I’ve been attending a series of live webinars this week about literacy and students with disabilities. I always try to keep up with the current best practices, and current research, and what is new and changing in AAC and literacy skills for AAC users and others with significant language impairments.
Some days you just keep doing what you’re doing, thinking it’s the right thing. And every once in a while you wonder. At least I do. So, it’s nice to read the literature or hear a speaker and get affirmation that I’m still on the right track and doing the right things.
As you know if you follow this blog, I am a huge proponent of using literature in speech therapy and in special education classrooms. I used books almost exclusively in my practice when I did therapy, and continue to urge teachers and SLPs to look at grade level books for use in their special ed classes.
So what do we need in order to teach literature in special education classes?
- Choose your book and adapt it to fit the needs and abilities of your students
- Create language-based lessons around that story
- Create comprehension activities for students to show what they know and have learned
What should those language-based lessons include?
1. Vocabulary instruction that is systematic
2. Comprehension activities that provide a way for students to show what they understand
3. Writing activities that provide genuine opportunities
4. Reading instruction that provides opportunities to increase student independence
Make sure you’re providing these opportunities for your students with significant disabilities. You might be pleasantly surprised at what they can do.
Keep reading, and keep on talking.
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