Education Magazine

Page 26 Excellence In Education Lincoln Daily News January 25, 2023 Adams attended another training on using PECS. Two Paraprofessionals from these classes joined them at the training so they could also learn how to use it with the students. Brianna Lanning said using visuals in the classroom is important for letting the children know what is coming next. Visual schedules of activities are one way to do that. Carroll said using PECS is about helping the students learn connections between the pictures and activities. In the early childhood classrooms, both teachers have been using PECS to help the students who struggle with communication to communicate their wants and needs. Using pictures of items and activities help the children with “expressive language” by allowing them to point to a picture to show what they want. Dawn Lanning has made necklaces with visual schedules, so students can look at the picture and know what the next activity is. When children need to calm down, the teachers often provide them a bin with sensory toys like soft brushes and toys they can squeeze or stretch. Prepare students for the next level Dawn Lanning said starting children on the PEC system early helps prepare students for the next level. It is a good beginning step for more advanced communication devices. Workshops on using visuals are important since language is complex and can be overstimulating. Continued --