Adaptation Station - Books and Literacy

Use the following jump down list to find adaptations for pre-writing and creative representation (VOD = voice output device)

Single message VOD | Sequenced message VOD | BELL picture boards and overlays Stabilization of books | Adapted page turners | Object/tactile books
Language master | Stories on computer | Picture symbols with text

Single message voice output device programmed with repeated lines/phrases of stories

Children love to "read" along with their favorite stories, especially those that have a predictable line or phrase that repeats throughout the book. A single message voice output device with the repeated line recorded and ready to go allows all children to participate in this important literacy experience.

Sequenced message voice output device programmed with story lines

Children also enjoy retelling or "reading" along with their favorite stories. A sequenced message voice output device with the story lines recorded and ready to go allows all children to participate in this important literacy experience. With each click of the device the next page is read aloud.

The AbleNet BookWorm provides a simple and friendly way for young students or students with disabilities to "read" their favorite books. Set-Up takes less than 15 minutes. Select a book and clip it on the BookWorm. Adapt the book with the stickers and page detector. Record each page. Plug in a single switch if needed. Peers read the story together.

B.E.L.L. picture boards and overlays for Shared Reading and Phonological Awareness

All students need to be able to participate in the oral language activities of Shared Reading and Phonological Awareness. We feature a HUGE collection of ready-made picture boards and voice output device overlays for the B.E.L.L. book and poster titles we use in our program. These should be used in each and every one of our classrooms!

Click to go to Shared Reading picture boards and overlays downloads page

Click to go to Phonological Awareness picture boards and overlays downloads page

Stabilization of books with Dycem, Velcro, bookstand

A piece of Dycem, a flat, non-slip plastic, can grip a book on the surface to leave little hands free to turn the pages and explore.

Velcro on the outside covers of a book can also be used to fasten it down to a surface or to a square of indoor/outdoor carpet (available at home improvements stores or from the PRE-K SPED Tech Team). Pair this with some hot glue dots (see below) to make page turning easier and many children with physical limitations can interact independently with books.

Bookstands are available commercially, but this bookstand was made from PVC by Cynthia Wheeler, a Pre-K SPED teacher at Arcola Lake Elementary.

Adapted page turners

For a simple, "no tech" way to adapt books for easier page turning, get a board book and a hot glue gun. Put a large drop of hot glue in the upper right corner of the right hand pages. Be sure to let each cool before turning to the next page. This technique keeps the pages separated just enough to let little hands get in between the pages and manipulate them better.

Page fluffers are along the same idea but are for paper paged books. Clip a small square of foam, thick cardboard or kitchen scrubber and paperclip it to the upper right hand corner of the right hand pages.

Ponytail holders (pick the fatter kind)make lifting flaps in flap books or pop-up books a little easier. Just attach them to the flaps with hot glue.

Object books/tactile books

For children at a sensory level of development, books can take a more concrete form. Objects can be glued onto pages or tucked inside plastic baggies on each page.

Tactile books are created by adding textures, such as fur, sandpaper, foam, beads, foil, fabric, etc., to pages of a story book with hot glue. Developmentally young children and children with visual impairments benefit from this adaptation.

Language Master

Children love to hear their favorite stories over and over. They can do this independently with the following adaptations: books on tape at a listening station can be accessed with a switch and an environmental control unit or the Language Master card reader can be available in the classroom for independently story retelling.

Stories on computer with a switch or adapted keyboard

The computer is a great tool for learning for all students but it can be an essential tool for independent reading for a child with a physical disability. Many programs are available that are accessible with a switch or an adapted keyboard for children who cannot use a standard keyboard or mouse. A great program for simple stories on computer is Intellipics by Intellitools. It allows teachers to build stories according to the needs and interests of particular students. Children can turn pages with a simple click of the switch or by pressing keys on the Intellikeys keyboard. The Pre-K SPED Tech Team can help you set up the software and hardware you need to get all kids involved in literacy.

Use of picture symbols with text (Writing with Symbols) generated on the computer

Software for combining text with pictures may be helpful for any emergent reader. This software can be used on the computer for planning/recall times or a small group activity that involved writing. Printed pages can be made into books. Printed sentences can be cut and pasted into classroom books. Contact Pre-K SPED Tech Team for more information (305-271-5701).

Browse the Adaptation Station HERE

Communication Tools

Augmentative / Alternative Communication (AAC) Strategies

Pre-Writing / Creative Representation

Play / Participation

Books and Literacy

Positioning, Seating and Mobility

Positive Behavior Supports / Organizational Strategies

Computer Access

Activities of Daily Living / Self-Help

Vision

Hearing