Building a Foundation of Language and Literacy for Emergent Communicators
A foundation of language and literacy skills is essential for social, functional, and academic progress for all students. But what do we do with Leila? She isn't talking yet, and Devon? He can't hold a pencil. Mai requests cake over and over and what about Mateo? He doesn't use his device at all. How do we move these students beyond cause effect switches and requesting? How do we help students understand language and express themselves? How do we support reading and writing development? This course will explore evidence-based strategies to build the language and literacy skills that emergent communicators need. We will address 1) assessment of current levels 2) creation of measurable and meaningful goals 3) development of an educational environment that supports language and literacy and 4) provision of integrated language and literacy interventions. Content will be applicable for professionals serving emergent communicators of all ages/grade levels.
(3 Sessions)
Intended Audience
- Speech-language pathologists
- Special education teachers
- Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs)
- Occupational therapists
- Administrators
Participants Will
- Determine students' language and literacy levels
- Write relevant and measurable goals
- Build essential language and literacy skills
- Move beyond cause/effect switches and requesting
- Help students participate in meaningful interactions
- Integrate communication tools into everyday activities
- Create learning environments that support communication
Presenters
- Janet McLellan, Ph.D., M.A., CCC-SLP-L, Speech-Language Pathologist
- Alison Pentland, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
- Liz Arenas, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
- Sharon Reyes, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Dates
- Part 1 - Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
- Part 2 - Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
- Part 3 - Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Registration
Building a Foundation of Language and Literacy for Emergent Communicators Registration