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Welcome to the Google Site for our presented through Alt+Shift. This training was designed by Dr. Karen Erickson and Dr. David Koppenhaver based on their extensive work in literacy. Emergent Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs,

Within this site, you will find the slides and other additional handouts that will be used within the training. The menu at the top of this page can be utilized to access additional resources, materials, articles, etc. that you may find helpful as you implement emergent literacy with your students . We encourage you to post questions to the Padlet at the bottom of this page during and after the training. Our trainers will monitor the comment section and respond to your questions.

Course Description

Students with significant disabilities can and do learn to read conventionally with supportive print- and language-based experiences and interactions. Not unlike students without significant disabilities, this learning for students with significant disabilities begins with emergent literacy. Students who are emergent literacy learners should be provided many frequent learning opportunities that provide instruction and practice with functions of print and print conventions, phonological and alphabet awareness, and expressive and receptive language skills.

Participants will learn how and why to address five critical areas of emergent literacy instruction:

Support Beyond the Training

We invite you to post your questions about content, implementation, students, etc. during and after the training on the . If you see a question on the Padlet that you feel you can answer or help provide support, we encourage you to respond to others as well.

You will find the training slides and handouts that will be referenced during the training below. If you would like to have a paper copy, please print the slides and handouts prior to the training. There are several free apps for note-taking on PDF's including , , , , and more! You should bring your laptop or tablet device to the training as we may utilize interactive polls, Padlets, Jamboards, etc . PaperPort Notes

All of the links within this site open in a new tab.

Training Slides

Additional Digital Handouts

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Welcome Welcome to the Google Site for our Emergent Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs, presented through Alt+Shift. This training was designed by Dr. Karen Erickson and Dr. David Koppenhaver based on their extensive work in literacy.

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Slides for each letter

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Full slides for step by step instructions and deeper dive on some of our topics.

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Wecome to the Communication Matrix

Understanding what individuals are capable of today is the first step toward helping them reach their potential.

Assessment

The Communication Matrix is a free assessment tool created to help families and professionals easily understand the communication status, progress, and unique needs of anyone functioning at the early stages of communication or using forms of communication other than speaking or writing.

"I am very excited about using this Matrix as part of our assessment and treatment plan for students with ASD." - Special Education Teacher

Community

Our Community includes an active forum where SLPs, teachers, families, and researchers can connect, share information, learn from the field, and offer and receive support.

"I love a focus on complex communication needs. Frequently I look at sites or information that does not apply to my students. It is great to have a site that focuses on the students I work with." - Parent

Purchase Paper and PDF copies of the Communication Matrix Assessment here.

See who is using the Communication Matrix around the world

© 2023 Charity Rowland, Ph.D.

Site by State33 and Smith & Connors

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The Communication Matrix is a free assessment tool created to help families and professionals easily understand the communication status, progress, and unique needs of anyone functioning at the early stages of communication or using forms of communication other than speaking or writing.

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The Pragmatics Profile for AAC – print & fill.pdf

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Individual Student Data Collection Forms

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Independence data is collected through task analyzing a routine and observing the level of independence completing that routine then developing a plan to improve independence. Given the importance of independence as a goal and using the independence data collection tool to measure progress, we have developed video examples of this process.

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Qualtrics sophisticated online survey software solutions make creating online surveys easy. Learn more about Research Suite and get a free account today.

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Description

The goal of this module is to describe how adults in the classroom can demonstrate the use of graphic symbols to help beginning communicators learn to communicate more effectively

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to identify 3 examples of early communication behaviors that could be used to teach symbols.

Participants will be able to describe 3 benefits of demonstrating use of core vocabulary symbols.

Participants will list 3 basic components of aided language input.

Online Self-Directed Module
Begin the online Aided Language Input Module
Facilitated Materials
Present this module to a group

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The goal of this module is to describe how adults in the classroom can demonstrate the use of graphic symbols to help beginning communicators learn to communicate more effectively Participants will be able to identify 3 examples of early communication behaviors that could be used to teach symbols.

