The Trap of Traditional “Data”
As therapists and educators, we are conditioned to look for a very specific, quantitative type of data: “X will touch the icon with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive sessions.”
However, because interactions are hard to quantify in numbers or pluses and minuses, that kind of rigid data collection can make it feel like nothing is happening in shared reading interactions and emergent literacy instruction. Relying solely on quantitative data can lead to burnout and the false assumption that the learner isn’t progressing.
Because growth in shared reading isn’t always linear, and rarely looks like a percentage on a chart, we are redefining what a “literacy win” actually looks like and how to document it in a way that honors the learner.
Shifting the Metric (What to Track Instead)
This will take a mindset shift, but I want you to start thinking less about counting “correct” or “incorrect” button presses, interactions, etc., and instead focus on tracking qualitative indicators for engagement and connection. Here are some examples of qualitative indicators you could track and share as progress:
- Sustained Proximity: Did they stay in the reading space for 3 minutes instead of 1?
- Shared Regulated State: Did they use a sensory support to keep their body calm while listening?
- Multi-Modal Initiations: Did they point to a picture, make a vocalization, smile at a favorite part, or actively protest a page? (Remember: a protest is a massive communication win!)
- Device Exploration: Did they babble or explore keys on their AAC system while looking at the book, even if it wasn’t a “perfect” match to the text?
Low-Stress Documentation Methods
While data collection is important and a great way to show progress, it shouldn’t take you away from the interaction. If you are too busy tallying things on a clipboard, you miss the connection. These examples of low-stress data collection ideas will help you monitor progress and keep you in the moment.”
- The Weekly Reflection Journal: Spend 60 seconds at the end of the week writing down one highlight or surprise from story time.
- The Photo/Video Log: Snap a quick picture of a shared moment or film a 30-second clip of play-based reading to look back on later.
- The Post-It Note Method: Keep a pad of sticky notes nearby to jot down a breakthrough moment (e.g., “Looked at the bear and smiled today!”) and stick it in a dedicated folder for the learner or on the page in the book.
Celebrating with the Learner
Data collection and progress monitoring are typically seen as just for teachers and therapists; it is important to share progress with our learners, too! They have worked hard and should have the opportunity to take pride in and celebrate their growth! Here are some ways you can celebrate growth with your learners:
- Re-reading favorite customized books or digital “book trailers” they helped make.
- Verbally celebrating their choices and autonomy: “I love reading with you. You chose such a cool book today.”
- Create a video or picture book looking back on all the books that they have read, including some of the moments where you had great connections and interactions.
Reflection on this Shared Reading Series
That’s a wrap! Over the last 12 weeks, we dove deep into what shared reading with AAC users really looks like. We broke out of the rigid “story time box” and threw away the compliance-based rulebooks. We learned to lean into movement as regulation, bring books directly into play, aggressively protect our learners’ autonomy by honoring their “no”, and so much more. As you continue to provide rich, interactive, and engaging shared reading experiences, remember: literacy is not a test, a data point, or a race to hit buttons on a device. It is a lifelong doorway to connection, expression, and joy. Thank you for showing up, unlearning the old rules, and choosing connection first.
If you want a comprehensive guide to keep all of these strategies, planners, and mindset shifts in one easy-to-access place, check out my e-book: Shared Reading with AAC Users: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guide, or any of the Sensory-Based Literacy Kits for lesson plans and sensory extension activities that are ready to go, out of the box!
Before you go, share in the comments: Looking back at where you started, what is one small, beautiful win your learner has had with books recently?
Recent Comments