Learning Objective: Aquire skills and experiment with the necessary tools for teaching a range of student learners about literacy, including AAC technologies.
In my experience, acquiring skills and tools for teaching literacy at the PANDA AAC Camp was frustrating. I scoured the internet for AAC core word resources, searched for emerging reader books focused on the go, and activities for learning core words. To my surprise, finding adequate resources was frustrating. However, with persistence and dedication, I discovered some excellent tools, such as Canva and an AAC symbol core board maker, which allowed me to create engaging materials. With Canva, I made two series of core word books based on the camp’s overall theme and the theme of each day. These books were instrumental in effectively evolving the literacy learning sessions throughout the camp so that by the final day, all campers were adequately supported. I implemented the symbols into my challenges to make them more accessible for the learners. Access to a digital core card, knowledge of common universal symbols, and support from speech and language pathologists were crucial for adequate session planning. I attended training sessions provided by BCAAC to learn valuable skills and knowledge about AAC, but I wish I had access to these resources from the beginning of the practicum. Developing a handbook with essential information for instructional leads, including effective tools and support from one year to the next, would significantly impact the program’s success. Overall, my experience with AAC technologies and tools for teaching literacy was challenging but rewarding, and I am confident I can continue to use and teach these valuable resources.
