If you’re using the SMoRRES® Training Program to educate families or school staff to model AAC, you already know that Controlled Practice and Feedback is Step 5. Indeed, in order for communication partners to learn a new skill, they often need practice. Perhaps you’ve completed the activities in the manual and slide show but communication partners are still hunting for words on the AAC system during your coaching sessions. What can you do?
Fear not, it’s natural for communication partners to need to try a new strategy or skill (like partner-augmented input) up to 20 times outside of the natural environment before they can transfer the skill to the classroom or home. If communication partners need more practice, no problem. Provide additional controlled practice in simulated conditions.
At our trainings we demonstrate the use of wordless picture books and wordless videos with SMoRRES®. These activities are always good for extra hands-on device practice. However, if you’re looking for something new and different, check out Guess Me, an interactive extension activity on our free resources page. The game takes only 15-30 minutes and can be a fun addition to your training toolkit!
If you want learn more about SMoRRES®, there’s still time to register for next week’s class!