This webinar provides an overview of a prekindergarten program designed to empower teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and families to support the use core vocabulary in AAC systems. Participants will learn about the key elements of the TELL ME program (Zangari & Wise, 2017) and see how core language is addressed in shared reading and writing lessons, classroom routines, and typical play/learning activities. Program materials for building family involvement will also be discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will be able to:
1. Explain the benefits of a classroom-wide approach to core vocabulary instruction for preschool children who use AAC
2. Describe implementation of core vocabulary instruction
3. Discuss ways which TELL ME supports core vocabulary use in preschool centers, activities, and routines
4. Identify ways in which classroom staff can support AAC carryover into the home
Dr. Zangari is an associate professor of SLP at Nova Southeastern University where she teaches master’s and doctoral courses in AAC, coordinates the AAC Lab, and provides clinical supervision to graduate student clinicians. She is a frequent presenter on AAC topics at international and national conferences. Dr. Zangari co-edited Practically Speaking Language, Literacy, and Academic Development for Students with AAC Needs with Gloria Soto and co-authored TELL ME: AAC in the Preschool Classroom with Lori Wise. She blogs at www.PrAACticalAAC.org.
