by Megan | Mar 23, 2026 | AAC, aided language input, aided language stimulation, blog, books, emergent literacy, modeling, tips, training
When people think about reading with a child, they often picture sitting close, looking at the pages together, listening quietly, answering questions, and making it through the whole book from beginning to end.
But for many AAC users, reading together may not look like that at all.
It may look like glancing at a page and then looking away. It may look like listening while jumping on the trampoline or running around the room. It may look like smiling at a favorite line, reaching toward a picture, vocalizing during a repeated phrase, activating a word on an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, turning a page, repeatedly opening and closing the book, flipping quickly through the pages, or only reading one or two pages.
And all of that is still reading together; it all still counts.
All of these examples are just some of the reasons why I love talking about shared reading, and why it matters so much.
For AAC users, shared reading is about so much more than “reading the story.” It is an opportunity for connection, communication, language modeling, literacy learning, and participation in an experience that should belong to every child.
What is shared reading?
Shared reading is exactly what it sounds like: reading a book together in a way that invites connection, interaction, and participation.
It is not about asking a bunch of questions to quiz them on what they know, getting through every page, expecting one type of response, or any response at all. Instead, shared reading is a back-and-forth experience where the adult and child engage with the book together through pictures, words, AAC modeling, gestures, reactions, repeated lines, page turns, facial expressions, comments, and shared attention and enjoyment.
For AAC users, shared reading can be a powerful way to support both communication and literacy in a meaningful, accessible way.
My favorite part is that shared reading does not have to be rigid to be effective; in fact, it’s better if it’s not. It can be playful. It can be sensory-filled. It can be brief. It can be repeated. It can be adapted to meet the child where they are. It can look different from one child to the next.
That flexibility is part of what makes it so powerful.
Shared reading is more than story time
Shared reading is not a passive activity—something nice to do if there is time, or something mostly meant for entertainment.
Shared reading offers so much more than that.
It’s an opportunity to build language through meaningful language modeling.
It’s an opportunity to expose children to books, print, ideas, and vocabulary.
It’s an opportunity to create predictable routines around literacy.
It’s an opportunity to connect with another person around something enjoyable.
It’s an opportunity for a child to participate in literacy before they can read conventionally.
These are important opportunities for any child, but for AAC users, they are especially vital.
Shared reading creates access to language-rich, literacy-rich experiences right now, not later. It does not ask children to prove they are “ready” before they get invited in.
Shared reading is a literacy experience
Sometimes there is an unspoken belief that literacy instruction begins only after a child can attend for longer periods, identify letters, answer comprehension questions, or use AAC in a more conventional way.
But literacy does not begin only once a child “looks” ready.
Shared reading is a perfect way to introduce and build literacy from the very beginning.
When AAC users are included in shared reading experiences, they are being exposed to:
- books and print
- vocabulary and concepts
- story structure
- repeated language patterns
- connections between spoken language, AAC, pictures, and meaning
They are also learning something deeper: that books are for them too – and that message matters.
Shared reading helps lay the foundation for later reading and writing, but it continues to be valuable as learners continue to build their literacy skills. It gives children access to ideas, language, and literacy experiences before, during, and after conventional reading skills are in place.
Shared reading is also a communication experience
Another reason I love shared reading is that books are an incredibly natural place for AAC modeling.
During shared reading, we can model:
- core words like “look, turn, more, again, go, stop, like”
- fringe vocabulary connected to the story
- comments and reactions
- feelings
- actions
- opinions
- protests
And because favorite books are often read again and again, that language gets repeated in a meaningful context.
That repetition is powerful. It strengthens connections between the reader, the child, and the language being modeled. It also lowers pressure and builds familiarity. It gives learners more opportunities to see, hear, and experience language without needing to perform on cue.
Shared reading gives us another opportunity to use AAC in natural contexts and routines —not just for requesting, or answering questions, but noticing, commenting, enjoying, wondering, and most importantly, connecting.
