Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Unlocking Voices
Students will understand that people communicate in various ways, including through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, and learn how to interact respectfully and effectively with peers who use them.
This lesson fosters a more inclusive and empathetic classroom environment, helping students appreciate communication diversity and ensure all classmates feel understood and valued. It provides practical strategies for respectful interaction.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual aids, and communication activities.
Materials
- Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices, - Pictures of various AAC devices (tablet-based, communication boards), - Paper and drawing supplies for Art Activity: My Communication Icons, and - Optional: Simple picture cards for activity (e.g., 'apple', 'ball', 'jump')
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan: Unlocking Voices and all linked materials.
- Gather or print visual aids showing different types of AAC devices.
- Prepare paper and drawing supplies for Art Activity: My Communication Icons.
- Prepare simple picture cards (3-5 per group) for the 'Show, Don't Tell' activity, if opting for it. Examples: 'eat an apple', 'play with a ball', 'jump high'.
Step 1
Warm-Up: How Do We Talk?
3 minutes
- Begin with the Warm Up: Our Many Voices activity.
2. Facilitate a brief class discussion on the different ways people communicate (talking, writing, drawing, gestures, expressions).
3. Introduce the idea that some people communicate in unique ways that might be new to some students. Refer to Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices Slide 2-3.
Step 2
Turn and Talk: Different Voices
2 minutes
- Lead the class in the Turn and Talk: Different Voices activity.
2. Have students discuss with a partner how they would feel and what other ways they could communicate if their primary way was difficult.
Step 3
Introducing AAC Devices
5 minutes
- Present the concept of AAC devices using the Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices (Slides 4-6).
2. Explain what an AAC device is and why someone might use one (e.g., if their voice doesn't work the way other people's do).
3. Show pictures of different AAC devices. Emphasize that these devices help people share their thoughts, feelings, and needs just like speaking does.
4. Discuss how the device works, focusing on patience and active listening.
Step 4
Art Activity: My Communication Icons
5 minutes
- Introduce the Art Activity: My Communication Icons.
2. Have students design 2-3 simple icons they would use on an AAC device to communicate a favorite activity or food. This helps them think visually about communication.
Step 5
Activity: Show, Don't Tell
10 minutes
- Lead the class in the Activity: Show, Don't Tell to build empathy.
2. Divide students into small groups (2-3 students). Give each group a few picture cards.
3. Instruct one student to 'communicate' the action on the card to their group without speaking, using only gestures or by pointing to images (if they were using an AAC device).
4. After the activity, discuss challenges and successes. Reinforce the importance of patience and looking for clues when someone communicates differently.
Step 6
Cool-Down: Being a Communication Helper
5 minutes
- Distribute the Cool Down: Communication Helper Reflection.
2. Ask students to reflect on one way they can be a good communication helper for a friend who uses an AAC device.
3. Briefly review responses as a class or collect them as exit tickets.
Slide Deck
How Do We Share Our Thoughts?
Think about all the ways you share your ideas, feelings, or needs with others.
- Talking
- Writing
- Drawing
- Gestures (like waving hello)
- Facial expressions (like a smile!)
What else?
Greet students. Ask them to think about how they tell someone something important. Brainstorm different ways we communicate, not just talking. This warm-up should take about 3 minutes.
Sometimes Our Voices Work Differently
Imagine if it was hard for you to use your voice to talk.
- Would you still have important things to say?
- Would you still want to share your ideas and feelings?
YES! Everyone has thoughts, feelings, and ideas to share, even if they communicate in a different way.
Transition to the Turn and Talk activity. Explain that sometimes, a person's voice or body might not work in a way that lets them talk using speech. Emphasize that this is just a different way of communicating, not better or worse. Guide students through the discussion points for 2 minutes.
Meet the AAC Device!
Some people use special tools to help them communicate. One of these tools is called an AAC Device.
AAC stands for:
- Augmentative (adding to how you communicate)
- Alternative (another way to communicate)
- Communication (sharing thoughts and feelings)
It's a way for someone to share their voice, even if they can't use spoken words.
Introduce the term 'AAC device.' Show a clear picture of a common AAC device (e.g., a tablet with communication app). Explain what the letters stand for simply. This section, combined with the 'Sometimes Our Voices Work Differently' introduction, should take about 5 minutes total.
How Does an AAC Device Work?
Imagine a tablet or a board with pictures and words.
- A person can touch the pictures or words.
- The device then 'speaks' the message out loud!
- Sometimes, people type words, and the device speaks those words too.
It helps them say exactly what they want to say!
Describe how the device works in simple terms. Emphasize that it's like their voice, just electronic. Use an example like selecting pictures or typing words. Part of the 5-minute 'Introducing AAC Devices' segment.
Being a Communication Helper
When you talk to a friend who uses an AAC device, you can be a great helper!
- Be Patient: Give them time to find their words on the device. Don't rush them.
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention to what the device says or what they point to.
- Look at Them: Make eye contact, not just the device.
- Ask Yes/No Questions: If you're not sure, try asking questions they can answer with a simple 'yes' or 'no' on their device.
Remember, their thoughts are just as important as yours!
Introduce the Art Activity. Explain that students will design communication icons. This activity should take about 5 minutes, including sharing.
Your Turn to Be a Helper!
Now, let's try an activity where we communicate without using our voices!
This will help us understand what it's like to use different ways to share our ideas and practice being patient and good listeners.
Transition to the 'Show, Don't Tell' activity. Explain that they will practice communicating without words to better understand their classmates. This activity will be 10 minutes.
Any Questions?
What did you learn today about different ways to communicate?
How can you be a 'communication helper' in our classroom?
Wrap up the lesson, inviting students to ask any questions they might still have. The cool-down and conclusion should take about 5 minutes.
Script
Script: Unlocking Voices - Understanding AAC Devices
Introduction (0-1 minute)
"Good morning, amazing 3rd graders! Today, we're going to talk about something really important: how we share our thoughts and feelings with each other. It's how we connect, learn, and make friends!"
Warm-Up: How Do We Talk? (3 minutes)
"Let's start with a quick warm-up. Close your eyes for a moment and think: How do you share your ideas? How do you tell someone you're happy, or that you need help, or that you want to play a game?"
(Pause for a few seconds to let them think.)
"Okay, open your eyes! Who can share one way they communicate?"
(Call on a few students. Expect answers like: talking, writing, drawing, whispering, shouting, using hand gestures.)
"Those are all wonderful ways! We use our voices, our hands, our faces, and even writing to let others know what's on our minds."
Turn and Talk: Different Voices (2 minutes)
"That was a great warm-up! Now, let's do a quick 'Turn and Talk' with a partner. I want you to think about this: Imagine if it was difficult for you to use your main way to communicate. How might you feel? What other ways could you try to share your thoughts?"
(Direct students to pair up and discuss for about a minute. After about 1 minute, bring them back.)
"Who would like to share one idea that came up in your 'Turn and Talk'?" (Allow 1-2 students to share briefly.)
Sometimes Our Voices Work Differently (5 minutes - Combined with Introducing AAC)
"You're already thinking like communication experts! As we just talked about, everyone has thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and it's so important that we all have a way to share them."
(Transition to Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices - Slide 3: "Sometimes Our Voices Work Differently")
"Sometimes, a person's body or their voice might work a little differently, and using spoken words can be tricky or even impossible for them. But that doesn't mean they don't have a voice or that they don't want to communicate. It just means they might use a different way."
Meet the AAC Device!
"Today, we're going to learn about one of those special ways people communicate. It's called an AAC device. Can everyone say 'AAC device' with me?" (Pause for students to repeat.)
"AAC stands for something really interesting: Augmentative and Alternative Communication."
(Transition to Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices - Slide 4: "Meet the AAC Device!")
"'Augmentative' means adding to, and 'Alternative' means another way. So, an AAC device is a tool that helps someone add to or use another way to communicate when speaking is hard."
(Show a picture of an AAC device, either from the slide deck or a physical image.)
"Look at this! It might look like a tablet or a special board. It's a super cool tool that helps someone share their voice, even without using spoken words."
How Does an AAC Device Work?
(Transition to Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices - Slide 5: "How Does an AAC Device Work?")
"So, how does it work? Imagine this device has lots of pictures and words on it. A person can touch the pictures or words they want to say, and then—poof!—the device can speak the message out loud! Sometimes, people type words, and the device speaks those words too.
"It's like pressing buttons to make sentences, or choosing pictures to build a message. This helps them say exactly what they want to say, just like you use your voice."
Art Activity: My Communication Icons (5 minutes)
"Now that we know how AAC devices use pictures and words, let's try making some of our own! For this Art Activity: My Communication Icons, you're going to imagine you have an AAC device and you want to tell someone about your favorite thing to do or eat."
"On your paper, draw 2-3 simple pictures, or 'icons,' that you could press on your device to share your message. Think about pictures that are easy to understand!"
(Distribute paper and drawing supplies. Allow 3-4 minutes for drawing. Circulate and assist.)
"Okay, hold up your communication icons! Take a moment to share with a classmate what your icons mean and what message you're trying to send." (Allow a quick minute for partners to share.)
Being a Communication Helper (4 minutes)
(Transition to Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices - Slide 6: "Being a Communication Helper")
"That was a great job with your communication icons! Since we're all a team in this classroom, we want to make sure everyone feels heard and understood. When you talk to a friend who uses an AAC device, you can be a great communication helper!"
"Here are some super important things you can do:
- Be Patient: Sometimes it takes a little longer to find the right words on a device. Give your friend time. Don't rush them or finish their sentences.