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Predictable chart writing is one of my favorite ways to get kids who are new to writing comfortable with a writing routine. Today, our guest author Ashley Larisey shares detailed information that will help you implement this well and have fun doing it. And she helps us understand how to do this successfully in remote teaching.

Ashley is an SLP at Community High School District 218 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor and Instructor at Saint Xavier University. In today's post, she breaks down the steps of using predictable chart writing, points us to relevant resources, and provides a video overview of the process.

Enjoy!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Predictable Chart Writing
As many educators look for new and innovative ways to bring comprehensive literacy instruction into their practice, one of the first strategies that comes up in a quick google search is Predictable Chart Writing (PCW). PCW is a great strategy to use when working with students during structured shared writing experiences. It's also very easy to embed communication and can work as an activity for the whole classroom, small groups, or even individual sessions!

However, we are also in a time where many students are participating in instruction on a full or part time basis; therefore, the implementation of PCW may look somewhat different. In addition, although the steps to PCW are very straightforward and easy to implement, there are also many factors to consider to ensure that the experience of PCW is a meaningful and engaging one.

Here, we will look at an overview of Predictable Chart Writing. For each step listed below, you will learn:

What is it?: An overview of the step and basic implementation strategies.

Considerations: Ideas for increasing engagement and visual attention and for determining meaningful targets for the individual steps.

Adaptations for remote instruction: Suggestions for how the chart can be implemented if your student or child is participating in a distance learning environment. These adaptations will primarily include the use of document cameras and Jamboard, which is part of Google Suite.

Much of the information provided below is a summary from a variety of experts in the field of AAC and literacy instruction. Check out the sources listed at the bottom of this blog post to learn more about how you can implement PCW in your instruction!
Step One: Write the Chart
What is it? On the first day of PCW, the teacher will title the chart, introduce a sentence stem, and work collaboratively with students to generate possible responses to complete the stem. For example, for the stem pictured below, the SLP used think-alouds and aided language on an AAC device to help the students determine possible responses. Students then took turns to fill in their own responses, with the option to use one of the group suggestions or generate their own response.

Considerations: When writing your stems, it is important to line up the repeated words in the text so that students are able to see the pattern. Different colors can be used for the fill-in phrase, or for each line in the text, to bring attention to the different responses of individual students. Student names can also be placed in parentheses at the end of their response to help keep track of responses.

It is important to put thought and consideration into your sentence stems. Consider including core vocabulary and sight words for emergent writers with sentences that are between 3-5 words in length. In addition, repetition with variety can be key. For example, Erin Sheldon and Mary Louise Bertram discuss repeating use of a single stem with different endings in their presentations/handouts about PCW. For example, the sentence stem "I like" can be used with different categorical endings (food, animals, toys, places), and later the word "not" can be added to the stem to explore the same categories. We want to bring focus to the text when using PCW. For that reason, use words only; do not add symbols/pictures to your sentences.

Adaptations for remote instruction: Jamboard is a digital whiteboard that is a part of Google Suite and integrates well with students using PCW in a remote learning environment. Students can select from a choice board created quickly in Jamboard through shared controls or through partner assisted scanning. You can use different colored markers to bring increased visual attention to individual responses and quickly create the PCW live with your students.

You can also use a document camera or phone/iPad with an affordable desk mount to display the chart to your students as you write. You can take a screenshot of the completed chart and upload as an image to Jamboard if you prefer to display written text vs. typed text.
Step Two: Work with the Chart What is it?
On the second day of PCW, the teacher will re-introduce the chart and re-read the sentences chorally with students. Students will also practice reading the sentences in their head using their "inner voice." Students can take turns coming to the front of the class and pointing to the words in their individual sentences as they are read aloud. Make it fun! You can clap, chant, rap, or dance to the sentences. The teacher or instructional aides can use this time as an opportunity to model the sentence using AAC; however, modeling should be done without any expectation or prompting for the student to generate the sentence(s) using AAC. Remember, writing is the focus of PCW! The teacher will then bring attention to a writing convention present within the chart (e.g. letter, punctuation, capitalization, sight words) and students will work collaboratively to identify instances within the chart.

