol. Encourage students to use the AAC symbols to respond to questions or to make comments about the book.

Reinforce learning

Reinforce learning by using the AAC symbols to review key concepts and vocabulary words after reading the book.

AAC gives students a voice and allows them to be active participants in learning. By using AAC symbols with a book, you can help students develop their communication skills while also enjoying the experience of reading a book.

What are your some of your favorite read alouds to use with AAC? Please share!

Happy Teaching!
Rhose
AAC
10 Fun AAC Activities for the Classroom
- 10:21 pm
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- by Rhosemarie
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) activities can be fun and engaging for people of all ages and abilities. Here are 10 ideas for fun AAC activities:
Cooking
Students can use AAC to support cooking instruction. Visual supports support step-by-step instructions. AAC symbols or pictures help students follow a recipe or cooking process.
BINGO
Bingo can be fun and interactive to promote communication skills and social interaction. When playing, students can use symbols or pictures to greet others, comment on the game, or express excitement or disappointment. Students can use symbols or pictures to indicate whose turn to call out numbers or mark their cards.
SURVEY
Have students survey or interview other students around the school! Create a communication board with symbols or pictures related to the survey questions. The communication board can include symbols for yes/no, multiple-choice options, or open-ended questions. AAC can help students express their opinions, preferences, and needs and improve their participation and engagement.
BASEBALL
Baseball can be a fun and engaging way to promote communication skills and social interaction. Create a communication board with symbols or pictures related to the game of baseball. The board can include symbols for different plays, such as “home run,” “strike,” or “ball.” Use AAC to support choice-making during baseball. For example, students can use symbols or pictures to choose the type of pitch they want to throw or the type of bat they want to use.
BRING THE BEACH TO THE CLASSROOM
Bringing the beach experience to the classroom can be enjoyable, safe, and accessible. Create a communication board with symbols or pictures related to the beach. The board can include symbols for different activities, such as “swimming,” “building a sandcastle,” or “playing volleyball.” Use AAC to talk about the other senses at the beach. TOUCH sand, LOOK at the lifesaver, HEAR ocean sounds, TASTE ocean water, SMELL sunscreen lotion.
SCIENCE
Create a communication board with symbols or pictures related to science. The board can include symbols for different scientific concepts such as “atoms,” “molecules,” or “energy.” Science activities can be accessible and engaging with AAC. Use AAC to support choice-making during science activities. For example, students can use symbols or pictures to choose the experiment they want to participate in or the type of equipment they want to use.
SCAVENGER HUNT
Scavenger hunts can help students practice their communication skills in a fun and engaging way. Create a map for students to follow and have students search for hidden items around the school. Create a communication board representing items on the scavenger hunt list. You can pre-record messages on an AAC device that provides clues or instructions for the scavenger hunt.
READ ALOUD
Students can use an AAC device to communicate during the read-aloud, such as asking questions, commenting, or expressing emotions. You can create visual supports such as picture symbols or a communication board corresponding to the story. The communication board can help the individual to follow along and understand the story better.
GROCERY STORE
You can take a field trip to a local grocery store or turn your classroom into a grocery store for a similar experience! Create a visual shopping list using picture symbols or photographs to help students identify the items they need to purchase. Use the grocery store to practice money skills, such as counting money, making change, or paying for items independently. These skills can be supported using AAC devices.
GARDENING
Gardening can be an excellent opportunity to practice descriptive language, such as naming the different parts of a plant, describing their texture or color, or comparing other plants. These skills can be supported using AAC devices.
Overall, using AAC can support students with communication needs to participate in fun activities, learn new vocabulary, and interact with others. Tailoring the support to the individual’s specific needs and abilities can be helpful.
AAC
AAC Myths Debunked
- 8:52 pm
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- by Rhosemarie
What is AAC?
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is a set of tools and strategies that support individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves effectively. Unfortunately, several myths surrounding AAC can hinder its use and effectiveness. This post will explore some common AAC myths and truths and provide accurate information.
Myth #1: AAC will hinder speech development
Research shows that AAC can facilitate speech development, especially for individuals who are non-speaking or have limited verbal skills. AAC encourages the use of natural speech and promotes the development of language and literacy skills.
Myth #2: AAC will fix all communication needs
Fact: AAC is a journey. Building a foundation, consistent practice, and daily implementation takes time for any communication system. You cannot simply introduce a communication system and expect an individual to master it.
Myth #3: AAC is a last resort
Fact: AAC should be a viable option from the start, and individuals with communication difficulties should have access to AAC tools and strategies as soon as possible. Delaying AAC implementation can lead to frustration, anxiety, and social isolation, negatively impacting an individual’s overall quality of life.
Myth #4: AAC is expensive
Fact: AAC devices can be low-cost, and free options are available. Additionally, free or low-cost AAC apps and software are available for smartphones and tablets.
Myth #5: AAC is a one-size-fits-all solution
Fact: AAC is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different individuals may require different types of AAC tools and strategies. The AAC tool and strategy type depends on the individual’s specific communication needs, preferences, and abilities. Some individuals may benefit from low-tech AAC tools, such as picture books or communication boards, while others may require high-tech AAC devices with synthesized speech.
The Truths
AAC is a valuable tool that can help individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves effectively.
Truth #1: AAC Improves Communication
Fact: AAC devices can help people with difficulty speaking or communicating express themselves more effectively. They provide a means for people to convey their thoughts, ideas, and needs to others.
Truth #2: AAC Increases Independence
Fact: AAC devices can help people become more independent by enabling them to communicate without needing assistance from others.
Truth #3: AAC Creates Greater Social Inclusion
Fact: AAC devices can help individuals with communication needs to participate more fully in social activities, increasing their sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation.
Truth #4: AAC Creates Enhanced educational opportunities:
Fact: AAC devices can be used in educational settings to support learning and communication for students with communication needs.
Truth #4: AAC Promotes an Improved Quality of Life
Fact: AAC devices can enhance the quality of life for people with communication needs by improving their ability to communicate effectively, which can reduce frustration and improve relationships with others. It is essential to debunk common myths surrounding AAC to ensure that individuals with communication challenges can access the support they need to communicate effectively.
AAC
How to Teach Core Words in the Classroom
- 8:35 pm
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- by Rhosemarie
What are Core Words?

Core words are a set of words that are commonly used in everyday language and are considered essential for communication. These words are typically simple and have many meanings, making them necessary for understanding and expressing oneself effectively.

Why Are Core Words Important?

Core words make up about 90% of our everyday vocabulary. Students can build a foundation of essential vocabulary that students can be used to communicate effectively. Core words can help to improve language skills, enhance communication, and promote social interaction.

How Do I Teach Core Words?

Here are several strategies you can use to help students master core words:
Core Word of the Week

In my classroom, we introduce new core words weekly and call it our Core Word of the Week. I team up with my SLP and choose core words that go along with the unit we are learning that particular week or month. We choose a word to focus on for the week and use it repeatedly to help students learn the core word.

One of the best ways to give students repeated exposure to the core word of the week is through a read aloud. I choose a book that showcases our core word, and adapt the book to give our students multiple opportunities to read the core word. I have a video on how I adapt books here:

@theadaptedclassroom Adapted books make learning more accessible and help keep students engaged. The picture supports help facilitate the use of an AAC device! #AAC #adaptedbooks #specialeducationteacher ♬ Thirsty Smile – DJ BAI

Model

The easiest way for me to model core words is to actually wear a core word board and point to the core words as I talk. This low tech way is as easy as printing out a core word board, laminating it and wearing it around your neck like a necklace. If you need a FREE core word board to model with your students, I have you covered. Grab yours HERE

My SLP created a core word board for us that has 60 core words printed and laminated to use on voice output devices. I have the board displayed at the front of my room for easy access. I simply walk over to the board and record a message on the voice output device with the core word velcroed on the button.

The third way I model core words is on a tablet. We use Proloquo2go and the GoTalk Now app. The apps provide a robust language system to communicate. I simply point to each core word as I am speaking so that students understand that picture symbols have meaning.

Create Meaningful and Engaging Activities

Incorporate games and other fun activities into your teaching to make learning core words more engaging and enjoyable. Some fun game ideas for teaching Core Words:

Red light Green light: Teach core words STOP and GO with a game of red light green light! Change up the rules a bit and tell students to move when you say GO and stop moving when you say STOP. Hold up the core word symbols as you say the words so students can associate the word and picture.

Scavenger Hunt: Teach core words WHERE, THERE, HERE, and LOOK with a fun scavenger hunt. Get creative and hide items around the school for students to find. As you help students search, emphasize the core words by putting core word symbols on a voice output device, and have the students participate by saying, “Where is it?”, “There it is!”, “It’s over Here!”, “Look at what I found!”

Sensory Field Trip: The possibilities are endless! You can bring the beach to the classroom and use sensory core words, LOOK, TOUCH, SMELL, TASTE, and HEAR, to describe the sand, water, and ocean sounds. You can bring a picnic to the classroom and explain the different foods everyone got. You can even go camping! Bring a tent, turn down the classroom lights, and gaze at the stars on the projector.

Sports: Teach core words BIG and SMALL with a game of baseball, football, or soccer! Students can choose between a big or small bat big or small ball.

Grocery Store: Teach core words IN and OUT by taking the students to the grocery store! You can turn your classroom into a grocery store by setting items on tables and labeling them at different prices. Students can move around the school with grocery baskets, put things IN the basket, and take them OUT at the cash register.

Make AAC Accessible

Keep your language systems out and open! I keep all my AAC devices low tech – high tech in the front of our classroom so I am reminded to use it daily! Making AAC accessible also ensures that you’ll provide repeated exposure to AAC systems and core words. The more you use the language systems, the more your students will too!

Conclusion

Core words are essential for communication and understanding spoken and written language. Mastering core words allows students to express themselves more clearly, understand others more efficiently, and build a foundation for learning more complex vocabulary. As teachers, it is crucial to focus on core words and use strategies to help students master them. By doing so, we can help students achieve success in language learning and communication.

If you would like to watch How I implement core words in my classroom, watch the YouTube video:

Month: February 2023

AAC Scavenger Hunts

Choose a theme

Create Clues

Determine the Hiding Spots

Read Aloud with AAC

Create AAC Symbol Supports

Use the AAC symbols to follow along

Ask questions

Reinforce learning

Cooking

BINGO

SURVEY

BASEBALL

BRING THE BEACH TO THE CLASSROOM

SCIENCE

SCAVENGER HUNT

READ ALOUD

GROCERY STORE

GARDENING

What is AAC?

Myth #1: AAC will hinder speech development

Myth #2: AAC will fix all communication needs

Myth #3: AAC is a last resort

Myth #4: AAC is expensive

Myth #5: AAC is a one-size-fits-all solution

The Truths

Truth #1: AAC Improves Communication

Truth #2: AAC Increases Independence

Truth #3: AAC Creates Greater Social Inclusion

Truth #4: AAC Creates Enhanced educational opportunities:

Truth #4: AAC Promotes an Improved Quality of Life

What are Core Words?

Why Are Core Words Important?

How Do I Teach Core Words?

Model

Create Meaningful and Engaging Activities

Make AAC Accessible

Conclusion

Learn With Me

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