- Listen Carefully: Just like when someone is talking, really pay attention to what the device says or what they point to. Their message is important!
- Look at Them: Make eye contact with your friend, not just the device. They are still the person communicating, and they want to connect with you.
- Ask Yes/No Questions: If you're not sure what they mean, try asking questions they can answer with a simple 'yes' or 'no' on their device."
"Remember, their thoughts and feelings are just as important as yours!"
Activity: Show, Don't Tell (10 minutes)
(Transition to Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices - Slide 7: "Your Turn to Be a Helper!")
"Now, let's try a quick activity to practice being great communication partners! We're going to play 'Show, Don't Tell.'"
"I'm going to put you into small groups. Each group will get a few picture cards. One person will pick a card and try to communicate what's on the card to their group without speaking. You can use gestures, act it out, or even point to things around the room if they represent a word."
(Distribute picture cards. Allow 7-8 minutes for the activity.)
"Okay, let's bring it back together! How was that? Was it easy or tricky?" (Allow a few responses.) "What did you learn about needing to be patient or looking for clues?" (Guide discussion to empathy and challenges of non-verbal communication.)
Cool-Down: Communication Helper Reflection (5 minutes)
"Wonderful job, everyone! To finish up, I want you to think about what we learned today. I'm going to give you a quick reflection sheet." (Distribute Cool Down: Communication Helper Reflection or have students share aloud.)
"On this sheet, or in your minds, finish this sentence: 'One way I can be a good communication helper for a friend who uses an AAC device is...'"
(Allow students to write or think. Collect sheets as exit tickets or ask for a few volunteers to share.)
Conclusion (Optional: ~1 minute)
(Transition to Slide Deck: Unlocking Voices - Slide 8: "Any Questions?")
"Thank you for being such thoughtful listeners today. By understanding different ways of communicating, we can make sure our classroom is a welcoming place for everyone's voice to be heard! Any final questions?"
(Address any remaining questions briefly.)
Activity
Turn and Talk: Different Voices
Instructions: With a partner, take turns discussing these questions:
- Think about the different ways we talked about communicating in our warm-up (talking, writing, drawing, gestures). Which way do you use most often?
- Imagine if it was difficult for you to use that main way to communicate. How might you feel? What other ways could you try to share your thoughts?
Be ready to share one idea with the class!
Warm Up
Warm Up: Our Many Voices
Instructions: Think about all the ways you communicate every day. How do you tell someone you are happy? How do you ask for help? How do you tell a friend you want to play?
Draw or write at least two different ways you communicate below. You can use words, pictures, or both!
After you are done, be ready to share one of your ideas with the class!
Activity
Art Activity: My Communication Icons
Objective: To design simple icons to understand how visual communication can work.
Instructions:
- On a piece of paper, imagine you have an AAC device and you want to tell someone about your favorite thing to do or eat.
- Draw 2-3 simple pictures, or 'icons,' that you could press on your device to share your message. Think about pictures that are easy to understand!
Examples:
- If you love apples, you might draw an apple.
- If you love playing outside, you might draw a sun and a person running.
- If you want to say you're happy, you might draw a smiley face.
Be ready to share your communication icons with a classmate and explain what they mean!
Activity
Activity: Show, Don't Tell
Objective: To experience communicating without spoken words and practice patience and observation.
Instructions:
-
Get into small groups (2-3 students). Your teacher will tell you who your partners are.
-
Receive your picture cards. Each group will get a few cards with simple actions or objects.
-
Choose a communicator. One person in your group will be the 'communicator' first.
-
Pick a card (communicator only!). The communicator looks at one card without showing it to their partners.
-
Communicate without words. The communicator must try to show their partners what is on the card without using any spoken words. You can use:
- Gestures (like pretending to eat)
- Body language (like jumping up and down)
- Pointing to objects in the room (if they are on your card)
- Drawing in the air
-
Guess! The other students in the group are the 'listeners.' They should watch carefully and try to guess what the communicator is trying to say. Remember to be patient and give your communicator time!
-
Switch roles. Once the item is guessed, or after about one minute, switch roles so someone else gets a turn to be the communicator.
Example Cards (Teacher will provide actual cards):
- Eat an apple
- Play with a ball
- Jump high
- Read a book
- Sleepy
Discussion Questions after the activity (Teacher will lead):
- How did it feel to be the communicator without using your voice?
- What was challenging about this activity?
- What strategies did the 'listeners' use to understand the communicator?
- How does this activity help us understand a friend who uses an AAC device?
Cool Down
Cool Down: Communication Helper Reflection
Instructions: Think about what we learned today about AAC devices and how people communicate in different ways. On the lines below, complete the sentence to show how you can be a great communication helper.
One way I can be a good communication helper for a friend who uses an AAC device is:
(Optional: Draw a picture of yourself being a communication helper!)