Joshua’s communication journey

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Communication

Student	Joshua	Date	February to July 2008
		Observer	Megan (teacher)

Intended learning

For Joshua to be able to communicate effectively to a variety of people.

Joshua is new to our class this year. We had been told that he had not talked much and attempts to use PECS before coming to school had not been successful. We use PECS throughout our school day. It is a portable communication system that can be understood by anyone. We also use “visuals” throughout our school day and during all activities. We started with Joshua’s interest in Thomas the Tank Engine but this was soon overtaken by his discovery of Snax biscuits!

7 February 2008

Joshua had only been at school for three days. While we were sitting waiting for the taxi, Joshua started singing and doing actions to a song we had sung that day. This was the first time he had shown a response to classroom learning. We taped him singing and sent a copy home. His parents were surprised and delighted.

11 February 2008

Joshua gave three independent exchanges at the PECS computer session today. The PECS computer session is a class group session involving the process of PECS and this is where the students ask for a specific song, using visuals. Joshua was able to follow the routines of the PECS computer session and participate in the activity.

12 February 2008

Joshua was sitting waiting when he started singing one of our songs “Open, shut them”. We had not heard Joshua sing this song before.

15 February 2008

Joshua did 20 exchanges at PECS today. This was his second formal class session. He asked for his favourite Thomas trains. This was his first lesson on PECS. What a fantastic effort!

27 February 2008

Joshua had found our glitter pointer and went up to the days of the week. He pointed to each day while singing our day song. Joshua is now recognising visuals around our room.

28 February 2008

While I was having my morning tea of Snax crackers (on a wet inside day), Joshua came up and indicated he wanted one. I showed him the cracker visual in the folder (which was a new visual). He then went and exchanged it five times! Great!

2 April 2008

We had just finished singing “Five little ducks” when this little voice from Joshua started singing the song by himself! Another new song for your repertoire Joshua!

7 April 2008

Joshua’s Dad and Mum wrote in the “home school” book that Joshua had been verbalising the letters of his name with intonation at home AND also singing one of our alphabet songs! It is great to see you sharing your learning at home!

8 April 2008

Joshua was able to do the, “Ten green bottles” song by himself. Joshua had to listen carefully to the song’s instructions to take the green bottles off the wall at the right time. Wow!

Joshua also signed and said, “Not Monday, today is Tuesday”. Joshua has shown us that he can use signing to assist in communicating with others.

15 April 2008

Joshua’s Dad and Mum wrote in the “home school” book to say Joshua had sung and signed the days of the week at home. They were thrilled and very excited.

12 May 2008

After a home visit, Joshua’s Dad visited school to participate in our PECS training with Joshua. Joshua exchanged his request with his Dad in this situation. Yay! You have not done that before! A very excited Dad!

19 May 2008

Joshua’s Dad wrote in the “home school” book that they had had lots of success with the PECS folder. Joshua had used the “I want help” several times when prompted and also “I want computer”. Yahoo! Dad said “This is cool and we are so excited!”

23 May 2008

Joshua’s Dad wrote in the “home school” book; “Joshua is getting really good at using the PECS folder. He will ask for a drink or crackers and is also using the help card for things requiring our assistance. He has been verbalising “I want help”. This is so much progress and very exciting.”

1 July 2008

At the individual education programme (IEP) meeting, Joshua’s parents expressed how pleased they are with Joshua. He is using PECS well at home and now needs to extend his range of visuals in his communication folder.

28 July 2008

We hid Joshua’s crackers in different coloured eggs. Joshua got his folder and made the request “I want blue egg”, which was the one with the cracker in it! Such a clever boy! Using attributes of colour in your requests now!

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