Shared Reading Book List!!

 What:  Dr. David Koppenhaver is one of the authors of the book, Comprehensive Literacy for
all.  His list of recommended shared reading books is perfect for emergent readers of all ages!

Where:  The blogpost can be found at the Building Wings website.  Here's a direct link:

Shared Reading Book Recs

The Million Word Gap

What Is It?  The million word gap describes the gap in words that children have heard if they missed that early home reading experience.  It's very powerful information for parents of children of all ages, because it's never too late to read aloud!  It's also helpful information for teachers, paras, SLPs, etc.  

Where Can You Find It?  You can download the tip that summarizes this information PLUS a sample letter that you can share with parents.  What a great way to start out 2024, by encouraging more reading!!

Downoad this tip here:

Million Word Gap

Awe and Wonder Podcast Series

 

Awe and Wonder Podcast Series 3: AT & AAC – Literacy

What?  This podcast series is developed by Brenda Del Robertson Monte and Sarah Kinsella.  They produce podcasts from amazing presenters available to listen or watch on YouTube.  Brenda and Sarah are skilled interviewers and have access to amazing presenters.  They are all fantastic, but Krista Howard's podcast explaining how she could have been better supportive as a student from elementary through high school is especially powerful.

Where?  Here's a link for the entire series:

Awe and Wonder Literacy Series

List This!!!

 List This!!!

How often do you make a list?

- Every week?

- Every day?

And what do you DO with that list?

Check out this tip about making lists WITH your students.  The tip also suggests ways to support students in composing lists, and reminds us that those lists need to be USED in order to feel meaningful!!

Where to Find the Tip?

Go to AAC Intervention and look for Tip # 6, 2021.

Here's a direct link:

http://www.aacintervention.com/page/180009852/180122670/Tips-2021

Customize Your Comments Book

 Customize Your Comments - The Book!

What?  This is a fun book that was a collaboration by me and Krista Howard.  Krista uses an AAC device and is a model, mentor, presenter, and author.  This book gives ideas of why people who use AAC should customize their comments, and also shows examples of positive both positive and negative comments.

Where?  Find this free book at Tarheel Reader.  Here's the direct link:

https://tarheelreader.org/2022/06/10/customize-your-comments-aac-fun/

Why?  As you will see in the book, Krista has many ideas about why customizing comments is important.  

How?  Use this book to:

• Share with people who are on their journey of learning about AAC (teachers, paras, speech-language pathologists, SLPAs), and may not have realized the importance of customizing comments. 

• Share with families, so they can support their children in picking words to customize aking comments

• Read the book with people who use AAC and work with them (and hopefully their peers) to choose comments that will reflect their personalities!

Devices and Pianos!

 Devices and Pianos - What's the Connection?

So, the ink is definitely dry on this quote!

But how often to we see people succumbing to 'The Myth of the Box' – the idea that once a learner gets an AAC system, they should learn to use it easily, with minimal instruction.

Quotes such as this one can help us really think about:

• How long it takes to become a 'musician' (Time)

• The strategies and training needed to be successful (Training)

• The practice of all of the components, including the keyboard, pedals, etc. (Tools)

Call To Action:  How will YOU use this quote? Here are a few ideas - please share more!

- Share it on your social media, to spread the word

- Make a poster for the wall

- Print this on the tote bag that carries the communication device / light tech system

- Show it at a professional development session

Marvelous Mac: 1 Minute Mirroring!!

 What & Why.  It is often helpful to mirror the screen of your tablet (for me, and iPad) unto your Macintosh computer.  Maybe you want to model using an AAC system that matches that of one of your students.  Maybe you want to show how to build words using the Word Wizard app.  I find multiple uses for this trick almost every session!!

Yes, you can do this through a mirroring app, but that puts demands on wifi signal.  And yes, you can use a document camera, but that often results in glare, or a less-than-stellar image.  This solution has been highly effective – and efficient – for me.  (Note:  This may be possible for other computers, but I have only done it on a Mac).  This is helpful for:

• Classrooms projecting the teacher's computer, using an interactive whiteboard, or just a projector.

• Distance learning sessions.

• In-home sessions, mirroring to an Apple TV.

Needed Tools.

Quick Time Player software.  Download it here.

Cable to connect your tablet to your Macintosh.

Note:  I had to use an adaptor as my cable is USB and my computer requires USB-C

How To Do It.

Plug your iPad into your computer, and turn it on.

1) Open QuickTime Player on your computer.

2) Under File choose 'New Movie Recording

3) Move your mouse to open the toolbar  

4) Click the small down arrow   

5) Click both times you see the name of your iPad   

(Mine is labeled Caroline 3).  The 1st selects the camera for your iPad, and the second allows you to use the audio from your iPad, when you do something that is active.

