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Topic “Level 1”
"Matching Perception"
Examples of contexts and questions From Blank, Rose, and Berlin (1978):- A. Scanning for a matching object (Find one like this.)
- B. Identifying an object by sound (Show me what you heard.)
- C. Identifying an object by touch (Show me what you touched.)
- D. Naming an object heard (What did you hear?)
- E. Naming an object touched (What did you touch?)
- F. Naming an object seen (What is this?)
- G. Imitating a simple sentence (Say this...)
- H. Remembering pictured objects (What did you see?)
- I. Remembering incidental information (What did you see?)
Reference
Blank M., Rose S., and Berlin L. (1978) "The Language of Learning: The Preschool Years". Grune and Stratton, New York.
Blank's Levels of Discourse and the associated descriptions quoted from Blank, Rose and Berlin (1978) are used on Commtap by kind permission of Dr. Marion Blank. Marion Blank's software programmes Reading Kingdom and ASD Reading use the ideas developed in this discourse model.
Encouraging eye gaze communication (no tech)
Helping a child to use/begin to use an eye gazing to communicate choices or an action they would like you to do - with pictures and (optionally) a perspex eye gaze frame (i.e. sheet of clear plastic you hold up between you and the child to fix communication pictures on).
Encouraging looking at an appropriate picture
In this situation you know what the child wants - e.g. they want the mirror chimes, or they want you to spin them, but they are not looking at the appropriate picture or picture symbol. This can happen if the child is new to this communication method, or you've put pictures in a different position on the frame in front of the child, or you are presenting new picture symbols.
Try
Select a picture on an eye gaze frame
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Picture pairs Plastic perspex sheet with hole in the middle, around 40cm x 30cm (e.g "E-tran frame"); Two sets of everyday picture cards - or whatever the student is interested in. |
| If the student has difficulties, you can try pointing it at each position on the frame - starting from their top left and working across and down - say "is it here" at each position ("no!") - until you get to the right position, say "yes" "here's the....". Say "look at the....", then ask them and say "where was the....?" - taking your eyes slowly to the position - trying to take the student's eyes with you. When you get there, take it off, pretend to eat it (for example) and then put it on the "done" pile with the other card. More ideas about this here from Call Scotland. Going further When a student can do this with one picture, try adding more pictures on the frame (distractor pictures). Start with two, then three/four (one on each corner), then gradually up to seven (each corner and the middle of each side except the bottom side. Put the target card - the one you are working on - in one of the positions you are using. |
| Find the picture/item Plastic perspex sheet with hole in the middle, around 40cm x 30cm (e.g "E-tran frame"); Two sets of everyday picture cards - or whatever the student is interested in. | If the student has difficulties, you can try pointing it at each position on the frame - starting from their top left and working across and down - say "is it here" at each position ("no!") - until you get to the right position, say "yes" "here's the....". Say "look at the....", then ask them and say "where was the....?" - taking your eyes slowly to the position - trying to take the student's eyes with you. When you get there, take it off, and pretend to eat it/drive it etc. More ideas about this here from Call Scotland. Going further When a student can do this with one picture, try adding more pictures on the frame (distractor pictures). Start with two, then three/four (one on each corner), working up to seven (each corner and the middle of each side except the bottom side. Put the target card - the one you are working on - in one of the positions you are using. | |
| Confirmation using a "special spot" Plastic perspex sheet with hole in the middle, around 40cm x 30cm (e.g "E-tran frame"); Two sets of everyday picture cards - or whatever the student is interested in. | The idea of this activity is for the student to learn how they can confirm a choice. It is necessary to have some way of them confirming a choice because:
All these will make it difficult to be sure what they are trying to communicate. The "special spot" (which could for example be a red circle stuck in the bottom middle of the frame) can be a point that a student to look to to:
|
Responds to what questions
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Familiar picture books
|
| WARNING: it can become a habit to keep asking a child "what's that" whenever you see a picture (a phenomenom that might be called "What's that-ing") - so use in moderation - and, in other situations, try leaving long pauses for a child to tell you about a picture rather than asking a specific question. When the child is able to understand this question, you could try taking it in turns so that they get a go at asking you "what's that?". |