Participation does not need to look one specific way
When thinking about what shared reading looks like, many of us may need to keep widening our lens.
Too often, shared reading is treated as successful only if a child:
- sits still
- looks at the book the whole time
- answers comprehension questions
- points to the “right” picture
- stays until the very end
But meaningful participation can look very different.
For AAC users, participation might mean:
- leaning in during a favorite part
- anticipating a repeated line
- smiling, laughing, or vocalizing
- turning the page, whether it is “time” to or not
- pressing a familiar word on AAC, even if it doesn’t seem relevant at the time
- choosing the same book again tomorrow
- protesting a part they do not like
- moving in and out of the interaction and/or area while still staying connected
These moments matter. They signal engagement and interest.
They are no less meaningful because they do not fit a narrow or traditional picture of what reading together is “supposed” to look like. In fact, when we recognize these moments as real participation, we make more room for authentic engagement and less room for compliance-based expectations.
Shared reading can support regulation and connection
Those moments are worth noticing.Shared reading is not only about literacy and language skills. It can also be a social and regulating experience.
There is something powerful about sitting with another person, sharing a familiar book, hearing a repeated phrase, anticipating what comes next, and being invited into the experience without pressure.
For many children, that rhythm and predictability can feel grounding.
This is why sensory supports matter. Positioning matters. Pacing matters. Emotional safety matters. Physical comfort matters.
Sometimes the most meaningful part of shared reading is not a correct answer or a measurable response. Sometimes it is that a child stays close a little longer. They relax into the routine. They re-engage after stepping away for a moment. They reach for the book again later. They smile at a favorite page.
Shared reading is a place to presume potential
One of the reasons I care so deeply about shared reading for AAC users is that it reflects something bigger: the belief that all children deserve access to rich literacy experiences.
Not later.
Not once they prove themselves.
Not once they meet a specific goal.
Now.
When we offer shared reading opportunities in thoughtful, accessible, supportive ways, we are sending a powerful message:
You belong here.
Books are for you.
Language is for you.
Literacy is for you.
That is the kind of message all children should receive over and over again.
You do not have to do this perfectly
If shared reading feels intimidating, I want to say this clearly: you do not have to do it perfectly for it to matter.
You do not need the perfect book.
You do not need the perfect setup.
You do not need a child to attend in one specific way.
You do not need to ask all the right questions.
You just need a starting point, a willingness to connect, and the belief that this experience is worthwhile.
Start with one book.
Read it again.
Model a few words.
Slow down.
Notice what the child notices.
Let the experience belong to both of you.
That is enough to begin.
Final thoughts
Shared reading matters for AAC users because it is not just story time; it’s so much more.
It is access.
It is connection.
It is communication.
It is literacy.
It is belonging.
And every child deserves that.
If shared reading with AAC users is something you want to feel more confident about, I created my e-book “Shared Reading with AAC Users: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guide” to help. Inside, I share practical, neurodiversity-affirming ways to make shared reading more accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable so you can feel empowered to start reading with your AAC users right away.
by Megan | Dec 16, 2023 | AAC, aided language input, aided language stimulation, blog, continuing education, core vocabulary, fringe vocabulary, modeling, prompt hierarchy
It’s the busiest time of the year! Wrapping up the year, buying gifts for all you love, finding time to celebrate with all your friends and family, you may feel like you are running around endlessly, the last thing you should have to worry about is making sure you have all of your continuing education units (CEUs) done to renew your licenses and certifications. 🤪
Before you close this window and start running around again, take the time to read to the end of this post, ‘cause I’ve got a way for you to rack up a bunch of CEUs for FREE! **Bonus if you want to learn more about AAC – these CEUs are AAC focused**
Ready to get started? Here we go!
- You will be redirected to a login page where you can create an account or, if you have an account within any Tobii Dynavox or Boardmaker programs, use that account login and password.