6) Turn the volume up on on the toolbar, so that your iPad sound can be heard.  (Note the blue bar, showing that it is on maximum.  

Now your iPad screen appears over top of whatever was open on your computer.  You can enlarge it on your computer to avoid distractons!

NOTE:  I usually move the 'floating toolbar' from QuickTime player to the top, as shown on the picture on the right.

Moving From Computer Screen to iPad Screen:  Sometimes you want to go back and forth.  Simply use the Command-Tab keys.  It will show icons of all currently open applications s on your computer.  So, I wanted to go to PowerPoint to show that the word we built using Word Wizard was a real word.    When you want to show the iPad screen, simply click on the Quick Time Player image.

THANKS to Mark Surabian for teaching me this tip!!

Multi-Modal Communication . . . It's Everywhere!

 Where and Why.  The idea for this post came from the pool.  

That's right, the pool!  I've been taking Aqua Zumba and Aqua Exercise classes.

Pools are LOUD!  And the music is LOUD!  The instructors can't rely on their voices to give instructions.

The more effective instructors are masters of multi-modal communication.  

How Do They Do That?  They use many components, including: 

• Broad Gestures.  They point to a body part that will be involved in the next activity, such as slapping their right thigh two times to indicate: "Use your right leg."  They tap their abdomen, to indicate:  'Use deep breathing.'

• Smaller Gestures.  Effective instructors also use smaller gestures, such as holding up 3 fingers, then 2, then one to count down to the start of the next exercise.  They also point to the specific muscle we are targeting.  

• Facial Expressions.  They show their enthusiasm for the group with huge smiles, encouraging the participants to try harder.  They also use a head tilt along with the expression 'seriously?' if we aren't participating fully.

• Vocalizations.  Many instructors weave vocalizations such as 'Woo!' or "Ole' into their routines to keep swimmers engaged and involved.  

All of these non-verbal supports are both effective and efficient.  Watching them made me realize that we need to do a better job helping individuals who use AAC develop their own multi-modal communication skills.  

Let's do this!!

So . . . There's a Tip for This!

www.aacintervention.com

Tip # 10, 2022

Poems for 2 Voices

 WHAT:  Poems for 2 voices are meant to be read aloud.  Or listened to.  Or performed.  Paul Fleischman made this genre popular, with his book / audio version of I Am Phoenix.  

WHY:  Two voice poems are wonderful for supporting students in learning to compare and contrast.   Students can:

• Pick two characters from a book, two objects that have some features in common and some different, etc.

WHO:  These poems are fantastic for:

• Students who are exploring their AAC systems.  

 HOW:  Show students samples of poems for 2 voices.  Discuss them.  Create a collaborative two voice poem.  

For example, we were studying Oceania, focusing on Samoa and American Samoa.  One topic of study was Polynesian tattoos.  We watched several videos, and looked at tattoo images.

Then we looked at several poems for 2 voices, including the one shown below.  It was the first 'deep' poem written by a 7th grade student who was an early conventional student in a self-contained classroom.  She had worked hard to brainstorm 'spark'e words' that could help her compare and contrast concepts about tattoos.  She was especially excited when she came up with the word 'sick' which represents 'extremely cool' and 'might make you sick.' We discussed this with the students.  

Next we brainstormed a list of words that our students wanted to use regarding Polynesian tattoos.  

Finally, they decided whether the words / phrases should go into the positive column (green), the negative column (orange), or represented both (pink).

Notes about a few word choices:

• Some choices , such as the positive expressions (legit / cool) and the negative observations (nasty / bloodiest) are very clear.  Others might be more obscure without background information

• ''thrown on expressively' - They had talked about the spiritual elements behind the tattoos

• 'tired' – one video of a Samoan wrestler talked about how long it too (17 hours) for one tattoo session, broken into two days

• 'feel' represented the spiritual aspect (evokes feelings in the person and those who view them) and the physical component (feels painful).

 

Pranks are PRICELESS!!

 Why Prank?  Oh, seriously, do I have to ask that?  

Well, here are a few ideas from Krista!  

When to Prank?  April Fools Day comes to mind.  But, seriously, ANY time is a good time to prank.  It's such a great way to start a fun interaction.

How to Prank?  

1) Get a 'partner in crime' – having a pranking buddy makes it way more fun!

2) Read the book that Krista and I wrote.  It has some great ideas.  Better yet, read it WITH your friends who use AAC – hopefully it will motivate you to 'get your pranks on!'  Here's a link to Pranks are Priceless – AAC Fun.

www.tarheelreader.org 

3) Get the book, Social Scripts and Pranks – at my TeachersPayTeachers page.

4) Start pranking - and share your pranks on social media!  And write about them.  ENJOY!!

