Making your iPad a Dedicated Communication Device, again... with iOs settings!
You may have noticed in the last update that even in Guided Access (AKA Kid Mode) your student may swipe up or across and access new menus on their iPad! *Update the iPad and Guided Access will now restrict the menus. Apple listened and fixed the problem.
You can use Apple Configurator 2 (free on Mac) to lock the iPad into one app (Single-app Mode). The benefit is that the student can't lock the iPad in Guided Access trying to guess the code. Furthermore, if the device is completely drained of battery, it will remain in single-app mode when it is charged.
Do you ever find yourself thinking any of the following:
How can I possibly model symbol communication and core vocabulary during a whole group?
I don't have time to program or create a symbol board each week for my 1 or 2 students with limited verbal communication.
What vocabulary words do I target? There are so many!
All of these are valid, real world challenges. Whenever we find a colleague, teacher, or therapist who has cleverly faced and overcome some of these challenges, we are quick to pass these strategies on to others in the field. Why re-invent the wheel?
This month we wanted to highlight Haley Harrington's pre-K classroom in Del Mar Union School District. She has creatively come up with ways to model symbol, core-based vocabulary for her students on a daily basis that keep her little ones engaged and participating, despite their complex communication needs.
Check out this video of Haley using Aided Language Stimulation modeling during whole group instruction:
This video, Haley describes, how she created her own core-based classroom communication board:
Here are Haley and her staff in action pairing Video Self Modeling techniques and Aided Language Modeling of core vocabulary:
Once your core classroom board is made, there's no need for day-to-day or week-to-week prep of materials. Core words can be woven into any theme, activity, lesson, or location. That's the beauty of core words!! Additionally, the student is getting large amounts of repetition of these words across settings, communication partners, and activities.
The BEST part about Haley's classroom is the student engagement and the FUN everyone is having... including Haley! Thanks for sharing Haley!!
Here's a great video demonstration how communication partners use Aided Language Stimulation techniques and core word focus within context to teach eye gaze to a new AAC :
Click on this slideshow for evidence-based researched AAC Implementation strategies and techniques:
