School grounds

Recently I attended a planning meeting for a client’s transition into a mainstream Reception class (the South Australian equivalent to Kindergarten). We talked alot about how to best prepare him for school and all of the things we needed to put in place AT school, but when I thought back about my daughter’s first year of school, (and the following years), it was the after school conversations that were also really important.

Starting school is a major time of transition for us as parents as well as our children. For the first time, they are spending a significant amount of time away from us and we are dying to know what they have done, thought and experienced throughout the day.

• Are they ok?
• Do they like their teacher?
• Are they worried about the other kids?
• What interesting or funny things happened?

In subsequent years, we gradually get a clearer picture of the process but the subject matter gets more complex. Although most parents find that getting their child to talk about school is not as easy as it seems, it does of course pose extra challenges for children who use AAC and are still developing their language and communication skills.

So today, when I was chatting to my client’s mum after the school meeting, I suggested they begin a routine at home that creates a habit and models the process of talking about your day. Of course, we can never know what to expect from our kids, nor can we ensure they will always tell us the things we want to know (as far as I know, no parent has figured this one out), but we can create a situation where they are given the opportunity, where talking about your day becomes a family routine, and where their favourite people in the world are doing something that they might want to learn to do too (sharing with each other – not just the what, but also the good, bad and ugly).

I decided to modify an idea that I have used previously to encourage conversation at dinner time.

Original dinner conversation place mat.

These are just a simple place mat (print and laminate) with some conversation starters. Click here to download a pdf.  There are lots of options you can use on the place mat.  We chose to limit the starting one to 4, but make yours with as many as you like, and as simple or complex as you like  depending on the people in your family.

Other ideas might be:

• ‘My favourite thing today was…’
• ‘I’m really excited about….’
• ‘Something I’ve been thinking alot about is ……’
• ‘In the news today…..’

For school children, you could try something like this one (click here to download a pdf)

Dinner place mat with a school focus.

Then of course you have to help your child learn to use them! It’s just a tool not a magic bullet.

Here are some of my suggestions for implementing them. The amount of modelling and scaffolding you use will depend on the individual:

• Just start by using them yourself and show the child who uses AAC what they are all about.
  • Model indicating that you want to say something,
  • Model choosing a ‘conversation starter’ from the place mat,
  • model how you think about what to say,
  • model how you can tell about it using their AAC system,
  • and if they seem excited about it, let them take a turn or model how they could tell their news (if you know what it is)

• Of course if they are already initiating use of their system, you are good to go. You might just want to model some more creative responses if things get a bit dull 🙂

• Some children might just need experience in taking their turn without the pressure of selecting the words on the spot. Try setting up an ‘errorless’ pages on their device using the 4 sentence starters as the buttons and each night you can change the message underneath.This speeds things up if there are others at the table who are not so good at waiting for their turn (like little sisters or brothers !!)
• It’s important to co-plan the messages ahead of time so that it really is their message and not yours, and that they know what the button will say when they press it! (Imagine being asked to take a turn in a conversation and not knowing what you were going to say!)
• You could also co-plan before dinner time and then use a sequenced message device or app, or make a video of their turn as a time efficiency, or as a way that they could independently take their turn. Then just one or a few hits of an iPad or switch could share their stories. This could be particularly good if partner assisted scanning is needed and the partner is busy eating their own dinner!! As as added bang for buck, you could then share the video with others like grandparents who may not be at the dinner table but would still love to hear what’s going on at school. Facebook messenger, text or email videos are a great way to stay in touch.
• Once they get some practice and confidence, you may see more spontaneous messages with their system, and you could start encouraging them to make comments or ask questions when another person takes their turn etc.

This version is just a simple starting point, but goes beyond common mealtime boards that often contain only”more”, “finished”, “yum”, “yuck” and the names of food items. It can also promote a fun family sharing time together.
For older children and adults, here is a link to some cool place mats I found on the web chowtimechat.com

I’m sure with all of these ideas you can modify these or make your own to suit your family.

Even though he can’t say all of the words, Ollie can still swear to de-stress by using his Sequencing App

We all know how good it feels to just let off steam sometimes when things don’t go the way we plan, or the stress of life builds up. It’s just the same for Oliver, a 28 year old man, artist and poet, who has complex communication needs. He may not be able to swear/speak verbally, but he can still vent his frustrations with fast access to a sequence of swear words carefully selected by Oliver using partner assisted scanning, then programmed into an app that allows for simple sequenced messages. In this instance we used TapSpeak Sequence, but any other sequencing app would do the trick

Oliver has so much to say and when given time to select the words he wants, he can communicate complex messages, write poetry and take control over many aspects of his life.

One day, I went to visit Oliver and I immediately noticed he was tense and upset about something. I gave him the opportunity to tell me what was upsetting him, but he was so tense he couldn’t reliably move his body to confirm his message when I scanned the pages of his PODD communication book. His body and his movements were so stiff that day, it was difficult for me to read them. I asked if he just needed to ‘let it out’ first and he almost burst with a resounding ‘yes’ response. So over the next 20 minutes I read from a list of swear words and he chose which ones he would like to use and in which order. (There were quite a few repeats of certain words too J). The end result was a great ‘venting sequence’ that we programmed into his sequencing app. Oliver then sat there for the next 10 minutes swearing away happily until his body slowly relaxed and he was actually laughing about what was happening. It worked!! He has since used it quite a few more times with similar success and when asked what he thinks, Ollie says “I use (my ‘venting sequence’) when stuff happens that I don’t want to. Like seizures and more”.

In my 25+ years of working in this field, that moment had to be one of the most satisfying. I love my work and those golden opportunities when people who have little or no speech find their way to say what they are really thinking, not what others decide that we want them to say. We all need to vent, and it makes us feel better. Words are not just for choosing food or activities, they are also for sharing, loving, boasting,…..or saying something just for the sake of it.

Tap Speak Sequence is a simple yet very useful app but it is only one part of Oliver’s communication system. He also uses an auditory and visual scan PODD communication book (as he has a significant vision impairment) speech generating device controlled by 2 switches. With these more complex methods, Oliver has managed to write a series of poems that reflect his thoughts on his life, disability and many of his challenges. He has published a coffee table book that highlights his poetry as well as the beautiful photographs of his friend, Barbara Bayley. You can find details of this on his Facebook page – Oliver’s Choice, or contact us at Two Way Street

Poem by Oliver Mills

Oliver also used his app to present a lecture for us at Two Way Street as part of our ‘I’ve got something to say’ lecture series, where people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) present lectures about their own experiences, interests, and passions in life. Oliver uses his book and device to write the speech, and then it’s programmed into the app so that he can read it out to the audience in a timely manner. The combination of different systems means that he can say whatever he needs to say, but also say it quickly when necessary. There are many other sequences on his device too and along with his venting, he especially likes his whinging sequence for days when he needs a bit of sympathy. It includes a messages like ‘what about me’, ‘poor me’, and ‘I just need some attention’.

We all need a whinge and a vent sometimes. Of course Ollie can still do this with his PODD or device too, but sometimes getting it out quickly and easily is the most important thing.

If this is your first time reading this blog, or if you haven’t read it for a while, please be sure to read The Background Story to understand more about my posts and the beliefs that underlie them.

Ok, so I think ‘more than 1’ could be described as a trend. Well at least that’s how it feels this week. As a result of this ‘trend’, I’m officially launching the ‘Say “I love you” campaign’. But first, a bit of background…..

Here’s how it started:

Last week, a little boy that I work with was busy playing ball with me, then stopped what he was doing and looked at his mum with adoration and smiled. I quickly grabbed his device and modelled “I think you’re saying ‘I love you’ to mummy”. I pressed the chat link then symbol for ‘I love you’ on his iPad (which runs a comprehensive AAC app). His wonderful mum, who has picked up the whole modelling thing brilliantly, then said “I love you” to him pressing the button on his device at the same time. The boy then immediately and spontaneously said “I love you” (by using his device) with all the love, smiles and cuddles that you would have expected.

Mum and I got a bit teary, and there were lots of kisses and hugs to follow. What an honour it was for me to see this. Later that week, he said “I love you” again, his mum asked if he was saying it to her, and he said no 🙂 Then he pointed to his new baby sister. How very cute!

So, I posted a quick message about this on Facebook to share the moment.

