Thursday 1 November 2007

I can..read a book!


Everybody loves to read books!  Book reading is more fun when you can fully participate by talking about the book, turning the pages and reading some of the lines. 

Here are some ideas for vocabulary when reading books with your student:
Let me see
Turn the page
Read it again!
I want another book
I want a different book
Read some more
That was a good story
I want to read with…
Let me see that picture
I can’t see the pictures
Where’s my reading buddy?
I love this book
That’s scary!
I don’t like that story
I want to read…
That’s silly
Can I read a book on the computer?
It’s my turn to pick
Let’s go to the library
Let’s check out a….book
What happens next?

How to Adapt a Book


Page Fluffers: Adding pieces of foam, weather stripping or sponge to the corners of a book may help a student to turn pages independently.


Adding Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) from Boardmaker™
Add PCS symbols to simplify the text in a book.
Add PCS symbols to make requests while book reading e.g. “Turn the page”, “Read it again”.

Velcro™ On Covers: Place "male" Velcro™ (rough, sticking out surface) on the back cover of children's books. The Velcro™ strips will adhere to carpet so that the book won't slip and slide while the child is turning pages

Go on a Library Fieldtrip All of London’s Public Libraries participate in the “Libraries for All” initiative. Alphabet, word and picture boards are available at all branches. For more information contact Linda Ludke at the Public Library. Linda.ludke@lpl.london.ca


No Tech Ideas: 
  • Create a general display for all book-reading activities.  Try using the display provided in the “I Can…read books” resource package.
  • Create a specific display to allow your student to comment on the characters and story plot. 
  • Kids are often motivated by stories in which they are the central character.  Create personalized stories about your student using digital photos.
Light Tech Ideas
Use a BIGMack® to allow students to make requests e.g. “Read some more”, “Turn the page”
Encourage students to actively participate by saying the repeated line(s) in a story. A list of suggested books with repeated lines is included in the “I Can…read books” resource package.

High Tech Ideas
Program a story into a Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA) so that your student can read a story to a reading buddy or younger student.