Summer AACtivities: Shared Reading with AAC

Summer is the perfect time to relax, explore, and learn with your child. One of the most beneficial activities you can enjoy together is shared reading. Not only does it help maintain reading skills during the break, but it also sets the foundation for success in the upcoming school year. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond and introduce new vocabulary in a fun, engaging way, especially using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).

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Why Shared Reading is Important

Shared reading involves reading a book together and interacting with the text, pictures, and each other. This activity is particularly enriching for children using AAC, as it:

• Encourages communication: Kids can use their AAC devices to comment on the story, ask questions, or make choices about what happens next.
• Builds vocabulary: Encountering new words and concepts helps expand their language skills.
• Develops literacy skills: Shared reading enhances understanding of narrative structure, improves listening skills, and fosters a love for reading.
• Promotes bonding: It’s a great way to spend quality time together, creating lasting memories and positive associations with reading.

Our Book Recommendation: “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell”

One of our favorite series for shared reading is the “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a _” books by Lucille Colandro. This series is whimsical and repetitive, making it perfect for engaging young readers. Today, we’re diving into “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell.”

In this delightful story, the old lady swallows a shell, and, eventually, she spits out a sandcastle scene! The rhymes and rhythmic text make it a joy to read aloud and listen to, while the humorous illustrations keep everyone entertained.

How to Use AAC During Shared Reading

Watch our video to see some clips of how we incorporate AAC into shared reading with this book. Here are some strategies to get you started:

Interactive Reading:

• As you read, pause to ask questions about the text and pictures. Encourage your child to use their AAC device to answer or comment.
• Model words: “What’s next?,” “She swallowed…,” “I see…”

Repetitive Phrases:

• This book series is known for its repetitive, cumulative structure, which is great for reinforcing language. Encourage your child to join in with the repetitive lines.
• Model words: Things she swallows, “Old”, “Who”, “a _____”

Expand on Vocabulary:

• Use the story as a springboard to introduce and practice new vocabulary related to summer and the beach.
• Model words: “Sand,” “Castle,” “Wave,” “Ocean”

Post-Reading Discussion:

• After finishing the book, have a discussion about the story. What was their favorite part? Use the AAC device to talk about the sequence of events.
• Model words: “Favorite,” “Funny,” “I liked…”

Creative Extension:

• Encourage your child to create their own version of the story. What else could the old lady swallow? Use their AAC device to come up with new ideas.

Words to Model with AAC

While reading and interacting with the book, focus on modeling these words and phrases on the AAC device:

• Look
• See
• What
• Next
• Funny
• Shell
• Sandcastle
• Read again
• Tell me

Benefits of Shared Reading with AAC

Shared reading sessions are invaluable for children using AAC as they:

• Enhance language skills: Through repetitive exposure and interaction, children learn new words and how to use them in context.
• Boost confidence: Participating in the storytelling process helps build self-assurance in communication.
• Encourage creativity: Imagining different story outcomes and characters fosters creative thinking.
• Strengthen parent-child bonds: The time spent together reading is intimate and fosters a deep connection.

Ready to Read Together?

So, grab your copy of “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell” and settle in for a fun-filled reading session. Remember to take your time, engage with the story, and enjoy the magical world of books with your child.

Whether you’re at the beach or snuggled up at home, shared reading with AAC can turn any moment into a special learning experience. Happy reading!