The very next Monday, I was visiting another child and his mum. The boy had been at his Dad’s for the weekend and was just home from school before I arrived. As you would expect, he was competing for his mother’s attention while she was filling me in on the past couple of weeks. The boy came over to interrupt us and give her a hug. Again, the loving looks but this time, I thought maybe he was saying ‘I miss you’ because he hadn’t seen her since Friday. I modelled this on his device, and he looked at me, looked at the device, then selected the button beside ‘I miss you’ on his ‘Chat’ page. Guess what it said…… “I love you” !!! I think his mum gave him a thousand kisses!!!

It turns out that after my last visit where I raved and raved about modelling language (aided language stimulation) on his device, the boy’s mum realised that every night before he goes to sleep, she says “I love you” to him verbally. She decided that maybe she should model this with the device as well. Just over a week ago, she began doing this with no expectation as yet that he would say it back. On Friday he went away to Dad’s for the weekend, so she was not at all expecting him to use this message spontaneously just a half hour after getting home the following Monday. Again, what an honour for me to witness this – the first time he has ever said “I love you” to his mum!!

So here’s the thing….these are 2 separate beautiful stories in less than a week. Hearing your child tell you “I love you” is probably one of the best things a parent can hear (and a speech pathologist can witness!). Just because a child has CCN, there is no reason why they cannot still convey this message.

I figure these stories are worth sharing with anyone who is involved with children (or adults) with complex communication needs, and based on this, here is my humble advice:

• Make sure the phrase “I love you” is available on your child’s AAC system!!! No matter whether you use a communication book, device, iPad app, or signs and gestures, ensure your child has a way to say “I love you”. For young children in particular, I think it’s important to put this on the front page or within 1 navigation from the start page of a device or communication book.
• Say it and model it. Continue to say the words “I love you” as they naturally come to you. The only difference is that you will also model the message on the device, communication book or with a sign/gesture. (One of the key things of importance here is to have the AAC system available at all times – you never know when the time is right!)
• Parents – tell your child that you love them without the expectation or requirement that they tell you back. They will tell you when they are ready, comfortable and confident. Try to be patient.
• Seize the moment. If you see your child looking at you (or another loved one) with ‘that look in their eyes’, tell them you love them (modelling with the AAC system). This is not something you can teach with a ‘therapy plan’ or specific program. This is the real stuff. It has to mean something.
• Use books and songs – there are many stories and songs that include these words. Modelling the words as lines of a song or a line in a story can be a good way to add additional opportunities to model ‘I love you’ and practise navigating to the message without messing with the ‘real’ moments.
• If you know or work with parents of children who use AAC, share these stories, or stories of your own that are similar. Every parent can relate to the warm and fuzzies in hearing these stories, and if they know it’s possible, they will find their own way to share these moments with their child

So, to anyone who is reading this, PLEASE make sure that your children, the children you know or those that you work with, have a way to say “I love you”. Hearing it via a device, communication board or signs and gestures, still means the same thing as if it’s said verbally.

Every parent should be able to hear (or in the case of lite tech, ‘see’) these words from their child. You may be the person who helps them to understand that it’s possible. SHARE THE ‘L’ WORD.

Apologies to those who thought I may be a regular blogger. It’s just not the case for many reasons – we all just do what we can fit in. I’m sure I’m not alone on that front!!!!

Anyway, with Christmas fast approaching, I decided to share some of the examples and ideas I’ve been sharing with my clients who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and at my workshops. In my view, there are 2 key things to consider:

·       How can the AAC user learn to use, or make better use of their existing comprehensive communication system (ie. the device, book, or app that is used to communicate a range of messages across a range of environments and communication partners) to participate in Christmas related activities? If you, or someone you are supporting, does not have access to a comprehensive communication system, I strongly urge you to follow this up with your speech pathologist or support team to get started.

·       How can we supplement or augment their system with fast, simple and where possible ‘error-free’ options (let’s call these ‘add-ons’) to ensure successful and enjoyable participation within Christmas activities? 

For both of these approaches, it’s important to think about the communication opportunities and challenges that will or may arise at Christmas time. We all have different experiences, traditions and priorities at Christmas. There is no recipe for the vocabulary you will need, but it may help to think through this worksheet (based on the Choosing Apps for Communication flowchart on my website). The flowchart was put together to in response to questions about Apps, but could be applied to the use of any AAC system, not just iPads. I’ve included some examples on the worksheet to give you the idea, but it is important that you consider your own activities and social circles to make it work for you.

As you work through the document, you will find that some of the communication opportunities and challenges are easily accomplished with your existing system but others may be better achieved with an add-on.

