I downloaded this FREE ebook just the other day. I have to
say, after using it 3 times, I am already impressed. It is a simple story about
a hedgehog named Ned who is looking for a home for the winter. He stumbles upon
homes that are already taken and the residents inside tell Ned “this is my home.” Then, the residents tell Ned
to check somewhere else to stay for the winter.
The book provides a great way for my kids with autism to
practice intonation and stress (e.g. “my
home.”). There is the opportunity for
the student to record his/her own voice in order to hear what his/ her stress
sounds like. If you prefer, the narrator can read the book as well and hear the
correct stress.
It also provides and excellent opportunity to make
inferences (e.g., if Ned can stay in the homes or not) from indirect requests (e.g.,
to check somewhere else without directly saying “no”). I simply ask, “Can the hedgehog stay here?”
after each animal asks him to move on.
The story line also provides opportunity to practice
preposition including “in,” “out,” “up” and “down” while Ned is looking for a
home.
If you are working on 2-3 word combinations, I have created
this draft of a topical communication board guide novel utterances such as
“leaf falling” “blowing wind,” “open door,” “look in.” The leaf animations are engaging and fun.
Not to mention the
opportunity for an abundance of “L” practice!
What a great find!
The Picture Communication Symbols ©1981–2011 by Mayer-Johnson LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Used with permission.
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