We have been talking about expressive language for students with ASD and in the last post I talked about why I really love PECS (which since it’s an acronym really should be the PECS, but that just sounds weird). Today I have a number of surprises to share that are not PECS-related and then I want to share some resources for using PECS.
First, I’m having a sale for Easter! A huge number of TPT stores are having a sale on Easter Sunday. Everything in my store will be 20% off on Sunday. It’s that time of year when just getting through each week is tough. I was in schools this week and have to tell you that the teachers, the students and the parents (not to mention administrators) are all pretty fried. Between testing, IEPs, planning for next year, budgets, and (for some) the emergence of spring outdoors, it gets really hard to get everyone engaged in the classroom at this time of year. One way to help with that is to change up some materials so they are new and hopefully exciting. So, I thought a sale might cheer all of us up!
Second, the Autism Awareness freebie linkup of autism resources is closed, but it can be accessed here for the rest of the year. Lots of great sellers linked up resources that are absolutely free and may help your students, so be sure to check them out. Next up for continuing National Autism Awareness Month, is a linky of paid products ($5 or less) that are appropriate for all types of students with autism. Some are autism-specific and some are just specialized or differentiated appropriately for autism. Check out the linky (and add to it if you are a seller) at the bottom of this post.
Third, if you have purchased my Receptive Sorting for Autism: File Folders and Worksheets, a kind soul emailed me to let me know that I had left out a file folder label. The label for the Where Does It Belong: Classroom or Playground? was missing. And we can’t have that because it will look out of place…I’ve updated the product and if you have purchased it, you can download the update that has all the labels here.
Fourth, those of you who follow me on Facebook or Instagram have seen this picture, but I am always so excited to see my products in use in the classroom. I love making products that the kids love and that are useful for teachers and I really love having them available to share with teachers I consult with when they have a kiddo who need them. This is a special guy who always greets me as Dr. Reeve whenever I walk into his room and wants to know if I’m staying all day! His teacher said he loves these file folders, in part because he can do them easily and he knows what is expected and when they are finished. He apparently now goes home and talks about his independent work system…it’s all he wants to do. He just can’t figure out what my name is doing on the front of the folders. (the flowers and the frogs are available in my store here). The Superhero set will be added in the near future. If it’s something you are particularly eager for, leave me a message in the comments and I’ll move it up my list of things I’m getting ready to post.
And finally fifth, Resources for PECS. PECS was developed and marketed by Frost & Bondy at what is now Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. They sell a variety of materials for implementing PECS that you can buy ready made including PECS books and symbols. They also have an extensive and continually updated list of research articles evaluating the use of PECS. They also have some downloads that are worth checking out including a download of IEP goals for PECS and communication. One of my favorite downloads is the list of myths and misconceptions about PECS. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a PECS training put on my Pyramid I highly recommend it. I also recommend seeing Lori Frost and Andy Bondy speak if you have that opportunity as well.
This tutorial shows how you can make a PECS™-style book.
Part 1 and Part 2 Videos from Kansas Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports give a great overview of PECS™. Each video also has a printable handout.
That’s all for this Friday. I’ll be back with more about expressive communication. In the meantime, link up products for autism or check out the products in the link up below for your students.
Until next time,
