There never seems to be a great time to start new strategies for students in your classroom. If there isn’t one thing going on, there are (literally) three million others. But here is the thing- communication is so very important and can be the make or break for students in self-contained or Autism Units, we have to do more. You can start with this communication mini-challenge!
Communication Mini-Challenge
We have talked a lot before about communication systems and response modes in the classroom for students who are minimally verbal or nonverbal. I hope you are here because you have realized how very important having a way to communicate is for the kind of students we teach.
With that said, for some unknown reason, we all start the year with the best of intentions on implementing a more robust communication system for students with speech and language delays or deficits. Then we somehow lose our ways somewhere between toilet rotations and managing behaviors.
So, here as this little mini challenge, I want to task you with making a change in you so you can have a bigger positive impact on your students.
You gotta be game for that!
What Do I Gotta Do?
The number one reason communication systems (like core, VODs, AAC, AT, etc.) all fail in the classroom has nothing to do with the student. It has nearly everything to do with the teacher.
- WE, as teachers, have failed to model how the system works in the real world.
- WE, as teachers, failed to give the system power and show it works to help control our environment and those around us.
- WE, as teachers, failed to be consistent and provide access all the time and with all things.
Failure is all on us.
The students who learn a communication system without these things are doing them in spite of us, not because of us and are the exception, not the rule.
Stop the Guilt Already!
You still with me? Have I made you feel bad enough already?
Good.
Here comes the challenge:
- YOU need to commit.
- YOU need to decide that a communication system is important in your classroom.
- YOU need to pledge to model it in everything you do, all day, everyday.
Do you see a common theme here? It’s you!
So, What Do I Do? Do the Communication Mini Challenge!
The first step in this communication mini challenge is to learn a system. If you are a believer in core and know most of your students would benefit from the vocabulary and the accessibility, then go with that (you can read more about core here). Also, check out this digital and printable Core Vocab Flip Book in the Noodle Nook store.
If there is a certain device that is most prevalent in your classroom, then pick that.
If you have nothing, but just want to learn, I suggest core, but you could also learn via an app, like Proloquo to Go (I wish I was an affiliate, because that thing is mad expensive- I’m not, but if it’s for you then here is the iTunes link).
Whatever the mode, decide on it and commit. Then, carry it everywhere… even at home. You have to learn to use it. You have to be able to model using it with ease and competence for your students and the only way you can do that is to learn it for real. Start with making it through an entire day. Build up as you go- a couple hours, an afternoon, and then the full Monty.
When you learn to communicate, your students will see you and learn too.
I want you to commit to this communication mini challenge. So, in the comments, write what mode you are going to learn and then come on back to let us know how it’s going.
I want you all to be successful in teaching your students to communicate. This, my friend, is a necessary first step. So stay strong and teach (and learn) on!
READ MORE: Autism Classroom Setup Essentials, Autism Classroom Setup Checklist and Implementing Rules in Autism Classrooms
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