| Silly questions One or more of these:
... and if required: "What" symbol card |
Name common objects
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Story books and pictures | Describe and look for things and actions in story books and pictures. | |
| Fishing game pictures with paper clips attached, magnetic fishing rods, 'pond' e.g. a flat box | Put cards in the box, take turns to fish for a picture, say/sign what is fished out. | Give the pupil time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound. or the word or sign to repeat) |
| 'Hide the fish' Eight picture cards, small piece of paper with a fish drawn on it | ||
| Collages Pictures of everyday objects, background pictures (Black Sheep Sentence Builder and Narrative Packs have some good ones) | Give the pupil time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound. or the word or sign to repeat) Have each child take a turn at thinking of other items they could add to that collage. They can draw these on. | |
| Jotters Pictures of everyday objects from class and outside. A blank jotter book | Have the child take a turn at thinking of other items they could add | |
| Odd one out activites Pictures of everyday objects from class and outside | Give the pupil time to think about it. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, talking about where you find each object and what you do with it.) |
Develop language skills through cookery
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Deciding on the ingredients Pen; Paper; Optional - picture symbols for food items you need; An idea for what you are going to make. If using, you can make picture symbol cards using the Commtap Symboliser for PowerPoint. |
See comments for variations on doing this. | Making it easier: Have a set of pictures of ingredients which are appropriate for what you are making, and some other ingredients. Get the children to choose the appropriate ingredients. Even easier: Have a set of pictures for the ingredients, and some further pictures which aren't food (e.g. pictures of furniture, clothes). Help the child to choose those which are food items. Harder: Get the children to draw and/or write down the ingredients themselves. |
| Buying ingredients
You can make a shopping list with symbols using the Commtap Symboliser for PowerPoint. | On subsequent occasions, you can pretend that you have a really bad memory, and you need the children to help you to remember what to take. If they don't remember everything, you can look a bit confused, and say something like "I'm sure we need to take something else...". You could also use ideas based on the comments in "Deciding on the ingredients". | |
| Making the item
| If the children are familiar with cooking this item, but they sequenced the pictures for doing the activity incorrectly at the beginning, you don't necessarily have to correct them straight away - you can correct it at the point when it becomes a problem - e.g. if you get to the putting the pizza in the oven bit before you've put the sauce and toppings on (look very confused!). Sketches for the sequence - these do not need to be accurate at all - they will be useful for this activity no matter what level of drawing ability you have. The children can also help with this. You can incorporate a number of maths concepts into the activities, for example: "full", "empty", "more", "less", "hot", "cold". Safety. Clearly you will need to manage any dangerous aspects of the cooking process as appropriate for the children you are working with (e.g. use of knives, the cooker). |
use adjectives to describe and classify objects
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Classify the object 1
| 1. Decide on a common category e.g. "things which are round" or "things which are red". 2. Help the child to sort the items into 2 groups according to whether they fit the category or not (i.e. a 'red' group and a 'not red' group). | |
| Classify the object 2 A selection of common objects (you could use pictures instead) 2 sorting rings (draw two overlapping circles on a large sheet of paper if these are not available)
Category labels (optional) | 1. Decide on two common categories e.g. "things which are round" and "things which are red". 2. Place the sorting rings on the table so that they overlap. 3. Explain that one ring is for items that have one feature (e.g. "round"). Explain that the other ring is for items that have the other feature (e.g. "red"). Explain that where the rings overlap, is where things that have both features go (see diagram on the left). Items which do not fit either category are left outside the rings. 4. Add labels if you are using them. 5. Help the child to sort the items into groups according to which category they fit. | To make this activity more difficult, you could sort according to three categories. |
| Spider chart
| Example of a spider chart:
| |
| What's in the bag?
