Literacy & AAC 

Thing to know about this class:

I originally presented about AAC and Literacy for Castro Valley Unified teachers & SLPs on December 10th, 2021. In this training, you'll hear about how AAC users can learn to read and write! I discuss evidence-based practice, tools and strategies that an AAC user may need, and how to bring these practices into your daily classroom routine (or your push-in lesson, SLPs!). 

Below, you'll also find some important links to materials which will help you integrate the information into your classroom. In the presentation, I talked about Unique Learning System, and how certain things are missing from their curriculum. Not to worry - no matter the curriculum, I have awesome free resources to help you understand and start using all 6 of the key evidence-based practices for emergent literacy! Don't miss those links, they are below the video!

Resources for Teachers: 

Before selecting materials for any literacy activity, please remember not to use symbolated text, and here's why: it doesn't help! Symbols are for communication, text is for reading.

The 6 Daily Practices for Emergent Literacy:

1. Shared Reading: visit Tarheel Reader for some accessible books, or check out Core Word of the Day for an easy place to get started with modeling during shared reading. 

2. Predictable Chart Writing: check out the Predictable Chart Writing page for a quick 15-minute class on this topic, and ready-to-go materials! 

3. Alphabet Knowledge: get free daily Alphabet & Phonics lessons (including CVI-friendly versions!)

4. Independent Reading: learn more about how to facilitate Independent Reading with Project Core. Quick version - give your students free access to a wide selection of books and let them read silently. Start with 2 to 5 minutes daily and try to build up to at least 15 minutes daily. Create comfy places in your classroom during this time, and ask adults to model it: sit down and thumb through a book yourself! 

5. Independent Writing: learn more about how to facilitate Independent Writing with Project Core, and/or learn more about alternative pencils. Quick version: give students a choice of topics, then let them scribble! Make sure to talk to them about their work after.  

6. Modeling: check out the Essentials of AAC class page to learn more!

Q&A about Literacy and AAC: 

1. Has anyone made a classroom curriculum that includes all of this?

Yes! For PreK and TK teachers, check out the Tell Me program from Attainment Company (also available in Spanish). For TK through 3rd grade moderate and extensive support needs classes, check out ReadtopiaGo. For 3rd grade through adult transition, check out Readtopia and the supplemental addition Newstopia. 

2. Where can I read about the science behind this approach?

I recommend starting with the website Literacy for All, or the book Comprehensive Literacy for All. 

3. I have another question.

Please email me and I will continue adding to this page!