There’s no doubt that fall is my favorite season and with Halloween just around the corner, I’ve planned a few Halloween-themed therapy sessions. As with all of my therapy theme blog posts, these activities can and should be tailored to every kiddo. I’ve used these activities with many of my elementary school-aged kiddos with language and articulation goals.
Read MoreI introduced aided language input, also referred to as modeling or aided language stimulation, in my last blog post. Aided language input is a strategy in which a communication partner uses a communicator’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system as they talk and interact with the individual. Modeling is the means by which an AAC user learns to use an AAC system.
Today, I’ll be sharing tips to become an effective modeler!
Read MoreAided language input, also referred to as aided language stimulation or modeling, is a communication partner strategy in which a communication partner activates buttons or points to icons on a communicator’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system as they interact with the individual verbally (Goosens’, Crane, and Elder, 1992). For example, touching the button for “Look” as a communication partner verbally says, “Look at that!”
Read MoreWhen selecting vocabulary for an emerging Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) user, many individuals first think of words the individual needs to express their wants and needs. On a vocabulary selection inventory, parents may provide an extensive list of their child’s favorite toys and snacks as words to include on their child’s AAC system. While we cannot undermine the importance of words that allow an individual to request, it is essential to consider additional communicative functions (e.g., refusing, commenting, describing, directing actions and attention, asking and answering questions) when selecting vocabulary.
Read MoreMy little corner of the internet to share resources I’ve been enjoying as well as what I’ve been reading, listening to, buying, etc. Sharing my speech and language favorites, especially those pertaining to returning to school in a few weeks!
Read MoreI’m sharing ideas for a pizza-themed therapy session for emerging Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users. These activities are adaptable based on the age and language level of your kiddos. I’ll focus on AAC users within the context of this blog post, but this is by no means all encompassing. While I’ve carried out these activities via teletherapy, they can alos be implemented in person. Flexibility is the name of the game with therapy materials and home practice.
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