Back to School Book Recommendations
"Butterflies on the First Day of School" by Annie Silvestro is a charming and relatable story about Rosie, a young girl who is excited but nervous about her first day of kindergarten. Despite her initial anxiety, her mother's comforting words help her realize that the butterflies in her belly are a natural reaction to new experiences. Throughout the day, Rosie gradually gains confidence, and the metaphorical butterflies transform into something beautiful. Rosie's act of kindness in helping another shy student also shows her growth and empathy. This book explores the emotions and challenges that come with new beginnings while highlighting the positive impact of kindness and support. It's a heartwarming tale that many children and parents can relate to as they face important milestones.
AAC Book Recommendations
"Eddie the Elephant Has Something to Say" is a wonderful children's book that not only tells a heartwarming story about communication and self-expression but also educates readers about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Written and illustrated by Speech-Language Pathologists Alison Johns and Tara Put, the book follows the story of Eddie, a young elephant who struggles to communicate with his herd due to his small trunk.
The book's emphasis on different ways of communicating and the importance of being understood is a valuable lesson for children and adults alike. The story helps children understand that there are many ways to communicate, and that everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves in a way that is comfortable and effective for them. It also emphasizes the importance of being inclusive and accepting of different forms of communication.
The book's message is delivered in a way that is both entertaining and educational, making it a great resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers to teach children about AAC.
The inclusion of a foreword by AAC communicator Chelsea Hagen adds an important perspective to the book, further emphasizing the importance of AAC and the need for inclusivity and acceptance in communication.
Overall, "Eddie the Elephant Has Something to Say" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to teach children about communication, self-expression, and AAC. It is a beautifully illustrated book that delivers an important message in an engaging and accessible way.
“I Talk in Different Ways”, written by Kimiko Tobimatsu, is an incredible story that offers a unique perspective on identity for AAC users and nonverbal individuals. Tobimatsu shares her journey of self-discovery as a mixed-race person and the challenges she faced in reconciling her Japanese and Canadian identities.
One of the strengths of this book for AAC users is Tobimatsu's honesty and vulnerability in describing the struggles she faced in communicating her identity to others. She talks about the challenges of expressing herself in a world that often categorizes people based on their appearance or cultural background. For AAC users, this struggle to be heard and understood may be particularly resonant.
The author's experiences of feeling like an outsider in both cultures are relatable to many individuals with disabilities who often feel marginalized in society. Tobimatsu's journey to embrace her unique identity and find a sense of community and belonging will resonate with AAC users who may face similar challenges in finding their voice and place in the world.
Overall, I Talk in Different Ways is a beautifully written memoir that offers a powerful message of self-love and acceptance for AAC users and nonverbal individuals. It is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of identity and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals. Highly recommended.
AAC Tips
Using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device can greatly enhance communication for people with disabilities. Here are some tips for effectively using an AAC device:
Familiarize Yourself: Take the time to learn how the AAC device works, including its features, vocabulary organization, and customization options. The more comfortable you are with the device, the better you can support the user.
Customize the Vocabulary: Personalize the device's vocabulary to match the user's needs, preferences, and communication abilities. Tailor it to their daily activities, interests, and relevant topics. This customization will make communication more efficient and meaningful.
Start Simple: Begin with a basic set of core words that are widely applicable in different contexts (e.g., "yes," "no," "help," "want," "more"). Core words provide flexibility and can be combined to form various sentences.
Expand Vocabulary: As the user becomes more proficient, gradually introduce new words and phrases specific to their interests, environment, and activities. This expansion encourages expressive communication and facilitates engagement.
Encourage Practice: Consistent practice is essential for proficiency. Encourage the individual to use the AAC device as much as possible in everyday situations. This practice will build confidence, speed, and accuracy.
Model AAC Use: Be a role model by using the AAC device during interactions. Demonstrate how to construct sentences, ask questions, and express thoughts. This modeling helps the user understand the device's potential and encourages their participation.
