Research on the efficacy of digital books supporting literacy development for young children is overwhelmingly positive for children with and without disabilities. Electronic books can support literacy development in the areas of phonological awareness skills, alphabetic knowledge, and vocabulary development (Salmon, 2013). Research Even with the knowledge of benefits children derive from electronic books, the… Read More eBooks Can Improve Phonological Awareness Skills, Alphabetic Knowledge, and Vocabulary
The Choice is Theirs: Allowing Students to Select Texts
Self-Selected Reading involves much more than just allowing students to quietly flip through books. You can use this time to expose students to a variety of text types and genres that they might not otherwise encounter. This could be the first step toward a lifelong love of reading. Research Comprehensive literacy instruction in your… Read More The Choice is Theirs: Allowing Students to Select Texts
AT Tools for Writing
Speech-to-text, also known as speech recognition, is replacing word processing and word prediction. Recently, it has improved dramatically and is usually a built in feature with new products (i.e., tablets, smartphones, TVs, cars, and glasses). Research Studies show that students who use assistive technology to support writing demonstrate an improvement in their writing skills… Read More AT Tools for Writing
Google Tools for Reading
Although speech synthesis has been around since the 1960s, it has become cheaper and more accessible to the general public in the past decade. Now there are user-friendly technology tools to support reading available for free when using Google Chrome. Research Studies show that students who use Text-to-Speech (TTS) applications demonstrate an increase reading rate… Read More Google Tools for Reading
Reading Aloud Is Allowed
Having daily opportunities to listen to an adult read aloud increases students’ own comprehension and fluency. This is especially important for students with intellectual disabilities. Here are some examples of how reading aloud can blend with and support some of the other five elements of literacy instruction. Research Does reading aloud to your class… Read More Reading Aloud Is Allowed
QR Codes Can Help Reading Ability
If you haven’t learned to read QR Code, then go to this presentation! http://goo.gl/gVbiqj
Developing Early Literacy Skills Using Environmental Print
Environmental print materials are easily accessible and affordable. Materials can include fast food menus, cereal boxes, food and drink labels, product packaging, catalogs, and common signs like those found on restroom doors. Choose items that capture children’s attention and are relevant to their age and interests. Research Printed materials that are part of a… Read More Developing Early Literacy Skills Using Environmental Print
