SWITCH – Making Change!! I've been thinking about change alot.  I first read this book more than 10 years ago. I remember reading it on a plane – one of those rare times when I was upgraded to first class.  I kept annoying the businessman beside me as I laughed out loud . . . more than once! Then I was reading it on a subway, on the way to give a talk at Columbia Teacher's College in NYC . . . I was so engrossed that I looked up and realized that the train had stopped at the end of the line, and everyone else had gotten off.  I was so engrossed that I didn't notice.  ..read more

Change – Why Is It So Hard? As many of you know, I'm ready for the Literacy Revolution.  I've been reading books about change and thinking about the WHY of change – and resistance to change.  We all know how hard change is – we've just been through 'springing forward' during daylight savings, and that has many people tired and cranky!  And that's just the change of one hour. I really love this quote, first because it starts with 'one reason . . .'.  YES!  We need to think deeply about WHY people are resistant to change.  I hear people talk about laziness, etc ..read more

 Real Change / Deep Change / Lasting Change As I inch closer to retirement, I think about my quest to be a changemaker more and more.  I feel a passion about seeing change that is:   • Real Change:  Not just surface change such as shiny technology, or cutesy boom cards, but TRUE change that leads to life changes for the learners that we serve.  Change such as: - Helping learners develop comprehensive literacy to the highest level possible.  This must include all of the components of literacy, including generative writing with the alphabet. - Supporting peop ..read more

 WHAT:  This post is about creative collaborative books with learners who use AAC.  The specifics are contained in 2-page a Tip from AAC Intervention. WHERE:  This tip can be downloaded from the website AAC Intervention.  Go to Tips of the Month and look for Tip # 4 for 2021. Caroline's Tips ..read more

 What:  This simple light tech alphabet is great for students who can see the letters and have the motor skills to touch desired letters.  It can be a very quick 'alternative pencil.'   Why:  For students with good fist-pointing skills, this can be an efficient tool. How:  Partners change pages as desired by the writer.   Where:  For more information, see Tip # 7, 2021 at  www.aacintervention.com   ..read more

 What:  Dr. David Koppenhaver is one of the authors of the book, Comprehensive Literacy for all.  His list of recommended shared reading books is perfect for emergent readers of all ages! Where:  The blogpost can be found at the Building Wings website.  Here's a direct link: Shared Reading Book Recs ..read more

What Is It?  The million word gap describes the gap in words that children have heard if they missed that early home reading experience.  It's very powerful information for parents of children of all ages, because it's never too late to read aloud!  It's also helpful information for teachers, paras, SLPs, etc.   Where Can You Find It?  You can download the tip that summarizes this information PLUS a sample letter that you can share with parents.  What a great way to start out 2024, by encouraging more reading!! Downoad this tip here: Million Word G ..read more

  Awe and Wonder Podcast Series 3: AT & AAC – Literacy What?  This podcast series is developed by Brenda Del Robertson Monte and Sarah Kinsella.  They produce podcasts from amazing presenters available to listen or watch on YouTube.  Brenda and Sarah are skilled interviewers and have access to amazing presenters.  They are all fantastic, but Krista Howard's podcast explaining how she could have been better supportive as a student from elementary through high school is especially powerful. Where?  Here's a link for the entire series: Awe and Wonder Literacy S ..read more

 List This!!! How often do you make a list? - Every week? - Every day? And what do you DO with that list? Check out this tip about making lists WITH your students.  The tip also suggests ways to support students in composing lists, and reminds us that those lists need to be USED in order to feel meaningful!! Where to Find the Tip? Go to AAC Intervention and look for Tip # 6, 2021. Here's a direct link: http://www.aacintervention.com/page/180009852/180122670/Tips-2021 ..read more

 Customize Your Comments - The Book! What?  This is a fun book that was a collaboration by me and Krista Howard.  Krista uses an AAC device and is a model, mentor, presenter, and author.  This book gives ideas of why people who use AAC should customize their comments, and also shows examples of positive both positive and negative comments. Where?  Find this free book at Tarheel Reader.  Here's the direct link: https://tarheelreader.org/2022/06/10/customize-your-comments-aac-fun/ Why?  As you will see in the book, Krista has many ideas about why c ..read more