Bayley's communication zooms ahead!

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Reflection - what these stories exemplify

Key competencies

This string of stories shows Bayley confidently communicating in a variety of situations (using language, symbols, and texts and managing self) and with a variety of people (relating to others).

How might these stories strengthen Bayley’s identity as a learner?

Bayley is communicating more clearly and confidently at school and taking the initiative with his new learning (agency). The learning occurs in the classroom, and another teaching space (breadth). He uses a variety of resources to communicate with a range of people – teachers, teacher aides, and speech language therapist (depth).

For more information on the four dimensions of agency, breadth, continuity, and depth (ABCDs), refer to Narrative assessment: a guide for teachers.

Learning areas

Level 1 English

This learning was mainly in the Listening, Reading, and Viewing and Speaking, Writing and Presenting strands of English. Bayley is developing his communication skills through PECS, gestures, actions, and responding to adult feedback.

Effective pedagogy

What does this tell us about teaching and learning in this setting?

The teacher has established clear routines in the new entrant classroom. Bayley is using these routines in a reflective way to extend his thinking and communication (encouraging reflective thought and action).

The teacher has reflected on Bayley’s use of PECS and is extending its use. She is looking at other ways within the classroom programme for Bayley to purposefully communicate (teaching as inquiry).

This string of stories was written by the class teacher, teacher aides, and speech language therapist who work collaboratively to support Bayley’s learning (creating a supportive learning environment).

Reflective questions for the reader

“How do you get to know the ways your children communicate?”

“How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with everyone supporting a student with special education needs?”

“How do you structure the environment to provide opportunities for communication?”

Useful resources

Frost, L., & Bondy, A. (c2002). The picture exchange communication system training manual. Newark, DE: Pyramid Educational Products.

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