Considerations: Bring in fun and engaging pointers to increase student engagement (e.g. big hand pointer, witch fingers, wizard wand, flashlight). For students using AAC, you can bring visual attention to various concepts of print (e.g. different letters, capitalization, punctuation) on the keyboard using thick borders or highlighted letters. Concepts of print should also be intentionally selected to integrate other components of the curriculum. For a list of concepts of print to consider, page 7 of the Durham Road School Literacy Overview of Predictable Chart Writing compiled by Mary Louise Bertram provides excellent ideas for focus points.

Adaptations for remote instruction: Use the laser within Jamboard, along with the highlighter, to bring attention to concepts of print. There are several engaging mouse pointers offered in Chrome Extensions (Cute Cursor, Custom Cursors). Give your student/child the opportunity to choose the cursor they want to use to point during read alouds. Your document camera can also work to support students in Step Two.
Step Three: Work with the Sentence Strips
Begin by re-reading the sentences in the chart. In Step 3, students are given a sentence strip with the sentence they generated in step one. Students work to cut out individual words in their sentences to increase their understanding of concept of word. If the student accidentally cuts a word apart, work together with the student to tape the word back together and try again. Once the individual words are cut apart, allow the student to place the words in the correct order. Allow the students to make mistakes! Ask "Does that sound right? or "Does that make sense?" Once the sentence is in the correct order, have the student glue their sentence onto paper.

Considerations: Initially, you can teach this skill by demonstrating how to cut words and sequence the sentence. You can then gradually release the responsibility from the teacher to the student. While instructors are teaching how to complete Step Three, they can make intentional mistakes in cutting and sequencing and work with students to identify what needs to be fixed or changed.

For students who do not have the strength or motor control to physically manipulate the sentence strip, use partner-assisted scanning to indicate where to cut the strip or which word will come next in the sentence.

Adaptations for Remote Instruction: This is a great time to share a Jam with a student so they are able to manipulate their sentence. Use the sticky note tool in Jamboard to create your sentences. You can use white sticky notes to remove the visual word boundaries or choose a different contrasting color for students who require more support. Students can then use the laser tool to "mark" where the word boundaries are and where they would cut. Sticky notes can be moved/rearranged so students can place them in the correct order. Use partner assisted scanning for students who cannot physically manipulate the screen.

If you have been using a document camera until this step, you can continue to work with paper by working with the parent or caregiver. Have them write the sentence on a strip of paper at home and coach through the steps of cutting and sequencing the words in the sentence.
Step Four: Be the Sentence
Begin by re-reading the sentences in the chart. This time, count the number of words in the sentence. This determines how many people are needed to "be" the individual words in the sentence. Each student is given a word on a large piece of paper (8.5×11), and the students arrange themselves in correct order to make the sentence.

Considerations: Continue to provide informative feedback for this step. Partner assisted scanning can be used for students if they require adult assistance for mobility. Single switch devices can be used, or the single word can be modeled by an adult and placed into the message bar for a student to share their "word" with the class. If you have more words in your sentence than students, you can use instructional aides or parents to "be" a word.

Adaptations for Remote Instruction: Step four can be challenging because students are not able to physically move about the room and position themselves during remote instruction. However, they can still be assigned a word and work collaboratively to see "who" will need to come first, next, etc.

One way to do this is to collect student photos at the beginning of the year holding a blank piece of paper. You can assign a different word for each student depending on the chart they are working on using simple editing.

If possible, your students can also work collaboratively within a single Jam. Each student can open the Jam at the same time and move their own photo to the correct location in a sentence.
Step Five: Make and Publish the Book
Begin by re-reading the sentences in the chart. Step Five is when students work to illustrate and publish their book. Illustrations can be drawings, photographs, pictures from magazines or the internet, or even short videos! Be sure to have your students write their name on their page.

