Thirteen
bloggers are hiding–hiding on different blogs and hiding in the school.
They’re here to show you that you can (and probably do) do therapy everywhere
and that each locale has it’s own benefits. For all their tips, hop from blog
to blog. While you’re there, jot down the author’s blog/school location listed
at the bottom of each post to enter into Rafflecopter.
bloggers are hiding–hiding on different blogs and hiding in the school.
They’re here to show you that you can (and probably do) do therapy everywhere
and that each locale has it’s own benefits. For all their tips, hop from blog
to blog. While you’re there, jot down the author’s blog/school location listed
at the bottom of each post to enter into Rafflecopter.
6 Top Tips for AAC Intervention on the Playground
Welcome to the playground installment of the Hide and Seek blog
hop. We’re SLPs who are
hiding all around the school, providing speech-language intervention in out-
of- the- box environments.
hop. We’re SLPs who are
hiding all around the school, providing speech-language intervention in out-
of- the- box environments.
My ‘caseload’
involves many kids in many schools in multiple school districts with one
thing in common – they are all functionally nonverbal. They all need augmentative-alternative
communication to be ale to ‘talk’
with us.
involves many kids in many schools in multiple school districts with one
thing in common – they are all functionally nonverbal. They all need augmentative-alternative
communication to be ale to ‘talk’
with us.
Children who need to use AAC need intervention that is egocentric
and contextual to begin to learn how to use language. We model use of the words in the AAC system
during every day routines and activities.
We cue and prompt use of expression with AAC is the context of
activities and routines. And while we
need to go beyond this practice to provide additional opportunities in less
concrete contexts, we do so after we have established the idea that la nugget
is used everywhere, all the time.
and contextual to begin to learn how to use language. We model use of the words in the AAC system
during every day routines and activities.
We cue and prompt use of expression with AAC is the context of
activities and routines. And while we
need to go beyond this practice to provide additional opportunities in less
concrete contexts, we do so after we have established the idea that la nugget
is used everywhere, all the time.
I’ve done a lot of intervention on
playgrounds. Often the kids with whom I’ve
worked have been active kids, seeking all sorts of vestibular input. Some are constantly in motion. Others just need to direct the activity in
order to be motivated at all.
playgrounds. Often the kids with whom I’ve
worked have been active kids, seeking all sorts of vestibular input. Some are constantly in motion. Others just need to direct the activity in
order to be motivated at all.
1. One of the
questions I hear a lot is; “How is he supposed to carry around
that AAC device/book/board with him on the playground? How is he supposed to hold it when climbing
the jungle gym?”
questions I hear a lot is; “How is he supposed to carry around
that AAC device/book/board with him on the playground? How is he supposed to hold it when climbing
the jungle gym?”
AAC is a system,
and it is made up of pieces. We all use
a variety of modes to communicate. Think
of all the gestures you use.
and it is made up of pieces. We all use
a variety of modes to communicate. Think
of all the gestures you use.
One piece of the
AAC system can easily be a set of pictures on a ring that hangs from a belt
loop. Or a wrist board or book, which
wraps around the wrist with velcro and can hold a single small board or
flip-able pages. Be creative.
AAC system can easily be a set of pictures on a ring that hangs from a belt
loop. Or a wrist board or book, which
wraps around the wrist with velcro and can hold a single small board or
flip-able pages. Be creative.
2. Follow the child’s
lead. Let him decide what he wants to
do; it will make him more interested in the interaction.
lead. Let him decide what he wants to
do; it will make him more interested in the interaction.
3. Use Aided Input
(also called Aided Language Intervention) and good models when you talk about
what he’s doing or wants to do on the playground. “Want swing?” “More push?” “Go high!” “Slide down.” “Catch it!” “Roll to me.” Keep your language about 1 step above
where the child is. Repeat what he ‘says’
and elaborate or refine.
(also called Aided Language Intervention) and good models when you talk about
what he’s doing or wants to do on the playground. “Want swing?” “More push?” “Go high!” “Slide down.” “Catch it!” “Roll to me.” Keep your language about 1 step above
where the child is. Repeat what he ‘says’
and elaborate or refine.
4. Use time delay
prompts. We don’t wait enough. At the point you expect him to start using the
AAC target words, pause, use an expectant look, wait before you prompt. The beauty of time delay is that it creates
errorless learning opportunities.
prompts. We don’t wait enough. At the point you expect him to start using the
AAC target words, pause, use an expectant look, wait before you prompt. The beauty of time delay is that it creates
errorless learning opportunities.
5. Involve peers in
the interaction. They are probably more
engaging than you are.
the interaction. They are probably more
engaging than you are.
6. Have fun! The minute this stops being fun, chances are
you’ll lose the child’s attention.
you’ll lose the child’s attention.
Susan’s home base is http://kidzlearnlanguage.blogspot.com/, but today she’s on the playground!
For
more fun, head on over to the next blog by clicking on the graphic below.
more fun, head on over to the next blog by clicking on the graphic below.
To enter the Hide and Seek Blog Hop raffle, collect the names of the participating blogs and where they are hiding and enter them here.
The playground is one of my favorite spots to do therapy, especially with my littles. It's very motivating and activity + language = learning that sticks. Great tips Susan!
It is easy to come up with ideas for verbal therapy on the playground. I love that you have given such practical tips for using AAC outside. Can't have enough visual around!
Tracy, it was fun hanging out on your blog today!
Love these ideas to take to the playground! I will try these creative ideas out.
This is a great post! I just started working with some students who use AAC and sometimes I don't have time to see them before they go outside! Perfect!
I love AAC and functional communication! Such great tips! Thank you Susan!
This is great. Thanks! 🙂
Great ideas for incorporating AAC! Love the idea of using different supports/AAC in different settings. I don't limit myself to only one method of communication-they shouldn't either.
Susan, these are great ideas for making AAC functional and manageable in a situation many would perceive as too difficult. Kudos to you for normalizing your kiddos with their peers! Kim