It’s important to practice and develop use of the ‘existing’ communication system so that:

·       The vocabulary is available at all times and not reliant on another device or activity specific board to be provided to the user.

·       The vocabulary may be transferrable to other situations or events e.g. Using the word “Cheers” is not just a tradition at Christmas, but may be used regularly at other social and special events.

·       Christmas-related words can be combined with words that are not necessarily considered in the  ‘Christmas’ category. (E.g. It’s common to use question words in combination with Christmas events, activities, objects, etc.)

·       We are ensuring that the person using AAC can also talk about something other than Christmas!!!

 The best way to support and teach use of Christmas-related vocabulary and messages within a person’s existing system is to model the messages yourself on the book, or device. This will help to figure out what items you may need to add, as well as the best and quickest way to navigate to words or phrases.  Be sure to remember the last 2 steps on the worksheet and flowchart– ‘Practice’  and ‘Use and Review’ to ensure that the person who uses AAC knows how to use any new vocabulary you have added and how to find it in their system.

When using an existing system, make use of pages or options within that system to include Christmas related interactions. Eg. If you have a ‘My Stories’ or ‘anecdotes’ page, you may want to link to a subcategory about ‘Christmas Stories’. Additionally, you could create pages or vocabulary items that set the topic or start the conversation – such as:

·       Remember that Christmas when….. (then link to ‘Categories’ or ‘Main’ page)

·       My favourite thing about Christmas is……

·       I’ll tell you what always happens at Christmas…..

·       I’ll show you my photos – Can you open the Christmas folder in my photos app?

You might also consider some temporary changes for this time of year. For example, on your communication book, instead of navigating through a range of pages to get to the ‘Christmas’ page, add a ‘sticky note’ or sticker to the front page that says ‘Go straight to the Christmas page’. You can take this one off once the Christmas fever has worn off, but it will speed up the conversation at this time of year.

(NB. You can use this strategy at other times of year or if important topics are a temporary ‘buzz’. Also be sure to consider access considerations if you are doing this – it’s possible that it may not work out within a scanning sequence)

 Add-ons are best used when speed and success are important priorities. For example, the Santa at the mall may not be a skilled communication partner, and know that he should wait patiently while a young AAC user navigates from page to page on her device to construct her message. In this situation, an ‘add-on’ strategy such as a pre-programmed sequence on an app (eg. TapSpeak Sequence) or a Step by Step Communicator may be the most appropriate option to ensure participation. Of course the young girl would be involved to whatever extent possible in preparation of the message at home to ensure that Santa gets the right information! Here’s a video example of a simple 4 step message sequence on the TapSpeak Sequence App.

 If your device or app has a ‘recents’ (eg. In Proloquo2Go) or a ‘store text to button’ function, this is a good way to combine use of an existing system with some temporary add-ons to ensure speed and success. Instead of programming the ‘add-on’ into a separate app or device, set up the messages in advance and then when the moment comes, use them from the ‘Recents’ tab. 

 Below are some other examples of Christmas related ideas and add-ons:

·       Photograph a message created on a device, or a combination of words created on a non-electronic book (E.g. PODD) and send these by email or other electronic means. 

You can even use an app like ‘Doodle Buddy‘ or ‘Drawing Pad’ to make them more festive.

·       Use iMovie to create a video message. Example video (See my previous blog post for other ideas on using movies)

·       Create simple ‘Christmas message’ boards for use during the festive season. These are ‘add-ons’ and typically set up to be ‘errorless’. If you (or the AAC user) typically use scanning access, sometimes a simple direct access board can be a lot of fun.

o   Here are some examples on:

§  Go Talk Now– includes a couple of Christmas messages, a video created from a PODD message (from example above) in the red box, and a Christmas carol video downloaded from YouTube using a suitable app on the ipad (e.g. Santa Claus is coming to town).

§  TapSpeak Button (or similar app that allows a single message) or a single hit device (such as a Bigmack Communicator) to say “Cheers” or some other culturally appropriate toast.

§  Answers:YesNo (Yes/No App) – use of the Favourites option to have access to 2 simple Christmas messages.

§   Using a sequenced app or device – add a variety of Merry Christmas messages rather than just boring people (and yourself) with the same one over and over. You can say different messages like “Merry Christmas”, “Seasons Greetings”, etc or just say the same message with different intonation. 

