Sped-tacular Adventures

Emerald City Therapies understands the importance of literacy and teamed up with N. P. Sims Library for a special summer series of Sped-tacular Adventures with an adaptive story hour paired with a sequenced crafts and songs.

According to the University of Texas at Arlington, people in whom literacy development is evident are more likely to have better self-esteem, improved health and higher wages than those with undeveloped literacy skills. In today's job market, literacy development is absolutely essential. 43% of adults with the lowest level of literacy live in poverty, compared to only 4% of those with the highest literacy skill levels says the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Center. 

What about our children with autism, developmental delays, dyslexia or other exceptional abilities? How do we equalize the playing ground for literacy in this population? Utilizing adaptive books giving them access to early literacy skills including print awareness, phonological awareness, interactive vocabulary, and narrative skills is a great place to start.

What is an adaptive book? Symbol supported stories for children at an early literacy level. Adaptive books can also include other modifications that makes it more accessible to a student who has difficulty with typical books by adding fluffers, extenders, contrast, braille, simplified text, or tactile items to pages

​Visit Panda Speech to access books used for this series. Want more adaptive book ideas or feeling adventurous enough to make your own? Check out some of our favorites!
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The Autism Helper
Mrs. D’s Corner
DIY Adpative Books 

Like and follow other adventures with Emerald City Therapies on Facebook and Instagram @emeraldcitytherapies!

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