- After you log in you will be redirected to the Learning Hub, where you can start racking up those CEUs! Click on “Course Catalog” to see all the courses offered.
- Once you see the list of courses, you can also open the categories further to see additional specific courses.
That’s it – you are ready to rack up a bunch of free CEUs to finish out your requirements for the end of the year, or whenever you need it!
If you work through any of these courses and find one that you really like, let us know in the comments so we can check it out too!
by Megan | Jun 24, 2023 | AAC, aided language input, aided language stimulation, blog, modeling
There are so many AAC apps out there – trying to learn all of them so that you can help provide access to those most beneficial for those you work with can be overwhelming, to say the least!
However, let me reassure you that:
- You don’t have to learn ALL the AAC apps/devices simultaneously!
- You don’t have to know ALL the AAC apps/devices before you can start providing AAC therapy.
- You can take your time and learn the apps/devices – building up your knowledge and AAC app repertoire one step at a time!
To illustrate this point, let me share a little bit about my journey as an AAC-loving SLP. Hopefully, this will reassure you that you are doing wonderfully, right where you are.
When I started as an SLP, 20 years ago, my first job was in a small elementary school that had one classroom for each grade K-6, two Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Pre-K classes, and four additional self-contained ESE classrooms and I was the only SLP. My caseload was huge and I was constantly on the run. There were lots of things that were difficult about being the only SLP (I’m sure some of you can relate) but I also learned so many invaluable things that have helped me become the SLP I am today.
You may be thinking, “That’s great, but how does this all relate to AAC?” – I’m getting there I promise – just stick with me. 😉
The majority of the students in the four self-contained ESE classrooms, and some of the students in the ESE Pre-K classrooms were non or minimally speaking and needed access to AAC. Thankfully, I knew in grad school I wanted to work with AAC users, however, as a clinical fellow, I still had a lot to learn. But, I did it scared and jumped in with two feet!
As I was learning, on (and off) the job, Dynavox (before they were Tobii Dynavox) was the company that produced the first high-tech devices that I introduced and used with the students I was working with. There were other devices and companies out there and I knew a little bit about them but not everything or much – and that was ok. I started out learning about ONE system. I started on an even smaller scale, learning one feature, option, use, etc, and then moving on to the next.
See how I’m bringing this all back around?
No matter where you are on your AAC SLP journey, there will always be learning opportunities. Take your time, focus in on what you want to and/or need to learn, and start there.
- Have a learner that is using LAMP? Start there…
- Like the layout of Touchchat? Start there…
- Have a learner that needs bilingual support offered by Coughdrop? Start there…
- You get the idea…😀
Don’t forget that you can learn alongside your AAC users as well! That is definitely what I did during that first year as an AAC SLP – and beyond. I think that it is great to learn alongside your learners. It shows the learners that it is ok that they don’t know how to use the device perfectly immediately. You are demonstrating a growth mindset, problem-solving and so much more!
We don’t have the luxury, or the time, to wait to start providing AAC therapy until we know all the different systems, devices, etc – our learners need us now, just as we are, learning alongside them. So, what AAC system/device are you going to learn next?
by Megan | Dec 29, 2020 | AAC, aided language input, aided language stimulation, core vocabulary, modeling, YouTube
Are you looking for fun ways to incorporate core vocabulary, early first words and literacy into therapy sessions and/or daily routines but not sure what books to read and/or how to focus on specific words while reading?
Core vocabulary and literacy – a perfect match!
You’re in luck! I am going to introduce you to one of my favorite books to read, focusing on the core vocabulary word “GO”. I am also going to show you examples of how I might read this book with students to provide lots of opportunities for communication partners to model the word “GO” as well as opportunities for students to imitate and/or initiate communication with that word.
Ready? Here we GO!
