Description
Recorded: April 27, 2023
Length: 90-Minutes
Young children with communication impairments are at risk for a variety of difficulties including: frustration, aggression, decreased problem solving skills, withdrawal, resistance to new experiences and delayed literacy development. Nearly 10% of preschoolers will present with a communication disorder between the ages 3-6. It is no longer considered best practice to “wait and see” if a child needs Augmentative and Alternative Communication support or tools, and research has confirmed that utilizing AAC will not stunt or negatively impact future verbal skills. With increased access to AAC supports from low-tech to high-tech, as well as access to a plethora of free supports, AAC must be explored early on in a child’s experience.
This presentation will begin by identifying crucial early language and literacy milestones. It will then move into the appropriateness of utilizing core vocabulary to ignite language skills in non or minimally speaking preschoolers. Participants will be encouraged to utilize core boards provided in the resources to frame every day interactions, allowing them to provide verbal and visual input to communicators using aided language stimulation. The practice of shared reading will be presented and the benefits to the approach especially for students who lack language, engagement and experiences. Participants will learn and practice using the “Follow the CAR…” scaffold as well as putting the “CROWD in the CAR ” techniques to building interest, knowledge and language exposure. Finally, the premise of using core vocabulary to engage in shared reading will be explored and demonstrated. This strategy can easily be taught to caregivers and educators new to core vocabulary, be woven into already existing school/daycare and home routines and simultaneously target two important developmental skills.
Participants will observe videos of the combined practice, have opportunities to plan out their own core based shared reading experiences and leave with a plethora of resources to support the practice. This workshop will provide communication partners with the information, practice and resources they need to use this practice in their classrooms, living rooms and therapy rooms!
As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Discuss the flexibility of core vocabulary words for emerging communicators..
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List the benefits of using a shared reading approach for emerging literacy learners.
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Describe how to pair aided language stimulation of core vocabulary words with shared reading engagement strategies.
Deidre Dobbels, M.S., Speech Language Pathologist, with 23 years of experience working with students who have complex communication needs. She presents at local and national conferences.
