TalkLink, a Professional Learning Opportunity for Teachers
The main topic of this course was the use of the hard copy CORE board and its many possibilities.
Polly Thomas (TalkLink) explained and demonstrated the various ways that the CORE Board could be used with students who are on the Autistic Spectrum, to aid them in communication. By teachers pointing to each image they are able to communicate their directions or requests and at the same time the student is able to communicate visually.
The top of each board has a ring binder with strips of special interest words that are most relevant to the student. Strips can be changed or added to as the child's level of communication grows.
The mantra of TalkLink for student engagement is to motivate, model and move out of the way!
The communication device can be used to communicate when on playground duty or in the classroom, or when students shut down and are unable to communicate their needs. The teacher is able to wear a 'YES' or 'NO' sign on a lanyard for those types of responses.
Hi Esther
ReplyDeleteIt is great seeing your posts pop up in my feed recently. Thanks for sharing your professional learning experiences with us. I have pointed out your two recent posts to colleagues who are working in these areas too.
Hope Term three goes well
Dorothy
Thanks DJB for passing my posts on. I had a breakthrough with one of my students recently by using the CORE board to give him choices rather than have him withdraw and become non verbal. He quickly replied by pointing to his choice on the board and resumed his engagement in the class. Happy teacher, happy child. Happy child, happy teacher.
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