| ||
| Nicknames No materials required | Works well as a group activity - could be used as an ice-breaker. | |
| I spy adjectives No materials required. | ||
| Books
|
Name 2d shapes e.g. square
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Shape pairs A set of cards with shapes you are working on - say four with squares on, four with triangles on, four with rectangles on and four with circles on. |
| Make sure you have a go as well as the children. Take your go in the same way as they do, saying the name of the shape as you turn it over. If the child struggles to say the name of the shape, say it for them. Having lots of goes rather than labouring over one go is likely to be more satisfying for the children. Variations Shapes and object pictures Half the cards have the shape picture on, the other half have pictures of objects that are that shape (viewed from an angle that looks like that shape) - for example: book, iPad, ball, clock, door, coin, cheese triangle, end of Toblerone box, road warning sign. To make pairs, you now have to match a shape to an object picture. Call out the shapes for the objects and shape pictures as before. Object pictures |
| Models with 2D shapes Printed cards with pictures of the shapes and their names. Selection of 2D shapes. | Start with a small number of shapes - e.g. squares and triangles. |
Pick out shapes from a collection
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Hunt the shape Plastic shapes Soft toys Beakers | Use squares, circles, rectangles etc and play hiding games under soft toys or beakers. As the child or you 'find ' the item label it, for example: 'Look...a circle.' | You need to make the learning very visible. Allow the child to explore the materials and give time to respond to questions. Use simple language and as much as possible use the same phrases to name shapes e.g. 'Square...this is a square.' Use lots of repetition. |
| Posting Plastic shapes Post box Bag (optional) | Allow the child to explore the materials and give time to respond to questions. | |
| Join dots to make shapes Dotted pictures of shapes Pencil, colouring pencils or crayons A post box (optional) | Use simple language and as much as possible use the same phrases to name shapes e.g. 'Square...this is a square.' Use lots of repetition. | |
| Play dough modelling Play dough, plasticene or similar. | Allow the child to explore materials and give time to respond to questions Use simple language and as much as possible use the same phrases to name shapes e.g. 'Square...this is a square.' Use lots of repetition. |
name 3d shapes eg sphere
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| 3D shapes Printed cards with pictures of the shapes and their names. Selection of 3D shapes. | 1. Use simple 3D shapes like cube, sphere etc. 2. Make a model with them and label the different shapes you can see. 3. Match the shapes shown in the cards with the 3D shapes. 4. See if the child can name some of the shapes they can see. 5. Ask the children to use their shapes to make the same model. See if they can name the shapes as they go, and tell you where they are. | Start with a small number of different shapes - e.g. cubes and cones. |
| 3D and 2D shapes Printed cards with shapes and names. Selection of 2D and 3D shapes. |
Match quantities up to 8
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Pens in pots 2 Plastic pots Up to 16 pens/coloured pencils | 1. Put out 2 pots one in front of yourself and one in front of the child 2. Get child's attention and slowly count 3 pens into your pot. Say 'Your turn' to the child and, if necessary, help the child put 3 pens in his/her pot. 3. Reward with praise and/or a sticker. 4. Repeat the activity with different numbers of pens working up to 8 at the end. | Keep the activity snappy and fun. Have your equipment ready in advance so that the child does not loose interest. |
| Lego towers Pile of Lego bricks | Keep the activity snappy and fun. Have your equipment ready in advance so that the child does not loose interest. | |
| Peg board patterns Peg board and pegs | Keep the activity snappy and fun. Have your equipment ready in advance so that the child does not loose interest. | |
| Drawing simple shapes. Paper and pens | Keep the activity snappy and fun. Have your equipment ready in advance so that the child does not loose interest. | |
| Generalise the skill throughout the school day | Keep the activity snappy and fun. Have your equipment ready in advance so that the child does not loose interest. |
Names pictures
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Making a book of special things Catalogue pictures of toys or favourite food Glue | Cut pictures from catalogues that you know interest the child, stick one picture onto a page and spend some time looking and talking about the picture e.g. say 'What's that?' Use the child's words to write a label under the picture. Make up a small book of favourite things which can be shared with a teacher or a parent. Can the child take this to an adult and show them with comments on the pictures? | Try not to worry about getting messy or the final results of this 'art work' not being perfect! The object is to get the child to name the picture with one or two words. Try to make the child feel proud of their work so that they are more likely to talk about it spontaneously - even if it is only using one word. Follow the child interests to get an enthusiastic response! |