Let me introduce you to “Busy Trucks on the Go” – a picture book filled with engaging scenes featuring various trucks and vehicles that kids may see throughout their day. The illustrations are narrated with simple rhyming text that labels the name of the vehicle as well as providing a clue as to the job the vehicle helps perform within the community. This mix of engaging, colorful illustrations and rhyming, rhythmic text make this book a fun read for kids and adults alike!
Something to note is that the word “GO” is not included frequently within the text and therefore, the reader should not rely on the text alone to provide opportunities for modeling “GO” for students. However, opportunities to model “GO” do appear frequently when looking at and chatting about the illustrations of the trucks and vehicles as well as the adventures of a boy and his dad as they move about town seeing the various vehicles.
Modeling Core Vocabulary while reading…
This book lends itself very easily to engaging in shared reading between an adult and student – sharing observations about the illustrations such as:
Where are the vehicles are “GO”ing?
The cement is “GO”ing out of the cement truck.
Dirt is “GO”ing in the dump truck.
Dad’s truck can not “GO”.
Water is “GO”ing out of the fire hose.
Where are the people are “GO”ing?
Remember…
Follow the lead of your students or whomever you are reading with during shared reading, modeling various vocabulary as you read. While you may be focusing on one core vocabulary word in particular, modeling a variety of words demonstrates that there are no “right” or “wrong” words and that you can say lots of different things about the same picture.
I need this book!
Ready to add this book to your library? Follow the link below to purchase this beautifully illustrated and engaging book:
Busy Trucks on the Go: https://c8314.paperpie.com/p/3737/busy-trucks-on-the-go
Remember – there is no right or wrong way to read a book – just keep reading!
By the way…
P.S. If you are a visual learner or just hang out on YouTube – you can watch this content come to life there: https://youtu.be/2rA-gROzCF0
by Megan | Dec 21, 2020 | AAC, aided language input, aided language stimulation, core vocabulary, modeling, Sensory, YouTube
Are you looking for fun ways to incorporate core vocabulary, early first words and literacy into therapy sessions and/or daily routines but not sure what books to read and/or how to focus on specific words while reading?
Core vocabulary and literacy – a perfect match!
You’re in luck! I am going to introduce you to one of my favorite books to read, focusing on the core vocabulary word “GO”. I am also going to show you examples of how I might read this book with students to provide lots of opportunities for communication partners to model the word “GO” as well as opportunities for students to imitate and/or initiate communication with that word.
Ready? Let’s GO!
Let me introduce you to the “Busy Train Book” – it’s one book in a collection of Busy Books that include: Busy Car, Busy Helicopter, Busy Bug and one that is released around the holidays, Busy Santa. Each of these books includes a pull back and go vehicle that travels around four various tracks throughout the story book, with each page narrating the travels of the pull back and go vehicle.
The “Busy Train Book”: Perfect for modeling the core vocabulary word “GO”.
Additional Busy Book Titles including Busy Helicopter, Busy Car, Busy Bug, & Busy Santa
Each book has 4 tracks for traveling throughout the book!
The train in this book, and the vehicles in all the other Busy Books, are highly motivating and provide a built in opportunity to practice modeling and using the word “GO” multiple times on each page which is fantastic for early communicators – you can model “GO” while checking out the scenes around each track without reading the text.
PreK student reading and playing with the “Busy Train” book
PreK student playing with and reading “Busy Helicopter” book.
PreK student playing and reading the “Busy Car” Book
Incorporating Core Vocabulary while reading…
Opportunities to model “GO” are everywhere in the book and starts on the first page where the text encourages the readers to place the train on “start” and let it “GO”!
Modeling opportunities start on the first page!
Other opportunities to model “GO” include:
When starting the train on the track, say and model: “READY, SET, GO!”
While the train is moving along the track, say and model: “LOOK AT THE TRAIN GO!”
If the train stops you can say and model “GO” by saying “Let’s make the train GO again!”
The word “GO” is also in the text on 2 of the tracks – this is a natural opportunity to model “GO” while reading the text to build literacy skills.
