Compensatory/Access Skills

Compensatory/Access Skills

Week 1
Increase opportunities for communication skills through drama. Drama is a method that involves students in imaginary, unscripted, and spontaneous scenes. Locate a children's theater and experience acting while learning about different emotions that go with facial gestures. Trying on costumes and acting in a short skit is a great way to encourage communication skills and enhance self-esteem.

Week 2
Have your students watched any good books lately? Captions and description are great tools for building literacy in new and experienced readers, and the DCMP has a growing collection of children's literature titles to help foster an enduring love of reading in your students. For a complete list of children's literature titles, visit, www.dcmp.org > Media Library > Browse > Literature.

Week 3
Build vocabulary with meaningful stories and experiences. Don't forget to increase reading and writing fluency in Braille and/or print and emphasize the enjoyment received from reading books. Find a story time venue at the local book stores and library. Make an event out of registering at DCMP and getting a library card. Use a treasure hunt focus to finding and reading new books.

Week 4
Practice letter-writing skills. Discuss systems used to send correspondence, such as Internet and U.S. Postal Service. Take a trip to the U.S. post office. Have the students buy stamps, mail their letters, and learn about other services from the U.S. Postal Service. They will be practicing their conversation skills too.

Resources

Resources for the Expanded Core Curriculum (RECC)

D'Andrea, F.M., & Wormsley, D.P. (1997). Instructional strategies for braille literacy. New York: AFB Press.

Swenson, A. (1999). Beginning with braille: Firsthand experiences with a balanced approach to literacy. New York: AFB Press.

American Printing House for the Blind (APH)

Move, Touch & Do

Turbo Phonics

Sense of Science Series

Calendar System

Verizon Thinkfinity, Online teaching and learning resources for the classroom and at home.

Literacy Skills ECC Audio Library

Teens' Voices ECC Audio Library