Considerations: These books can be low-tech, laminated books that can be kept as part of a classroom library, or made using PowerPoint/Google Slides, Tarheel Reader, or various apps (Pictello, Story Creator). You want the books to be available to read during leisure time or during independent reading, so be creative if you consider using an electronic book format to ensure all students have access. Be sure you have photo releases in place if you are including student photos in your classroom books.

Adaptations for Remote Instruction: Students can use their individual pages created in Step Three of PCW to complete the final step. They can create their own illustration using the highlighter, marker, and shape tools, or find an illustration using google images. If you are using a single collaborative Jam file, it can be downloaded as a PDF once complete and printed or shared with students electronically.

Here's a quick video about the process of using Predictable Chart Writing in a remote learning environment.

We are so lucky to have many resources to reference to learn more about Predictable Chart Writing! Check out the resources listed below for more information about PCW and ideas on how you can implement it in your classroom.
References: (Click on the titles for more information) About the Guest Author
Ashley Larisey is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years of experience working with children and young adults with complex communication needs. She currently works as a Speech-Language Pathologist for Community High School District 218 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor and Instructor at Saint Xavier University. Ashley specializes in working with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders as well as individuals who utilize Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Instagram: @mrs.larisey

This post was written by Carole Zangari

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AACtual Therapy: AAC & Predictable Chart Writing

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Predictable chart writing is one of my favorite ways to get kids who are new to writing comfortable with a writing routine. Today, our guest author Ashley Larisey shares detailed information that w...

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Welcome

Welcome to the Tar Heel Reader, a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens, the IntelliKeys with custom overlays, and 1 to 3 switches. Click here to learn more about alternative access methods.

You may write your own books using pictures from the huge collection at Flickr or pictures you upload. All books should be complete, edited, and revised to the best of your ability before publishing them to the site. While you are working on them, please save them as drafts.

Note the little well icon in the upper left corner of the page; clicking it will allow you to access the main menu. You can also click the settings icon to change settings on some pages.

Your browser is unsupported. The site should work for finding and reading books but you will not have switch access or the ability to write books. We recommend that you upgrade to a modern browser or install Chrome Frame.
You are in Classic mode. You will not have access to all of the features of the site but it may work better on older computers and web browsers. Click this text to leave Classic mode.
Ready to get started?

This site is also available in other languages. To help with translation, contact us.

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Welcome to the Tar Heel Reader, a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens, the IntelliKeys with custom overlays, and 1 to 3 switches. Click here to learn more about alternative access methods.

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Scheduled maintenance may intermittently prevent online catalog access between 7:00 am and 10:30 am on Sunday, March 3.

Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.

Not Currently Available. Holds: 2 on 1 Volume

Place hold

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Librarian Julia Recommends... Downloadable Wordless Picture Books - Boston Public Library

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Librarian Julia Recommends... Downloadable Wordless Picture Books by JuliaHurwitz - a staff-created list

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Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

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Unite for Literacy provides free digital access to picture books, narrated in many languages. Literacy is at the core of a healthy community, so we unite with partners to enable all families to read with their young children.

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Google Forms - create and analyze surveys, for free.

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Google Forms - create and analyze surveys, for free.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Predictable Chart Writing Self-Reflection & Observation

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Predictable Chart Writing Self-Reflection & Observation

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Building Blocks to Autonomous Communication (BBtAC)

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If you are a PK-12 educator in a Michigan school and would like access to the Alt+Shift Lending Library please complete the registration process. Otherwise login to begin borrowing.

Use the tools below to explore the library and find just the item you're looking for.

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If you are a PK-12 educator in a Michigan school and would like access to the Alt+Shift Lending Library please complete the registration process. Otherwise login to begin borrowing. Use the tools below to explore the library and find just the item you're looking for.

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https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5730000

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The details on this page is for the INDEPENDENT CAMP only, not the family retreat.

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The AAC Language Lab Curriculums

The AAC Language Lab provides a variety of supports to help you in the classroom. We have partnered wtih companies and agencies such as The Center for Literacy and Disabilities ,News-to-You , and Gompers Adult Services to bring you the best curriculum options for your students.

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Check out what's new on AAC Language Lab