147 Search Results for rachael langley
December 29, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Taking down the Christmas tree Chilling a bottle of champagne Reflecting on New Year’s resolutions Is it really possible that, in another few days, we’ll be saying goodbye to 2015? As we welcome another prAACtical year, it’s time to start preparing the materials we’ll need to model and teach core words to our AAC learners. Next week, we’ll talk more about the instructional methods to use with these materials. For now, though, our focus is on getting the word cards and other materials for the Year of Words (Set 1/2013; Set 2/2014) ready to use with the AAC learners in our lives. Thanks to the kindness of PrAACtical AAC readers we have posts with a variety of resources: Minspeak/Unity version: Set 1/2013 PCS versions: Set 1/2013 , Set 2/2014 Speak for Yourself version: Set 2/2014 SymbolStix version: Set 1/2013 Lesson Pix: Set1/2013 We are so appreciative for the support of... [Read More...]
December 8, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Many of our AAC learners struggle with vision issues which makes it a challenge for us to create effective communication and visual supports. So when SLP Rachael Langley offered to share her high contrast core vocabulary, we jumped at the chance. You can download her board here. Thank you, Rachael!
November 30, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
The recent ASHA 2015 Conference in Denver provided even more validation that core vocabulary is now a widely accepted practice in supporting language development in AAC learners. Presentation after presentation discussed the rationale, research support, and strategies for implementation. A few years ago, we suggested that one way to help strengthen learners’ abilities with core words is to take a different set of 12-20 core words each month and focus on them for a few weeks. How? By modeling those words, making resource materials (like word cards with the symbols), creating activities in which those words figure prominently, posting them in the classroom/therapy room, reading books that have heavy use of these words, sharing them with families, write stories using them, etc. Set 1 (2013): ask, favorite, goodbye, hear, of, please,silly, surprise, these, use, way, work Set 2 (2014): already, clear, doctor, fix, great, grow, her, high, jump, outside, ride, room,... [Read More...]
November 15, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
It’s a busy week for AAC, with dozens of presentations on AAC and related topics at the annual ASHA convention. Here are some posts from our prAACtical week. Monday – How We Do It: A Classroom Journey with PODD by Rachael Langley Tuesday – On Full Sentences and Questions in AAC Systems Wednesday – Video of the Week: AAC Implementation with Children by Kate Ahern Friday – AAC Handouts from ASHA 2015
October 30, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for some ways to help your AAC learners become more competent in using core words? Need to get staff on board with modeling core vocabulary? Trying to get familiar with where core words are stored in a particular SGD or AAC app? Here’s an approach you may want to try: Choose a dozen or so core words to focus on each month. In previous years, we shared lists of some core words to help you do just that. 2013: A Year of Core (12 words/month 2014: A(nother) Year of Core (16 words/month; Note: These are different than the core words covered in 2013) Those posts have links to downloadable grids with the core words for each month that can be used as a focal point for lesson planning. Our words for November are listed below. Set 1 (2013): body, dress, full, guess, hi, live, maybe, one, ride, tired very, walk... [Read More...]
September 29, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for a way to connect with families to encourage modeling of AAC at home? If your learners have AAC systems that are rich in core vocabulary, this calendar by Rachael Langley may be just the ticket. Each day has a suggestion for things to do or say that build experience with our October core words. Click on the image to get a version you can download. BIG thanks to Rachael for creating these each month and allowing us to share them on PrAACtical AAC.
September 28, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
It has been so exciting to hear about the growing number of classrooms, therapy sessions, and families who are prioritizing high-frequency core words with AAC learners. Whether you are using a high tech SGD, AAC app, or no-tech communication boards/books, core vocabulary teaching can play a powerful role in building language skills. If you are following along with our 2013 Year of Core (first set with 12 words/month) or the 2014 A(nother) Year of Core: (second set 16 words/month; Different than the previous year’s core words), you may have printed out some of the word cards to use with the AAC learners in your life. Thanks to the kindness of PrAACtical AAC readers (Bill and Lori Binko, Heidi LoStracco, Alison Wade, Russell Cross, Gail Van Tatenhove, Eric Sailers, Rachael Langley, Laura Kessell, Christine Bayley and others) we have a variety of resources to explore. Once you have them, the idea... [Read More...]
August 31, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
It’s hard to believe that summer is just about over (at least here in Florida). If you are supporting a child or adult who has a core vocabulary based AAC system, you know how much it takes to help them learn to use all of the wonderful words at their disposal. One strategy is to select a subset of their words to highlight each month. We can then take this small subset of their core words and: make an extra effort to model them on their device or a facsimile do specific instructional activities to teach the word meaning plan games and tasks to help them better recognize and understand the symbols for those words, and, plan specific opportunities for them to say these words daily conversation and instructional tasks. Our prAACtical friends need practice, practice, and more practice. Over time, they will gain more fluency and automaticity with the... [Read More...]
August 3, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Can you believe it is August already?! AAC learners have a lot to say and helping them get more fluent with core vocabulary is a great way to support them. The wonderful Rachael Langley has a month of ideas for us. Enjoy! Click on the image to download a copy.
July 5, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
It’s been a fine week for AAC! Monday – Appy Learning with The Speech Techie Tuesday – Core Vocabulary Resources for July Wednesday – Video of the Week: Demystifying AAC Thursday – PrAACtically July: Core Word Calendar by Rachael Langley Hope you had some AAC fun, too!