The word “GO” is featured in the text as well – providing extra opportunities for modeling and literacy.
Text featuring the core vocabulary word “GO” provides extra opportunities for modeling and literacy exposure.
But that’s not all!
There are lots of additional Core Vocabulary to model while reading as well!
While this book lends itself to easy and frequent modeling of the core vocabulary word “GO”, there are lots of other core vocabulary words that can be modeled throughout this book, including:
There are many opportunities to model “LIKE” throughout the book!
There are many opportunities to model the core word “LOOK” while reading.
Don’t forget to ask questions while reading and modeling!
“TURN” is easy to incorporate often while reading.
A great opportunity to practice asking for help!
There are lots of prepositional concepts throughout the book to chat about as well!
Remember…
Follow the lead of your students or whomever you are reading with, modeling various vocabulary as you go. The illustrations within the book are beautiful visual scenes filled with lots of different objects, actions and places to explore and chat about!
I can’t wait to incorporate literacy, AAC & play!
Ready to add this book or others from the Busy Book collection to your library? Check them out here:
Remember – there is no right or wrong way to read a book – just keep reading!
Just keep reading!
One final note…
P.S. If you are a visual learner or just hang out on YouTube – you can watch this content come to life there: https://youtu.be/ScWO9dTYmfE
by Megan | Apr 18, 2020 | AAC, aided language input, aided language stimulation, modeling, prompt hierarchy, prompt hierarchy, training, YouTube
Prompt Hierarchy
Hello again! If you’ve read my other blog posts you should now be familiar with AAC, Core and Fringe vocabulary as well as the “what”, “why” and “how” of modeling language with AAC. If any of this is unfamiliar to you, pause here and head over to my other posts on those topics, to learn or refresh your memory and then come on back to this post.
Now that you are excited and ready to show off your AAC modeling skills and let the world know what a “super-modeler” you are, I have one more tool for you to add to your tool box! This tool is multi-functional and can come in handy in any and all situations where you will be or are modeling core vocabulary and AAC. The tool that I am talking about is the Prompt Hierarchy.
Wait…
I think I may have gotten a little ahead of myself – are you wondering what a prompt is? Let’s take a minute to review that so that we make sure we are all on the same page. Prompting can be defined as: “a strategy used to assist, suggest or cue someone in order to help them learn a new skill” – such as using an AAC system for communication.
A prompt is: a strategy to assist, suggest or cue someone in order to help them learn a new skill.
We all need prompting to learn a new skill – people were there to help and prompt us to learn to walk, to learn to cook, to learn to drive, etc., – these were not skills that we picked up on our own. We needed someone there to help us along, providing opportunities for increased independence as our skills improved until we were able to do it completely on our own. We can use the same ideas to help our AAC users develop their independence in their communication and use of their AAC system.
We all need prompting to learn a new skill.
If you think about a time that you have helped or prompted someone through learning a new task and you think about the ways that you have prompted them you will probably see that you did so in a variety of different ways.
You probably used some of, or all of these prompts: gestures (e.g., pointing, reaching, showing, etc),
Gestural prompt: reaching, pointing, showing objects
verbal (e.g., words, phrases and/or sentences),
Verbal prompt: words, phrases, sentences
visual (e.g., looking toward items, objects, places, providing something for them to look at/reference, etc),
Visual prompt: looking toward items, objects, places, providing something for them to look at/reference
and/or setting up the environment to encourage the skill be attempted or completed. We can, and should, use the same types of prompts for our AAC users as we facilitate their learning how to use their AAC systems effectively and efficiently.
Ok, now that we are on the same page about what prompting is, the different types and the fact that we all need some every once in a while, let’s chat about the Prompt Hierarchy.
As with core vocabulary communication boards, there are many different versions of Prompt Hierarchies out there, and the one that you use is more of a preference, however they typically include the same steps. The organization of the steps may be a little different however, depending upon the version of the hierarchy.