§  Scene and Heard– Use a visual scene display to show off what you got for Christmas. See video example. 

Please note, there are lots of apps that do the same type of thing, I’m not recommending any specifically, but just giving examples of how to set things up.

 Other ideas:

• Use Photo Albums within your photo app, and store your selected photos related to a particular topic (e.g. Highlights of 2012, Things I’m looking forward to in 2013, etc.) It may be a good idea to create a ‘photo’ that includes the title of the topic to include in the slideshow, or use an app that allows you to add text to the photos before you put them in an album. The person using AAC could swipe through to find the photograph they want to show, or they could simply be set up as a slideshow to play during a party that will stimulate or initiate conversation with those who are not so familiar with using your main communication system.
• Talk’n Photos or SpokenPhoto can also be used for this purpose, they just take a little more programming time than just dragging photos into an album.
  

o   Create a “Remember the Christmas when….” page on your device or in your book. You can use this to tell of your favourite Christmas memories. You can include memories, traditions, or just your favourite things. Remember that these need to be your memories, not someone else’s!!! It’s worth the time it takes to put them together if you save them on a page like this and you can use them year after year.  If you prefer, you can create this as a separate little booklet and then program a message in your device or communication book to direct someone to get your Christmas book (“Could you get my Christmas book from my bag?” or “I need to tell you a story from my Christmas book”). One other little tip is to put this book away when you pack up the Christmas tree and that way you will remember it again next year and be prompted to update it when you set up your tree

• Take photos throughout the holidays to use to talk about Christmas when you see friends again or go back to school. One of the most common topics of conversation in January that you could prepare for is “How was your Christmas?” “What did you do over Christmas?”  If you are creating a sequenced message e.g. In a paper flip book, on a Step by Step Communicator , or in TapSpeak Sequence app, or in an iPad book like BookCreator or  Pictello, it’s always good to include a partner-focused question at the end. E.g. “How about you?” (other people love a chance to talk about themselves J)

o   Partner-focused questions are really important for good conversations. This will be helpful during the Christmas social events. Practice using some of these from your questions page before you catch up with someone, or go to a party. Think about what you could ask and practice putting together the message so that it’s quick and easy when the time comes.

• Other ways to give Christmas greetings:

o   Post messages on Facebook and update your status with news of events, Christmas memories, and favourite things. If you have a Facebook page in your communication book or device, this is a good time to familiarise yourself with this page. Keeping in touch with friends online is a great way to provide context to the conversation next time you see them.

o   Record a video or audio message from your device and post it on Facebook, YouTube or email it to your friends. This would be a great Talking Christmas card.

I hope these ideas are useful, or have sparked some other ideas. Feel free to post your own ideas to share with others. There are many different ways to participate in the Christmas season. I’m sure there is much more creativity out there than the simple ideas I’ve posted here today.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all, Janelle. 

Using iPads for communication is a hot topic at the moment and so a good place to start. About month ago, I co-presented a pre-conference workshop at the AGOSCI 2013 Conference with Jane Farrall and Kelly Moore from the Independent Living Centre in Western Australia. Information from the workshop is posted on Jane’s blog.

One of the practical activities during the workshop was to get creative about using iMovie  to add to the communication toolkit for someone who uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). These ideas can be used for people who use any type of AAC system (eg. the iPad, a speech generating device, or non-electronic communication book (eg. PODD).

Movies, videos or just photo slide-shows are a fantastic way to share news, stories, instructions, or any other messages. Rather than talking about iMovie specifically,  I thought I’d talk generally about some ways that sharing videos can be used to enhance interaction with the people within your Social Networks and Circles of Communication Partners.

There are several ways to create a video or photo message:

• Use your iPad, communication book, speech generating device, signing, gesture or even spelling to create a message for someone. Use your iPad (or another device if using your iPad to create the message) to video as you create the message.
• Take a photograph of the message display of your device once the message is created.
  • You can add on a video of yourself doing some actions of facial expression to go with it if you want to personalise it a little).
  • If you are using the iPad to create your message, then it’s probably best to take a screen shot that includes the message display once you have created the full message. (To do this, press the home key and the on/off button at the same time and it will save a picture of the full screen into your photo library).
    

