Last week we started our Core Word Programme with “I want”, and used effective and interactive ways to teach and model this phrase to our learners. This week, we are focussing on "Not" and "Like."
Part of my year-long programme designed for AAC users and Gestalt Learning Processors, this core word combination allows for opinions and consent to be communicated.
Each session comes with Makaton sign language videos, symbols, phrase examples covering needs, wants, and social expressions, songs, interactive games, activity ideas and more!
Read on to see how I've been using the programme and core words in my classrooms.
The sensory stories that I have been using with my classes this week are Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss and Not a Box by Antoinette Portis. Not a box is a wonderful book that inspires imagination, and Green Eggs and Ham is the classic that we all know and love! In this book, Dr Seuss only uses 50 words, many of which are "not" and "like", perfect for our core word programme!
The learners in my class have enjoyed playing the interactive game and tabletop activities which are included in every core word session. In the game this week, children chose "Like" or "Not Like" in response to images, such as juice or a tiger. The game is errorless, ensuring their answers are always correct. This empowers them to express preferences confidently and reinforces that it's okay to have likes and dislikes, and to share them.
With the tabletop activity, our learners are encouraged to sort symbols onto a "Like" and "Not Like" display. This is another errorless activity which allows students to practice decision making, autonomy, and communication.
In my classrooms, we use a variety of methods to meet the different communication needs of our learners. One of the most useful tools is Widgit Software symbols, which we use to display messages, model communication and interact with our class. To try Widgit for free for 28 days, click on my link here.
We also have the weekly core words displayed, alongside the topic sign of the week. This allows us to reinforce what we are learning, as well as reach students with different communication needs, abilities and preferences.
If you want to join in with my Core Word programme but haven't signed up yet, it's not too late! Although there are 36 weeks of accessible and flexible content (perfect for a school year!), this can be started at any point.
You can buy the full 36 week programme, or individual core word sessions. Don’t forget that if you buy you can join the private Facebook group to share ideas, get support and collaborate with others.
Try our FREE demo session and get the entire programme for just £35!
What effective ways have you found to help the children in your care communicate "Not" and "Like"? Let me know in the comments!
1 टिप्पणी
I work in a mainstream school in a hub and this program has been amazing for the children i work with. I have already seen children using the signs independently and in context.
We role play situations in which we use those words and we have put signs together, I don’t like it, I want help etc I have had staff appriach me telling me a child asked for help back in class, she normally struggled to understand him and he gets frustrated but this time the TA understoof immediately and the child was so happy.