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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