Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are tools that help students express themselves! These devices allow students to communicate their needs, wants, and thoughts. Incorporating these devices into your group lessons allows students to participate more fully in school. Read on for ways to encourage AAC use in the classroom!
What is an AAC Device?
AAC is any type of tool that helps individuals with speech and language difficulties to communicate. An AAC can be low-tech, such as a communication board or picture exchange system. Or, it can be high-tech with a dedicated app for communication on a tablet. There are many different apps available. A few well-known examples are Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, and LAMP. My district most often uses the Speak For Yourself program.
Using an AAC During Whole Group Lessons
There are many ways to use devices throughout the school day! Including AAC users into your whole group lessons ensures that all students are included in class activities. Here are some tips for incorporating these devices into lessons.
Plan Ahead
When lesson planning, look for ways that you can naturally include AAC users in conversations. A great time of day to start with is morning meeting. Morning meeting offers a wealth of predictable language opportunities, such as naming the date, labeling the weather, and answering a question of the day. This predictable daily routine will help students learn to find words on their devices independently, and become comfortable responding in the whole group setting.
Once you have identified language opportunities in the day, you can then prepare for how students will respond. If your students need modeling, familiarize yourself (or paraprofessionals in the classroom) with where to find certain words, so you will be able to assist students with their answers.
Use Visual Aids
Visual supports used in addition to devices can be a helpful way to make AAC use more natural. One way I incorporate visual aids is by presenting word choices on my Smartboard for students to point to during lessons. This allows students to respond immediately instead of searching for words that are unknown on their device. This type of visual aids not only benefits AAC users but also English Language Learners and other students with communication difficulties. A printed paper communication board is another way to facilitate responses.
Create Opportunities for Interaction
Creating ways for to students to interact with each other helps foster device usage. One way I do this is through board games! My students and I love playing board games as a whole group. They are great for fostering patience, turn-taking, and other social skills. And, they offer many opportunities for language use. Students can use their devices to say phrases like “my turn” or “your turn,” name colors, count spaces, or ask questions about the game.
Practice Makes Progress!
Practicing and modeling AAC use is the best way to get students (and yourself) comfortable with using devices. You and the paraprofessionals who work with you are invaluable in modeling proper AAC use. Involving peers in practice is also motivating for students!
Encouraging AAC use in the classroom helps students become more comfortable expressing themselves. There are so many ways to incorporate these modes of communication in the classroom, and doing so helps encourage student independence! How do you incorporate AAC devices into your lessons? Share your ideas below!