| Photos of everyday school life Photos of everyday school life Glue | ||
| Home made pictures Home made pictures Glue | ||
| Make a collage Stickers any glitter/cotton wool etc | ||
| Paintings Paints Glue |
Use and understand growing vocabulary
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping games everyday objects, shopping bag, table | One pupil sits at the 'shop'. Another is asked to go and buy an object. | A picture card can be used to help the pupil remember what they are going to shop for. |
| Posting games pictures of everyday objects, post box | Take a picture of an object, say or sign what it is, and post it | Give the pupil time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound. or the word or sign to repeat) |
| Fishing game pictures with paper clips attached, magnetic fishing rods, 'pond' e.g. a flat box | Give the pupil time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound. or the word or sign to repeat) | |
| 'Hide the fish' Eight picture cards, small piece of paper with a fish drawn on it | ||
| Guess the mime Picture cards or objects | ||
| Story books and pictures |
Combine two key ideas or concepts
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Dressing Up Hats and scarves and socks and shoes |
| |
| Dressing toys up Soft toys and clothing | ||
| Tidy up As above and a tidy up bag | ||
| Story Favourite story and some toy figures or toy plastic animals from the story | If the child does not make a response at step 6, you could:
| |
| Tea party Plastic tea set and food and some soft toys |
Asks who what where questions at 2 word level
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing a familiar book e.g. a pop-up or a picture book | When the child is familiar with a book, point to pictures and ask questions using a short phrase e.g. 'Where's Spot?','Who's that?', What's that?'. You want a two word answer e.g. 'under bed' etc. | |
| Digital photos of school life Digital camera Book of photos taken at school | ||
| Home corner play Dressing up cloths Cooking toys Dolls Tea set |
Use single words signs or symbols
| Activity/strategy name and materials required | How to do the activity | Key principles for doing the activity and comments |
|---|---|---|
| Feely bag Bag Familiar objects |
Variation: Sing a short phrase ( 'what's in the bag, what's in the bag, Harriet take a look, Harriet take a look') before each child's turn. | Give the child time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound. or the word or sign to repeat). |
| Secret picture Pictures of everyday objects You could use photos, or create using symbols | The child gets a picture which they say or sign the name of before showing the others. | Give the child time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound. or the word or sign to repeat) |
| Shopping games Everyday objects Shopping bag Table | One child sits at the 'shop'. Another is asked to go and buy an object. | A picture card can be used to help the child remember what they are going to shop for. |
| Posting games Pictures of everyday objects Post box For pictures of everyday objects, you could use photos, or create using symbols | Give the child time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound. or the word or sign to repeat). | |
| Fishing game Pictures of objects with paper clips attached Magnetic fishing rods (e.g. each made out of a magnet, string and a pencil, or bought) 'Pond' e.g. a flat box For the pictures of objects, you could use photos, drawings, or create using symbols | Give the child time to name the object. Help them by giving a prompt (e.g. a forced alternative, the first sound, or the word or sign to repeat). | |
| Strategy: giving choices Use this with any activity | ||
| 'Hide the fish' Eight picture cards; Small piece of paper with a fish drawn on it For the picture cards, you could use photos of objects, or create using symbols | ||
| Non directive play Play equipment such as tea set, teddies, dolls; cars, bricks, play people etc. Could also be done with outdoor play equipment or in any other play situation. | Don't expect the child to say anything in this activity. The purpose of the activity is for them to get used to hearing key words, which directly relates to what they are doing. | |
| Commenting in everyday situations No specific materials. Activities could be: painting, walking around the school, play. | Don't expect the child to say anything in this activity. The purpose of the activity is for them to get used to hearing key words, which directly relates to what they are doing. |
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