I provide speech and language therapy in a public school program specialized for children with autism and other developmental or behavioral needs. Our program allows students to attend public school with their peers, while also receiving specialized instruction and services to help them be successful in the larger school community.
Students with speech and language disorders often struggle with literacy skills, which is why I begin each speech therapy session by reading a book.
Regular exposure to books has been shown to expand students' vocabulary and phonemic awareness abilities. Sharing books together also improves joint attention and listening/comprehension skills, which is especially important for students with autism.
My Project
Currently in our speech therapy room, we read books together sitting at a work table. For many of my students, especially the younger ones, this setup can be distracting and not conducive to learning.
With seating and lighting for a book nook, my students will listen to stories in a warm and inviting area.
Doing so will make students excited for story time, all while working on their literacy and language skills. Additionally, having story time in our book nook will give students with behavioral challenges a space to practice the skills necessary for joining their general education peers for their class literacy times.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Driscoll and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
