WELCOME!

Please share this blog with your friends and neighbors!!
Dr. Caroline Ramsey Musselwhite

Friday, May 22, 2020

Literacy for ALL with Readtopia and LessonPix!

 Literacy for ALL with Readtopia and LessonPix!

WHAT:  1 hour webinar, LIVE on YouTube and Facebook!

WHO:  Bill Binko of LessonPix will be interviewing:

Dr. Karen Erickson, Ph.D. is the Director of the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who recently authored "Comprehensive Literacy for All" with Dr. David Knoppenhaver.

Dr. Caroline Musselwhite Ed.D., CCC/SLP is an assistive technology specialist with more than 40 years of experience working with children and adolescents with significant disabilities, and author of materials for students, family, and educators.

WHEN & HOW:  Thursday, May 28th at 5 pm EDT

Follow These Links to Watch Livestream Via Facebook or YouTube!
https://www.facebook.com/lessonpix/videos/912384742538484/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAQg7YUsvvQ 




Thursday, May 7, 2020

Science Experiments and AAC: Let’s Blow Stuff Up and LEARN!


Science Experiments and AAC:  Let’s Blow Stuff Up and LEARN!

 WHAT:  Science experiments and AAC is . . .

A book (128 pages), available at Teachers Pay Teachers:

Caroline's Store

A Webinar:  The webinar includes:
- 1 hour training
- The book Science Experiments & AAC
- Slideshow handout
- Link to dropbox with a new experiment every month until July 1, 2020

The webinar is $10 until July 1, 2020.  Register using the link below:
Link to Science & AAC webinar

AAC PASSWORD - A Great Game to Support Vocabulary!

AAC PASSWORD:  A Great Game to Support Vocabulary!

 
WHAT:  Vocabulary Password (Musselwhite, 2017) is a great way to support students who use AAC.  This is based on the work of Gail van Tatenhove, who suggests using the ‘Descriptive Teaching Method’ to help students understand low-frequency or fringe words, also called Tier 3 words www.vantatenhove.com  For example, you could pick a fringe word such as ‘metamorphosis’ and use simpler words, including core words, to define it (CHANGE FROM ONE FORM TO ANOTHER).  We make this a game, collecting fringe words during reading, and using simpler words to explain them. 

I like to say . . .
   
HOW:  Harvest words from your reading that are not on the device, but you can explain.  Use simple words to explain each word, modeling on the AAC device.  For example, litter = TRASH EVERYWHERE.  Write the words on a whiteboard or an app such as Doodle Buddy. 
Paddle Board from Dollartree
Doodle Buddy app
 



















 

 
Now go back to the words and give the clues.  Students can answer using direct selection, eye-gaze, or partner assisted scanning.
 
MORE SAMPLES
This is a great activity to support the vocabulary assessment with Readtopia® (http://www.donjohnston.com/ ).  After students match the word to the picture, you can play password, giving clues using the AAC system(s) of the student(s).  The examples below used the Doodle Buddy app with stickers.

 Vocabulary Assessment, Dr. Dolittle:
Krista, an adult who uses AAC, is a tutor for Alyssa, a teen who uses an eye gaze communication device.  Krista uses her device to give clues:
I WANT TO SEE IT.  IT IS A PLACE.  IT IS BIG (Africa)
WE NEED IT TO BUY SOMETHING.  COUNT IT.  (money)
IT IS A PET AND IT IS RED. (parrot)
Vocabulary Assessment:  Gold Bug:
Note the use of stickers with the Doodle Buddy app. 
This vocabulary assessment presents words and pictures to match.  Think of clues (using high frequency words) for each image:
Hut:
Wolf:
Insect:
Scientist:  


 MORE INFORMATION:
Check out the password tip at the 
AAC Intervention website.
Tip # 3, 2017 

View this tip as a downloadable pdf: