Martha has provided us with informative “Assistive Technology App” recommendations to engage her students as well as feedback on the outcome of utilizing Bluebee Pals in her classroom as an educational learning tool.
Here are the different ways Martha Myers has utilized The Bluebee Pals in her classroom.
Recently, I have been using them to read aloud TarHeel Reader stories that have been imported into Pictello. The students are now able to sustain attention to the entire story whereas before, they would disengage after a page or two. I attribute the increased attention/engagement to the addition of the Bluebee pals. The kids are fascinated by the animal’s moving mouth.
I have one student who loves to listen to music, but he is unable to stay seated whenever I play music (he’s all over the room). If I give him one of the pals to hold during our music activity, he will remain seated and then is able to access his communication board to request more, or state preferences (“I like it” or “don’t like it”). This has been a huge breakthrough for him in recognizing the power of communication.
I use several AAC apps (Speak For Yourself, PQ2G, Aacorn, Avaz, etc.) during my therapies. The pals say each word and give the kids directions, make comments, answer questions, etc. which is very motivating for my nonverbal students. The kids are much more likely to program 2+ words into the device in order to make the animal talk so the animals are helping to expand utterances via AAC.
In addition, there are Bluebee Pals in three of my Pre-Kindergarten disabilities classes and the teachers will be using them with the students and providing feedback. I imagine they’ll be even more creative than I am and will come up with even more ways to use them. We also have 3 therapists now at my school and The Blueee Pals are available for their use along with the other therapists in our district. We’re all excited to have the opportunity to use them to enhance our programs.
The Positive Results:
I have a student who has refused to come with me for therapy all year (she’s missing the “circle/music” time in class) and it’s been a huge challenge getting her out the door. The last two sessions, she has jumped up and walked right out with me. As soon as we get to my room, she requests one of the Pals. I absolutely know that the Pals are the reason for her willingness to come now. Problem solved!
Yesterday (same student), we used the lion and placed “a call to Santa” (it’s an app). She carried on an extensive conversation with Santa via the Lion Bluebee Pal and I’ve never heard her produce more than 2-3 syllables/words…ever! Most of what she was saying was unintelligible, but OMGosh! She was talking! A lot! We had a great time!
www.edline.net/pages/HCSB_EK8