Hello everyone and welcome to our exciting new blog series, Summer AACtivities! As the sunny days roll in and summer break begins, it’s the perfect time to explore fun activities that not only keep our children entertained but also provide valuable opportunities for language learning. This series is designed to help families discover creative summer activities while highlighting the essential AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) core words to model and use throughout these adventures.
Why Summer AACtivities?
Summer is a time for adventure, creativity, and family bonding. It’s also a fantastic season to support and enhance your child’s communication skills using AAC. We understand that integrating language learning into daily activities can sometimes be challenging, especially during the bustling summer months. That’s why we’ve crafted a series of blog posts packed with engaging, hands-on activities that naturally incorporate AAC core words.
What to Expect
Each week, we’ll introduce a new activity that is not only enjoyable but also educational. From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, every activity will be paired with a list of AAC core words and phrases to model, ensuring that your child’s communication device is seamlessly integrated into the fun. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the activities we’ll be exploring:
- DIY Bubble Wands: Create magical bubble wands while practicing words like “blow,” “more,” and “again.”
- Ice Cream in a Bag: Make a delicious treat together, modeling phrases such as “help me,” “shake,” and “eat it.”
- DIY Sun Catchers: Craft beautiful sun catchers while focusing on terms like “glue,” “cut,” and “see it.”
How to Get the Most Out of This Series
To make the most of our Summer AACtivities series, we recommend the following tips:
- Model Core Words: Consistently use and model the suggested AAC core words during each activity. This helps reinforce vocabulary and encourages your child to use their AAC device in meaningful contexts.
- Make It Fun: Keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable. The goal is to create a positive and engaging environment where learning happens naturally.
- Repeat and Reinforce: Repetition is key in language learning. Don’t hesitate to repeat activities and continuously model the core words.
- Share Your Experiences: We’d love to hear about your adventures! Share your stories, photos, and any tips you’ve discovered along the way.
Join Us on This Journey
We’re thrilled to embark on this summer journey with you and your family. Summer AACtivities is more than just a series of blog posts; it’s a community of families supporting each other in making language learning a fun and integral part of everyday life. Together, let’s create memorable summer experiences while enhancing our children’s communication skills.
Stay tuned for our first activity post and get ready for a summer filled with creativity, laughter, and learning. Here’s to a wonderful season of AACtivities!
Happy summer,
Shelley, MT-BC, AAC Specialist