Oh and don’t let that word “hierarchy” trip you up – it’s just a fancy way to explain how things are organized or ranked.
Throughout this post, this is the Prompt Hierarchy I will be referring to.
Prompt Hierarchy
It moves through various levels of prompting from the least amount of prompting to the most. I will highlight each level of the hierarchy, providing examples of what prompting at this level might look like.
Important points
It is important to know that you may work through this hierarchy in its entirety multiple times within an activity and that’s ok. We are not expecting a student to learn a new skill and how to complete it independently after a single exposure. It may take many times before students start to demonstrate the ability to complete part or all of the task themselves. Another important aspect of this hierarchy that I want to make sure is highlighted is the emphasis on providing wait time between each level of prompting.
Sometimes, AAC users need increased time to think about, process and comprehend what they hear and see. Therefore, it is vital that we intentionally provide time for the students to process the information that is presented to them and give them a chance to give some information back in the form of actions, words, etc before we move forward. This will be demonstrated as we move through the explanation of each step within the hierarchy.
Always use modeling: intensively and across all environments – this is the umbrella under which all AAC learning happens.
At the top of this hierarchy is an umbrella stating “Always Use Aided Language Stimulation” or “Modeling”. The umbrella image signifies that this skill, of modeling language using AAC, is the umbrella under which all AAC learning occurs and that modeling language via AAC should be happening all day, every day and throughout each step of the prompt hierarchy.
Step One
The first step of the hierarchy, which uses the least amount of prompting, is “Create Motivation”.
Create motivation: create engaging circumstances to promote communication. Be a motivating communication partner.
Within this step, our job as the communication partner is to create environments and activities that are highly engaging and motivating for the student. When students are engaged and motivated they are more likely to want to interact and/or communicate.
This motivation does not have to be only within the physical environment or with a physical item. It can also be with you, solely as the communication partner. Yes, you can be motivating and engaging, without anything else, just you. More stuff doesn’t always make things more motivating for students.
So, after you have created motivation and engagement for your students to encourage them to communicate – what do you do?You WAIT! I recommend counting, slowly and in your head, for at least 5-15 seconds or more (some studies suggest waiting up to 45 seconds) to provide the student the extra processing time that they may need.
If the student doesn’t initiate communication after you have provided ample wait time or if during the waiting time period it seems as if they are becoming disinterested in the activity, continue on with the next step in the prompting hierarchy.
Step Two
The second step within the prompting hierarchy focuses on increasing the wait time that you provide for the student while still encouraging them to communicate or respond to your communication attempts through providing an “expectant pause”.
Inviting & expectant pause: pause & wait for a response. The amount of time needed will vary depending upon the individual.
This might look like, showing the student their favorite snack or toy in a closed container or in a place that is out of reach, looking at the student, looking at the snack and then looking back towards the student. When you look back towards the student the last time, this is when you give the “expectant look”. An expectant “look” often looks something like this: “eyebrows raised, wide eyes and a smile”.
After the addition of this step – guess what you do? That’s right – you wait again – remembering that waiting is giving your student’s important time to process and think.
Step Three
The third step within this prompting hierarchy is providing an indirect visual cue.
Indirect visual cue: use a gesture, light pointer, move communication system closer, direct attention towards communication system.
This would look like you, as the communication partner, pointing to the communication system, moving the communication system closer to the student, or in some way, visually gaining the attention of the student and moving that attention towards the communication system. This step is paired with an expectant pause and look, that was described before as well.
After this step, wait to see if the student responds and initiates communication. If not, proceed onto the next step in the hierarchy.
Remember, as we are progressing through these steps we are gradually moving from providing the least amount of prompting, promoting the most independence for the student, towards increasing the amount of prompting to help the student successfully initiate and/or complete the skill they are learning, in this case, using their AAC communication system.
Step Four
The fourth step in the hierarchy is to provide a direct visual cue for the student.