This is the Voice!

At Fletcher Miller, we’re always looking to increase ways our students can engage meaningfully with their AAC at school and AT HOME.  At home, many of our Miller families report that they like watching shows like “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice” as a family.  To set students up for success using their AAC at home during these important family times, we’ve included fun events like our own “Fletcher Miller’s THE VOICE” to allow students a fun and engaging opportunity to practice using their AAC for such activities.  

To do this, we:

1. Practiced being “The Voice” judges in our classrooms:  On our Mimios, we played re-runs of episodes of the “The Voice.”  Students were positioned with their backs to the screen.  Just like the celebrity judges in the show, the students were asked, “do you want to turn your chair?” as they listened to the contestants sing.  At the end of each contestant’s performance, we counted the number of students who turned their chairs for the performance and entered that number on a ten-frame.  We then encouraged our students to give the contestant some feedback, just as the celebrity judges do on the show.  Their responses varied from polite to scathing– and that made it all the more fun!  We compared the scores of the different contestants on ten-frames to determine which contestant won that round.

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2. Next, we got prepared to host our own “The Voice” competition at Miller.  We worked hard and  rounded up some local, home-grown, in-school talent.  Some of our competitors took a little convincing!!  Luckily students were able to use their AAC to persuade and build up the confidence of our staff contestants.  One classroom even used their AAC to help build, guide, and critique their teachers’ song-and-dance performance of “The Bear Necessities.” (This performance, in the end, was a student FAVORITE, of course!)

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2. Performances in Miller’s First Annual “The Voice” included Gregory the Facility Dog (a.k. G Ice Swagg), a nose-flute performance by Ms. Leslie, a P!nk song by our facilities manager, Ms. Marie, “The Bear Necessities” by Ms. Megan’s Class, and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by various Miller staff.

3. Next, it was time to prepare our celebrity student judges:  

1. Student judges assembled their celebrity looks using the free YouCam app.  AAC was used by students to pick their hair color, styles, makeup, accessories, etc…

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2. Once they had their celebrity look, they needed to develop their celebrity persona.  AAC was used to help students name their hit song and life motto.

3. Lastly, we accessed several free “rapper name generators” online to create a celebrity stage name.  This was great practice in using our alternate pencils to sign in with our names online!

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2. Above:  B Tang is ready for “The Voice!”

4. When the big day came, we gathered the school audience in our auditorium.  One by one we introduced celebrity judges to the student audience.  With their backs to the performing contestant, our student celebrity judges were asked if they wanted to turn their chair for the performances.  They were also asked to give feedback using their AAC.  As they worked on their feedback, the student audience did the same and even used our favorite feedback report method, shown here:

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5. After feedback from judges was given, the ten-frames depicting the points of how many of our judges turned their chairs was compared and a “Miller’s The Voice” champion was crowned.  It was a great culminating moment for our hard work– and a TON of fun!

We shared this experience with parents and families and encouraged them to seek feedback from students while watching “The Voice” at home!

A NEW season of “The Voice” premieres on NBC March 6th!!!  We’re looking forward to hosting a Spring edition of “The Voice” at Miller.   It’s gonna be hard to top a rapping dog, a nose-flute, a pitchy rendition of Shania Twain, and a troop of dancing teacher bears –  but we’re up for the challenge!!!

Follow us on Instagram! @fletchermillerschool

Gearing up for Valentine's Day at Fletcher Miller

February is almost here and that means LOVE and FRIENDSHIP are in the air!!! Are you looking for a little inspiration to find some new fun, motivating, and age-respectful activities that promote and celebrate the authentic use of AAC??  We’ll share a few ideas of activities in the works at Fletcher Miller in February.  Comment below and share yours, too!  What better way to get your kids engaging meaningfully with their AAC than talking about those they love and admire the most!??  

1. Create a Valentine’s Day playlist-  Is your school/class planning a dance?  Have your students use their AAC to make a rockin’ playlist.  Students can nominate songs by using their AAC or use their AAC to critique popular love songs and say whether or not they make “the cut!!”  Easily assemble your class’ Valentine’s Day playlist on youtube to share with families, friends, and even use at a school dance.  Share via an email or social media post your students create using their AAC!

1. Elliot’s song review-  will it make the cut for our Valentine’s Day playlist??

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2. Hot or Not-  have students compile a list of popular celebrities, activities, characters, trending topics, etc.  Students use their AAC to rate the selections and whether or not they think the celebrity/character is hot/cool or not– and why!

1. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1PubLJL8OWk

3. Plan a “Galentine’s” Day!-  at Miller, we’re getting the gals together for a morning of girl-talk, Valentine’s Day sticker nails, chick flicks, and maybe even a few surprises from the gentlemen of Miller.  The ladies will use their AAC to girl-talk, select their nail art, request and comment on the chick flicks, and comment on their surprise from the Miller gentleman.  Everyone around these parts loves a good Galentine’s Day!!

1. Below: Miller’s Mr. Jason doing a student’s nails during the Winter Holiday Galentine’s Party at Miller:

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4. Let Students Plan the Party!!  Have students use AAC to plan the Valentine’s Day party using their AAC.  Break off into sub-committees and plan the party in further detail as driven and directed by students’ AAC use.  We can’t wait to see what the sub-committees have in store for us?  Photo Booth??!!  We’re IN!!!

1. The AAC-created Valentine’s Day party plan in Ms. Anna’s class:

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5. Celebrity Crush- have students (and staff!) use AAC to share their favorite crush.  Have them spell out names, share the characteristics of their celebrity crush, and/or tell why they chose that person.  Expand this activity to make a game– “Who is your celebrity crush?”  Have students match their classmates to their celebrity crush using their AAC.

1. Below: a student’s celebrity crush revealed!

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3. Staff celebrity crushes revealed:

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6. Beaded Bracelets-  beaded bracelets with sayings or personally significant words are all the rage!  Have students use their AAC to select words or create sayings that are powerful to them or their friend.  Encourage them to make an “artist statement” on why they chose that word(s) for themself or their friend.  This is a great way to show self-love and empowerment– or make a bracelet for a friend!

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2. What’s trending now/current events tie in– “Little Words Project” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nRj1BAwyNI

3. How to make the bracelets video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTnQdtU9gX0

7. Speed “Connections”- think “Speed Dating” but without the pressure!  Have students practice using AAC to connect with classmates and peers by engaging in brief conversations and rating whether or not they felt a connection with others they conversed with.  This is a great way to practice social skills and pragmatics using AAC to introduce themselves, ask questions, and respond to questions and comments from a communication partner.  Finally, use AAC to comment on their perception of their communication partner and whether they felt the spark of friendship ignite!

1. To help build that background knowledge of “Speed Connection,” check out this clip beginning at the 1 min mark:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7IW6PQnZIg

8. A special Valentine’s day note to mom/dad/caregiver saying WHY the student loves them so much- Let students use AAC to request materials, colors, etc they wish to use to create the perfect valentine for their loved ones.  Use AAC to create the perfect message for their special someone.

9. Valentine’s Day Mad Libs: Work with a partner and use AAC to complete Valentine’s Day Mad Libs.  Use a free printable or create your own using AAC!

1. Free printables here: https://www.mamasmiles.com/printable-mad-libs-for-kids/

10. Staff Treat!  Whip up a sweet treat for staff and leave a personalized message with each sweet treat using messages from students using their AAC.

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Have fun and enjoy!  Don’t forget to comment below and share your own AAC-rich Valentine’s Day activities!!

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Fact or Crap!

Looking for a fun activity to promote the functional use of AAC?  Miller’s secondary students LOVE a good game of “Fact or Crap?!”  (If this title might raise some eyebrows, feel free to call it “You or Boo??!!”)

In this game, students use their AAC to create several truths and several lies about themselves.  At Miller, we made a special gameshow out of Fact or Crap and pitted our three secondary classrooms against each other.  Students’ AAC-created statements were presented to the two opposing teams.  For students with a variety of sensory learning needs, we also worked to include tactile and auditory “Fact or Crap” statements.  So interactive and fun!!

Pictured Above:  Fletcher Miller’s facility dog, Gregory, gets in on the “Fact or Crap” fun.

Students worked as a group to determine if the statement was, in fact, a FACT or CRAP.  Each team cast their vote using hand voting signs depicting FACT (check mark) or CRAP (poo emoji).  This turned out to be the students’ favorite part!!  Audience members even got in on the action with their own Fact or Crap hand voters.  It was a blast!

After each class had cast its vote, the statement was shown again– this time with the checkmark (fact) or poo emoji (crap).

Pictured Above:  “Gregory’s Arch-Nemesis is Lamb Chop” is….. CRAP!!! (He LOVES Lambchop toys)

If the class’ answer was correct, they were awarded one point on their ten-frame.  The first class to fill their ten-frame won! (A great way to sneak in some emergent math skills, right??!!)

Comparing ten-frames!

Students loved creating their “facts and craps” and especially loved being the center of attention as their AAC-created statements were shared with the audience members and contestants.  They also enjoyed using their AAC devices to do a little friendly competitive “trash-talking” before, during, and after the Fact or Crap game (we’re a super competitive school, it turns out!).

This could be a great on-going activity for a variety of groups and classes.

What games are motivating for your students using AAC?  Comment and share below!

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