Teaching literacy skills in isolation makes it harder for students to learn to generalize these skills. Phonological awareness instruction should be integrated within comprehensive literacy instruction.
Integrate Phonological Awareness by highlighting rhyme, alliteration, phonemes, and other features of language during shared reading. Consider using nursery rhymes, raps, or poetry to highlight specific elements.
Remember to use visual supports as learning phonological awareness skills imposes significant auditory processing demands.
Personal Reflection:
What did you notice about the instructional strategies for teaching phonological awareness to students with limited verbal abilities?
What new strategy are you going to try in an upcoming lesson?
Resources:
Erickson, Karen A. and Koppenhaver, David A. (2020) Comprehensive literacy for all: Teaching students with significant disabilities to read and write. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Honig, B., Diamond, L., & Gutlohn, L. (2012). Teaching reading sourcebook (updated second edition). Academic Therapy Publications.
Improving literacy outcomes for individuals with ASD and limited speech webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btNSwKNvaI8
Sullivan, A. (2023). Access to Phonics: Practice Access Strategies to Teach Children with Complex Needs of All Ages.