Direct visual cue: directly point at or indicate possible messages that could be used.
This is where you show the student possible messages that they could use within the activity, environment, etc.This can be done through physically touching various symbols on the communication system, hovering your finger around certain symbols or areas on the communication system that you feel could be messages that the students might want to use and/or communicate. Again, this step is paired with an expectant pause and look as well as,-you guessed it,- waiting time for processing and thinking by the student.
Step Five
The fifth step is providing an indirect verbal cue.
Indirect verbal cue: give a hint, use a verbal cue or unfinished sentence, ask what they think.
Indirect verbal cues can be hint, such as “What do you w___?” to ask the student what they want, while pointing to, or near, the symbol “want” on the communication system. Another example of an indirect verbal cue can be an unfinished familiar sentence or phrase such as “Ready…Set…____” and leaving wait time and an expectant look for the student to attempt to fill in the last word to complete the sentence or phrase.
I just mentioned it again but I bet you are sensing a pattern by now. After this step, make sure you leave some wait time before moving onto the next step to see if your student will initiate a communication interaction.
Step Six
The sixth step is a direct verbal cue and involves directly telling the student possible messages that you think they might want to share that are applicable to the activity/environment.
Direct verbal cue: provide possible messages that could be shared – “I wonder if you think it’s…”
This can be accompanied by saying things like “I wonder if you think it’s ____” and then modeling on the communication system different options that the student could use within the activity, routine, environment, etc. This is, as always, followed up with and paired with wait time and an expectant look.
Step Seven
The seventh step in the hierarchy is the non-directive model.
Non-directive model: model possible messages that could be used to communicate.
This is where you share some possible messages that the student could use to communicate within the activity, routine, etc. These are non-directive models in that we are not telling the students to “Say _____” or “Touch ___” on their communication system. We do not want to tell our students what to say, we just want to give them examples of things they could say. You can model these words or phrases on the communication system in a non directive way through saying things like “You could say ___”, or “I want to say ____” to provide examples for the student of how they could use the language of their communication system within that activity. After providing these models, you again wait to see if the student may imitate the model you provided or if they will initiate their own communication interaction.
Final thoughts
Notice I didn’t mention hand over hand assistance as we moved through each step. Taking a student’s hand and moving it for them to touch and/or activate the communication system is not advisable. The strategy of actively modeling language via AAC for students has been proven, through research, to be more effective than hand over hand and physical prompting.
We want AAC users to know that their voice is theirs and that they are free to communicate whatever they want. By taking their hand and physically leading them to what to say, it can be interpreted that we are telling or directing the AAC user as to what they need to or should say.
The strategy of actively modeling language via AAC for students has been proven, through research, to be more effective than hand over hand and physical prompting.
If you have moved through the entire hierarchy and the student has not yet imitated or initiated any communication attempts – that is OK! Remember the umbrella that is over this whole hierarchy – the strategy of modeling language via AAC! Throughout every step, you were modeling and providing aided language input for the student – you were demonstrating ways that they could communicate throughout the activity. Remember that modeling is about what we as the communication partners do and not about what the students do.
And guess what? If the student did not communicate or attempt to communicate after you have moved through each step, you can try again! You can re-introduce the activity, increasing the motivation within the activity and expose the student to the targeted vocabulary again. Another option is to introduce a new activity and move through the prompt hierarchy within that activity as well.
I want to leave you with this – to communicate or not is always a choice – we can not and should not try to force anyone to communicate. It is perfectly fine if they don’t want to communicate or if they say something different than what you were expecting. Expect the unexpected and honor all communication attempts!
Now what?
Now that you have added this new tool to your toolbox make sure you use it! A copy of the prompting hierarchy referenced throughout this post can be found here for you to save, print and share. As always, if you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out via email or in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the SENSEable Literacy email list to be notified of new blog posts, videos, and more!
The content of this post can also be found in video format here: https://youtu.be/n7hx7KeP9JI
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