                                  

  • If you are using a multi-page communication book (e.g. PODD), take a photograph of each symbol selected, then combine these in a movie to string the message together. Example.
  • This approach allows for much faster sharing of a message that may take too long to share in a social or time limited situation. You can also easily share the message over and over without having to recreate it. This is especially helpful for someone who uses Partner Assisted Scanning, or takes extra time to select options on their board or device.
  • If the message isn’t created in English word order, that’s ok. This method shows how the individual themselves created the message. If required, there is an option to add text to the message at the end of the video to clarify it’s meaning, or to write the clarification on a piece of paper and photograph this as the last picture in the sequence. Example.
  • Another option is to create the message with your low-tech book, then record each part of a sequence onto an sequenced message device or app (eg. TapSpeak Sequence) and take a video as you read through the sequence. The message is still your own but programming it onto a sequenced message device or app allows you to deliver it more quickly so that the video file is not too long.
  • NB. Using the videos not only allows you to practice first and create the message in advance without the pressure of the moment, it also shows authorship of that message. Authorship is important so that we are not ‘stealing the turn’ of someone who uses AAC and just relaying the message for them. It also enhances perception of competence and allows others to see how they create their messages.

How to use the video message:

• Once the message is created, then you can play it when talking to someone face to face. (Save it in your photo app, an notes app that allows video (eg. NoteLedge), on a YouTube playlist app, or any other option for playing videos).
• You can also email, text, post the video on Facebook, or send via the multitude of social media options available.
•  For scanning access (or an easy direct access option), you can even load the video into an app like GoTalk Now which allows for scanning access to videos. (Hopefully other AAC apps will bring in the option to play video in the future).

Who, what and when to share…..

The list is endless but here’s a start, I’d love for others to add ideas at the end of the blog:

• Showing videos for news or sharing information
  
  • For example,  “What I did on the weekend”; “Look at my new baby sister”; “We just got our kitchen renovated”.
  • Add a title onto the movie, or just video a piece of paper with the ‘title’ of the video written on it. This will give the listener the context of the video. You can also add some key points about the video if you want to.
  • You can create a combination of videos from an event to share an experience with others or even just to share combination of your favourite YouTube clips. Here’s an example of a movie created by a young boy and his mum, and it uses many of the options available in iMovie. This was used to share his news at school as well as to answer the question “What have you been up to?” when catching up with friends.
• Messages for specific people
  • If it’s someone you see regularly, you could save the videos in an album in your photo library or a specific notebook in your notes app, and let them know to look there each time for any new messages. (Otherwise add a message to your device or communication book to tell the person to look on the iPad eg. “There’s a message for you on my iPad. Open the photo app and the folder with your name on it”).
  • Prepare a message (or messages) for the doctor before you go to your appointment. This will save time during the consult and also to make sure you get to have your say.
  • Prepare a message for your hairdresser so you can let them know how you would like your hair done. You could include some photos from magazines or off the internet to show ideas. This will give a great context for him/her to ask questions at the appointment if she is not particularly adept at using or understanding your method of communication. Example. Make sure you also set up a way to play the message when you get there (ie. have the video ready to go, or have a note to tell the hairdresser to look in the right place).
• Send a card or party invitation
  • You could create an invitation message and email this out to all your friends, or add it as an event on FaceBook.
  • Create a Merry Christmas or Happy Birthday message. It could be useful to save a ‘Happy Birthday’ message video and you can use this to post over and over again when FaceBook reminds you of someone’s birthday. (An album in your photo app with common FaceBook messages would be handy eg. Feel better soon, Happy Birthday, That’s hilarious, etc).
  • If you want to get really creative, you could use iMovie to add photos and video to spice it up. For a spiritual message, add a video of a song or verse or for a crazy message, you can create funny photos on your iPad with the multitude of apps available. You could even just take a photo of the inside of a birthday card that has a good message or search the internet for ‘Funny Birthday Messages’.
• Post a question or general message on Facebook or other online means to get some interaction going amongst your friends
  • You could post something like:  “What’s your favourite movie’?; Any ideas for a good wedding present? “, etc.
• Alot of schools are now using class blogs, so you could post a student’s message as photos or video in this way rather than just retyping their message or changing the wording so that it no longer sounds like the message they have created. Others will not see it as their message if it is not represented in a way that matches their communication system. e.g. “I’m telling you something – mum – funny” as opposed to  “My mum is funny”.

I hope these ideas have sparked your creative minds. Please post any ideas you come up with to share with others.

Janelle