1. Literacy on the Move: Embedding Literacy into O&M AER Regional Conference Presented by: Lynn Murphy Penni Telleck

2. What’s the Fuss? No Child Left Behind- proficiency for all students by 2014 State Academic Standards Support for student achievement of standards –Aligning curriculum to standards and support across subject areas –Materials and resources –Meaningful instruction Literacy on the move is a vehicle to support students who are deafblind or who have significant cognitive disabilities to develop understanding of concepts. The understanding increases opportunities for learning in all subject areas

4. Literacy Begins at birth Encompasses –Communication –Information gathering –Thinking and expressing thoughts and ideas Occurs with conversation Is a means to participate in Learning

5. Participation In Learning Literacy tools –Paper –Books Concepts are language Provide a platform for opportunities to develop shared language Movement Motivation

6. Literacy Learning for Students who are Deafblind Movement Communication Conversation Shared Language  Our “Literacy on the Move” Bookbags are the means to provide the beginnings of shared language upon which concept development and literacy is based

7. Early Literacy Learning is Not Taught... It’s Made Possible

8. In its broadest sense, literacy is learning to communicate, learning information, thinking, and sharing thoughts and ideas: Teaching Communication through O&M. (Literacy is not just learning the mechanics of reading and writing!) Literacy unfolds in children in O&M lessons that are literacy-rich. Children need to participate in literacy activities and interact with literacy items (such as books, paper, landmarks, movement and motivation) in order for literacy to happen. You don’t teach literacy... you make it possible. What is Literacy and O&M?

9. Why is O&M Important? Movement is a foundation of learning. Children gain knowledge of people, places and things by movement through their environments using sight and hearing. When the distance senses of sight and hearing are both compromised, skill in Orientation and Mobility takes on a great importance in their learning.

10. What can O&M Instructors do? Literacy learning occurs in real-life situations Do you see any areas where you can foster an O&M lesson? –Daily living-Obtaining Information –Entertainment-Jobs/Work –School –Communicating with Family and Friends –Helping Children Become Interested in Literacy

11. How to Embed Literacy into the O&M Lesson Using experience books that afford opportunities of shared language using tactile components/objects Having a shared language increases opportunities for conversation with multiple partners- increasing experiences and increasing concept development

12. Embedding Literacy into the O&M Lesson Provides a natural, meaningful and functional environment Provides for kinesthetic learning while enhancing concepts of movement, language and orientation

13. How Does the Bookbag Help? EXAMPLES Elementary Middle school High school

14. How Does the Bookbag Help? VIDEO

15. Group Activity Divide into groups Choose a book Choose a student Choose a concept(s) upon which to focus What are some tactiles for use? Outline an O&M lesson using the book Report Out

16. Closing Remarks Any Questions? THANK YOU