1. The Journey Toward Developing and Implementing Meaningful and Differentiated Reading and Writing Instructional Programs for Students with Multiple Disabilities
Jenny Springer

2. Introductions
*Where/what do you teach?
*Student population

3. The Four Blocks Model of Instruction
David Koppenhaver and Karen Erickson

4. The Four Blocks *Shared Reading *Working with Words *Writing
*Self-selected Reading

5. Shared Reading Block
Benefits: Helps students build vocabulary, knowledge of print/braille, text comprehension, and ability to communicate
Teachers read with students, not just to students. The goal is for the student to ultimately direct interactions by labeling pictures, making comments, asking questions, and directing the way the adult navigates the book
Opportunities for naturally modeling concepts of print
The ultimate goal is to encourage communication and foster an enjoyment of books.
Shared Reading Module

6. Writing Block
Focuses on using writing to communicate in meaningful ways
ALL students must have access to all 26 letters of the alphabet during each writing interaction
Alternate pencils may be used for students who cannot use traditional writing tools (ex. Computer, iPad, stamps, flip chart)
Allow students to follow the natural stages of early writing
Acknowledge and respond to what students have done first, then model using their writing system
Emergent Writing Module, Writing with Alternate Pencils Module

7. Working with Words Block
Uses a word wall to teach reading and writing of high frequency words (Can use DLM Core Vocabulary)
AAC Planning Tool-SLP help with targeted language
Students learn to spell words using traditional letter by letter spelling
Students learn patterns necessary for decoding and spelling
Activities can include making words, sorting words, rhyming, guess the covered word

8. Self-Selected Reading Block
Students are encouraged to enjoy books as independently as possible
A variety of technology may be used to facilitate independent reading for students who cannot yet read independently (ex. Stories on the computer, books on CD, books recorded on a voice output switch)
Teacher models selecting various types of books using a variety of technologies
Teacher circulates and confers with students on their reading choices

9. Self-Selected Reading Menu
Bookflix
YouTube (you can find read-alouds for almost any book)
Apps: Farfaria, EPIC!, Storychimes

10. Meaningful Literacy Experiences for Children with Multiple Disabilities
Work within the student’s zone of proximal development
Understand the students’ receptive and expressive communication skills (AAC Planning Tool)
Students need access: not just visual, but cognitive
Activity-based instruction that is meaningful to them and their experiences
Balance between targeted instruction and exposure to higher level content

11. The Dangers of Banking on Exposure...
*Iowa Essential Element Standards and Alternate Assessment Standards
*Exposure makes us feel good about ourselves....
*Instruction must be meaningful
*Discussion: How can we meet these high level standards and give students access to the rigorous instruction required by these standards while also making it meaningful?

12. Elementary Examples
*Shared Reading using an experience book
-Content is meaningful to student
-Materials are visually accessible to student
-Instruction incorporates her mode of communication (object)

13. Writing
-Essential Elements mandate that all students have access to all 26 letters of the alphabet and be taught to use letter by letter spelling of words.
-Alternate Pencil examples: letter flip chart (can adjust array of letters according to student needs), computer, iPad, letter board, eye gaze chart, stamps, label maker)
-Students learn association of using letters to communicate in writing
-Communication is essential to this process

14. Working with Words
-Begin with words that are engaging and meaningful to student
-Incorporating students method of communication helps increase understanding (picture, object, tactual symbol)

15. Self Selected Reading
-Many forms of technology can help students to more independently access stories (ex. iPads, videos, talking pens, recorded switches)

16. Sample Elementary Adapted Book Lesson Plan
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17. Sample 5th-12th Grade Adapted Book Lesson Plans
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-Things to Consider:
-Can the student meaningfully participate in shared reading activities in a
group session? For how long? How can they remain actively engaged in the
group setting? If they have an associate, how can the associate promote
active engagement?

18. Sample Thematic Concept Book from Text
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-Related objects can be incorporated and be used as a concept box to go along with the book
-Can add Braille or tactual symbols as appropriate for student

19. Differentiation for Three Students with Multiple Disabilities Including Vision Impairments
*JF: JF has cerebral palsy with a cortical vision impairment. He has limited verbal communication skills and uses modified sign and picture symbols for communication. He has recently had success in using the GoTalk communication app on the iPad to supplement his sign language. He uses a letter board for writing.
*PD: PD has autism with a cortical vision impairment. He is unable to communicate verbally and uses the TouchChat app on the iPad for communication. He uses an adapted keyboard for writing.
*AH: AH has multiple disabilities including a cortical vision impairment. She is unable to communicate verbally and uses objects to communicate. She uses a letter flip chart for writing.

20. Sample Four Blocks Lesson Plans
JF: 7GTiohGauA/edit
PD: wuduT7FD2h6k2iiicXTbNI/edit
AH: JqhcRMUyssw/edit

21. Progress Monitoring Forms
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22. Classroom Literacy Experiences
*Plays *Presentations

23. Classroom Literacy Experiences
*Direct Experiences Related to Text

24. Literacy Object Communication Board

25. Literacy iPad Communication Page

26. Classroom Writing Experiences
*Monthly Class Newspaper: 5BqupWaq8/edit
*Collaborative Stories
*Home School Journals

27. Classroom Writing Experiences
*Pen Pals
*Research Presentations

28. Classroom Writing Experiences
*Arguments/advertisements
*Strengths Posters

29. Writing Topic Box

30. Writing Topic Book

31. Writing Routines and Projects
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32. Activity- Choose one of the following:
Use the adapted story planning template to adapt a children’s book to meet the specific needs of one of your students.
Use the four blocks lesson planning template to create lesson plans for one of your students.
Select and plan for a direct learning project in reading or writing like one of the examples given: class play, book presentation, learning experiences related to a novel, class newspaper, advertisements, research projects/presentations, etc.. How can you make this meaningful for your student with multiple disabilities?

33. Lesson Plan Templates
*Shared Reading Story Planning Template: SSy-TT1SNk/edit
*5th-12th Adapted Story Planning:
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*Four Blocks Lesson Plans:
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