Since Joey loves books, it was only natural that we’d want to use books and interactive read alouds to help him learn to use his Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) device. Joey began using the device in December, and we initially struggled to find ways to motivate him to use it since prior to using the device he had developed a way to communicate that was working out pretty well for him. One way we were able to model how to use the system, encourage him to use it, and introduce new core words was through his interactive read alouds .
Caps For Sale
Joey gave me one of his huge, award-winning smiles when he saw me pull out my Caps for Sale book kit for the first time. It was clearly a book he was familiar with. I love this book, and I’d been waiting for the right moment to use it with Joey.
Adapting Books
Joey is your definition of a book lover. When he sees a book, his face lights up. When a book ends, he often cries. He is perfectly happy having a book be read to him over and over (and over and over). I am sure anyone in his family can recite Pete the Cat or Little Blue Truck in their sleep. Joey’s love of books works out quite well, as I love books almost as much as Joey, and I particularly love adapting books so they are more accessible, engaging, and powerful for children with special needs.
Success
Those Small Moments of Great Success
I’d just sat down with Joey to read Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. He was working hard on pulling off the monkeys I’d velcroed into the book when suddenly he stopped and looked at his AAC device.
The Pigeon
Joey loves books. Of course, he loves some books more than others (I’m looking at you, Pete the Cat), but I don’t think I have ever read a book with Joey that he did not like.
To build on this love, we use books as a foundation to teach Joey.
