Hot Days, Cool Words: Taking AAC Outside This Summer

Up here in the Northern Hemisphere it’s beginning to look a lot like SUMMER. That means our student’s AAC device is heading outdoors with us! Whether you are hitting up the local park or nature reserve, visiting Grandma and her awesome swimming pool, or having a family picnic at the weekly local trendy food truck gathering - there are opportunities to utilize possible new words and phrases on your student’s device. Here are a few ideas you could implement today:

PARK EXPLORER 🌳

Take a trip to a park or nature trail and build a simple AAC page or folder with items to "find" or comment on:

• Words like “tree,” “bird,” “bug,” “flower,” “cloud,” “hot,” “shade”
• Use phrases like “I see it!”, “Look there!”, or “That’s cool!”
• Add feelings or sensory words: “soft,” “loud,” “smelly,” “wet”

Goal: Encourages observation, commenting, and sharing preferences.

Program Uses: Use the default Nature folder or one you created specifically when you use our program, Kindergarten Summer School. We have a great activity in Week 2 called Nature Bracelets. Reverse-wrap some tape around your student or your wrist, sticky-side out! Have your student collect leaves, flowers, twigs and more around your yard or a park and as items are discovered, model or have your student use their device to announce their findings.

WATER PLAY COMMENTATOR 💦

Set up sprinklers, water balloons, or use a pool. Let your student act as the commentator or coach using their device:

• “Dry my hands”, “Put sunscreen on”, “wear my hat/sunglasses” and other outdoor play safety words or phrases.
• Use words and phrases like: “Splash!” “Go!” “More water!” “You’re wet!” “Throw it!”

Goal: Supports requesting, directing others, and expressing excitement.

FOODIE EXPLORER 🍔

Take a family outing to a park where food trucks are lined up and everyone is picking what to eat, then relaxing together for a picnic. Remember, even if you’ve brought your student’s safe foods and they won’t be eating from the trucks, you can still model use of the device; have them order for you, or just happily narrate your outing.

• Words and phrases to use: “I want that”, “Yum!” / “No thank you”, “What’s that?”, “I like it” / “I don’t like it”, “Hot” / “Cold” / “Spicy”
• Food items: “taco,” “burger,” “fries,” “lemonade,” “ice cream,” “napkin,” “ketchup”
• Order with support: Practice saying “I want lemonade” or “One burger, please!”
• Use social scripts like “We’re having fun,” “It’s a nice day,” or “Pass the chips.”
  
  

Goal: Supports functional vocabulary (food, temperature, preferences), social interaction with family/community and choice-making and expressing opinions

Summer is the perfect time to stretch beyond the walls of home or classroom and give AAC learners new environments to explore language. Every outing—from a splash in the pool to a bite at the food truck—offers natural, low-pressure opportunities to model and grow communication. So grab that device, soak up the sunshine, and remember: language learning doesn’t take a vacation, but it sure can enjoy one!

Jennifer Bullock, Contributing Author

Homeschooling-experienced mom to a tween, non-speaking daughter, Jennifer is also Marketing Outreach Coordinator for The Autism Oasis. With 20+ years experience in marketing, advertising, and social media communications, you will see her occasionally supporting the blog and social media channels with various content related to Autism Oasis.