A Writer, a Pencil, a Reason and a Teacher
By Sennott, Samuel; Cahill, Christina; Major, Shelly; Nordal, Nicole; Smith-Engelin, Charity; Rubenstein, Cassie; Silverman, Joslyn; Closing the Gap, Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 22-25Publication Date: October/November 2008
Article describes methods and strategies used at a summer writing camp for children using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The term Writer was used to identify student participants, Pencil denoted techniques and tools that allowed learners to access the alphabet in whatever way successfully worked for them, motivation and the purpose of the writing were summarized into the term Reason, and Teacher was defined as access to writing and direct instruction. The writers were children aged 8 to 12 years using alternative pencils such as alphabet flip charts, large foam tactile letters, and light-tech versions of various on-screen keyboard configurations. Motivating tools described include Project 365, which entails taking a picture a day for a year and using them as a writing subject; connecting to video such as YouTube; and keeping a journal of books read. Self Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) is a resource described for developing a teaching strategy; the strategy used at the camp, POW, stands for Pick your idea, Organize your notes, and Write and say more. A section of research questions to consider based on the curriculum used at the camp, and a resource list of websites for alternative pencils and video connections are appended.
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