Promote Social Interaction: Encourage others to interact with the AAC user and respond to their messages. This inclusive approach helps create a communication-friendly environment and fosters social connections.
Consider Multimodal Communication: Some AAC users may benefit from combining their AAC device with other communication methods, such as sign language, gestures, or facial expressions. Explore which combination works best for the individual.
Use Visual Supports: Visual supports, such as visual schedules, communication boards, or visual cues, can complement the AAC device. They provide additional context, aid comprehension, and support the user in organizing their thoughts.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a speech-language pathologist or an AAC specialist who can provide further guidance and support. They can assist in optimizing the AAC device's settings, assessing progress, and recommending strategies tailored to the user's needs.
Remember, patience and support are crucial as individuals adapt to using an AAC device. With consistent practice, encouragement, and a communicative environment, the user will gradually become more proficient and independent in expressing themselves.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC devices are designed to help people with disabilities to communicate more effectively, particularly those who have difficulty speaking or understanding language.
Here are some examples of AAC devices:
Communication Boards:
These are boards with pictures or symbols that the user can point to in order to communicate their needs or wants.
Speech-Generating Devices:
These devices use text-to-speech technology to allow the user to type or select words or phrases that are then spoken aloud.
Eye-Tracking Technology:
This technology allows users to control their devices using only their eyes, which can include selecting words or symbols on an AAC device.
Dedicated Communication Apps:
These are software programs that can be installed on smartphones or tablets and provide the user with a range of communication options, including text-to-speech, picture-based communication, and more.
Switches:
Similar to the switches used in assistive technology, switches can be used as a method of input for AAC devices, allowing the user to select words or symbols by pressing a button or switch.
Low-Tech Options:
In some cases, low-tech options such as paper-based communication boards or picture books may be the most appropriate AAC device for the individual
It's important to note that AAC devices are not one-size-fits-all and the right device for an individual will depend on their specific needs and abilities. An assessment by a speech-language pathologist or AAC specialist can help determine the best AAC device for the individual.
Benefits of using social stories for back to school.
It all begins with an idea.
Using a social story for children with disabilities going back to school can have several significant benefits. Social stories are a powerful tool that can help children better understand and navigate new or challenging situations, such as returning to school after a break. Here are some of the benefits:
Promotes Predictability and Routine: Social stories provide a clear and structured narrative of what to expect during the school day. For children with disabilities who thrive on routine and predictability, this can reduce anxiety and create a sense of familiarity.
Addresses Specific Needs: Social stories can be personalized to cater to the specific needs of the child. Whether it's sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, or social interactions, the story can be tailored to address these areas of concern.
Reduces Anxiety and Fear: Going back to school can be stressful for any child, but for children with disabilities, the uncertainty can be particularly overwhelming. Social stories help alleviate anxiety by providing reassurance and preparing them for various scenarios they might encounter.
Enhances Understanding: Children with disabilities may struggle with abstract concepts or social cues. Social stories use clear language and visuals to convey information, making it easier for the child to understand what is expected of them at school.
Encourages Positive Behavior: By presenting positive examples of behavior and social interactions, social stories reinforce appropriate conduct at school. Children can learn how to communicate effectively, cooperate with others, and follow rules.
Promotes Inclusion and Acceptance: Social stories often depict diverse characters, encouraging inclusivity and acceptance of differences. This can help children with disabilities feel more comfortable and welcomed in the school environment.
Provides Coping Strategies: Social stories can include coping strategies for dealing with challenging situations or emotions. For instance, a story might suggest deep breathing techniques or seeking help from a teacher when feeling overwhelmed.
Builds Confidence: Knowing what to expect and how to respond in different situations can boost a child's confidence. Feeling prepared can empower children with disabilities to navigate school with greater self-assurance.
Strengthens Communication Skills: Social stories can improve communication skills by introducing and reinforcing appropriate language and social cues. This, in turn, can enhance interactions with peers and teachers.
Encourages Parent-Child Interaction: Parents and caregivers can read the social story together with the child, fostering open communication and providing an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions the child may have.