Past projects 2
Supporting All Modalities of Communication!
Funded Jan 23, 2022It has been AMAZING to have the resources to print, laminate, and velcro communication books (picture exchange) to send home with parents and to create materials to support AAC (augmentative adaptive communication).
I have several students who speak Spanish at home and English at school. Having the materials to make bilingual picture exchange books for at home and school has helped my students make progress in effective communication.
One material I received through this donors choose was a book All about Core. I was able to adapt the book and place pictures in the book which my students use in picture exchange books, on communication boards, and on the ipad (AAC device). My students match the picture in the book, practice using it through their mode of communication, and build their vocabulary knowledge. My students LOVE IT! I would not of been able to assemble this book without all the materials which were given (laminate, velcro, clear sticker sleeve, etc.).
Thank you so much for your interest and help in supporting my amazing speech students!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Elanyu
This classroom project was brought to life by Utah State Board of Education.Tools/Toys to Build Communication Skills for Students with Autism
Funded Dec 30, 2021My students LOVE these resources and toys! They are engaging, unique, and diverse enough that there is always something new to play or try! One of my students favorite things to do is turn down the lights, use a flashlight, and look for objects around the room that match a picture. It is great for working on requesting, turn taking, commenting, describing, and so much more. Other activities that my students absolutely love are the Melissa and Doug puzzles (magnetic and sound puzzles). We put the pieces in sensory bins, make games out of putting the puzzle together, and build our foundational/functional communication.
I would love to share a story with you. One of my students has a significant hearing loss and had difficulty wearing his hearing aids. He has a signing aid and we are building language through sign, verbal, and pictures. I had very few toys that made loud noises and songs. One toy I received through donors choose was a small piano with balls that would pop up when a key was pushed! I saw continuous smiles and joint attention for one of the first times when he played with it. This student started to independently walk to speech therapy and was excited and engaged! This was a game changer!
I am so grateful to have a variety of engaging materials to encourage students to communicate and find joy in sharing experiences with others.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Elanyu