VIdeo Reaction: Funny Movie Maker

 WHAT:  Evelyn got to pick whether to do a 'mini-review' of a book, video, or poem.  She picked a video, then chose to watch a funny cat video. 

HOW:  We watched it several times, stopping for me to model  comments (ex:  FUNNY;  SO SILLY;  HE JUMP;  LOOK;  WHERE GO?) and Evelyn to make her own comments.
BESIDE (the cat was BESIDE the mirror)
STUCK (the cat was stuck in one place)
PRETTY (very pretty cat!)

Publishing:  We then made sure the words BESIDE STUCK PRETTY (Ev's words) were in the message window, then I used the app Funny Movie Maker to celebrate her writing.
Funny Movie Maker app link

Watch the video using the link below!  Yes, you see Evelyn's mouth where the cat's mouth should be, and you hear the words from her device.  
Cat Funny Movie Maker

Book Review: Pic Collage!

WHAT:  I read a book to Evelyn, and we talked about it, modeling on her communication device.  Then she reacted to various pages using her device, and we shared the results with friends and family.

HOW: 
1) Read the Book:  Is Apatosaurus Okay?  A Smithsonian app from Oceanhouse Media.
Is Apatasaurus Okay app

2) Took screenshots of selected pages (stored in iPad Photo Library)

3) Showed the pages and invited Evelyn to comment. 
(Note:  I started the first one by finding APATOSAURUS on her device)
 All other parts are self-generated.
The comment BLEEDS refers to other dinosaurs fighting her.  FALL IN refers to apatosaurus at the river.  STUCK refers to how mucky and marshy the ground was, and STOMP FAST tells how she's trying to get away.  FEELINGS indicates that there was lots of drama and high emotion in this story!
Finally, I  asked how many stars, and she picked 5.

4) Added her comments on the pictures, using fun colors and fonts for engagement.

5) E-mailed the final product to myself and her family

 

Comprehension Instruction Preconference Closing the Gap

WHAT:  Full day preconference workshop

WHERE:  Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN

WHEN:  October 18, 2016

HOW TO REGISTER:  Click on the link below for more information

Comprehension Preconference

Emergent Writing Preconference: Closing the Gap

WHAT:  Full day preconference workshop

WHERE:  Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN

WHEN:  Monday, October 17, 2016

HOW TO REGISTER:  Click on the link below for more information

Comprehension Preconference

Balanced Literacy Club FREE Overview Workshop: September 22, 2016, Phoenix, AZ

WHAT:   

The prospect of teaching students with significant disabilities to read with comprehension and write generatively may seem daunting. This presentation will review a Balanced Literacy Club approach, working as a team to support all teachers, therapists, and aides.  This project included:  a full-day presentation, short monthly presentations including make-it projects, in-class modeling and coaching, and team celebration of successes.  So far, the clubs have spanned a dozen school districts and 100 + classrooms, and include a range of students include a range of students (with cognitive impairments, autism spectrum disorders, physical impairments, and using AAC devices).  We will share:  assessment ideas, videos, data, specific strategies for all parts of balanced literacy (word study, guided reading, writing, and self-selected reading), and tips for getting EVERYONE onboard and excited about pushing for quality, research-based literacy instruction. For each area, you will see several apps and how to use those apps interactively.

WHERE:  Southwest Human Development

2850 N 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ  85340. 

WHO:  Presenters include:

Dr. Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite

Deanna K. Wagner

HOW:  This workshop if FREE but you must preregister as space is limited. 

Fill out the form below.

BLC Registration

Ready, Set, Write! Alternative Pencils and Writing for Students with the Most Significant Needs

WHAT:  Handout for a presentation at ISAAC in Toronto, August 8, 2016

WHERE:  Download the handout below

Download Ready Set Write