Ruby Bridges was Alone: The Descriptive Teaching Method for Emergent Students
Channel: Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium - ERLC
Date: 24/04/2018

Archived webinar from March 28, 2018 with Erin Sheldon

Students with complex needs require support in language development, early concept development, vocabulary, and background knowledge. We often struggle to find the time and technology to embed AAC modelling in our lessons and classroom activities, particularly in inclusive classrooms. This webinar was first developed for a teacher who asked "don't tell me WHY I should model AAC, tell me HOW." This webinar will explore simple, hands-on descriptive teaching strategies. Based on Gail van Tatenhove's descriptive teaching method, we will examine how to shift from referential to descriptive teaching to scaffold access to the regular curriculum for emergent students. We will see how the simplest graphic organizers can support our AAC modelling and foster language growth in our students with complex needs.

For more resources to support the Complex Communication Needs (CCN) population, visit:
https://arpdcresources.ca/consortia/complex-communication-needs-ccn/