PECS Book

I've mentioned AJ's PECS before.  PECS stands for Picture Exchange Communication System.  Taken from this website, here is the easiest way to explain PECS:

PECS begins by teaching an individual to give a picture of a desired item to a “communicative partner", who immediately honors the exchange as a request.

At the beginning of the 2010 school year (his 2nd year in preschool) his school SLP and I decided it was time for PECS.  She made him a small PECS book from a small binder (think day planner size).  After asking if she had another binder the same size, I made one for him to use at home. Since I am in the middle of making him his 2nd (BIGGER) PECS book, I figured I should get these photos on here ASAP!  I was thrilled to finally find the pictures on our old laptop to share with all of you!  

Supplies Needed:
Small Binder
Velcro "Rough" & "Soft"
Pendaflex Poly Clear "EasyView" File Folders
Cardstock or Construction Paper 

Computer/Word Document

Laminator/Paper Cutter/Hole Punch

First, eyeball how long your velcro strips will be and cut to size.  Choose either the rough OR soft but make sure to cut the same "texture" for mounting on the top of the binder and each page.

 I chose the "rough".

I used the label sheet for the folders to decide on the right size pages.

Cut your folders in half first.

Then cut to desired size.

Make sure they fit, then hole punch.  Er, it is a bit tricky to line it up. 

 I made marks with a pen.

(Make sure your binder surface is clean!)

Mount your velcro on the front.

And on each page.

I created a table in MS Word, making sure each row/column was 2x2 inches.  

I inserted pictures of AJ's things and also used general images from online.  

I cut red pieces of cardstock 2.25x2.25 inches to back the photos.  Red  is the color AJ is drawn to.

I ran the pictures through my laminator

*NOT PICTURED*

I then cut them, cut squares of "soft" velcro and placed

a square on the back of each picture.

Here, I've put them into categories.  

When we first started, they were all mixed together.

And finally, here are some photos of my little man

COMMUNICATING!

Modifications

I seem to have this knack for finding things and making a mastermind plan to make them bigger, better, or different all together...

Especially when I pass the 'oh so conveniently located' $1 bins at Target.  Or go to the $1 Store.  Or shop any craft store with a $1 section.  See where I am going with this?

Over the summer I bought these two books from the $1 bins at Target.  I really loved the layout of the pictures, the whole sha-bang. 

I've been wanting to really work on the ABCs and Numbers with AJ, so these were just perfect.

Things that are paper, particularly flimsy paper don't last too long, so I wanted to make them a bit more durable.  I knew we'd be using these A LOT. 

I removed the staples...

 Cut everything at the crease...

 Laminated each page, used a hole puncher, and added binder rings. 
VOILA!

I also found these at another store...

 I punched the cards out of the frames...

 Laminated them...

 TA-DA!

Conversation at the Fridge

Mom: AJ, do you want milk or juice? (pointing to the fridge and his juice/milk containers are on the fridge)

AJ: Pushes my hand away. EHHH.

Mom: Oooooh, you don't want milk or juice?  Ok.  Let's open the fridge.

AJ: Pulls on the refrigerator door.

Mom: Ooooopen! (helps open the fridge). 

AJ: GUH-GUH.  (Then looks at me)

Mom: What should we eat?

AJ: (Surveys the fridge, picks up summer sausage in a bag and hands it to me) GUH.

Mom: Noooooo.  Put it back. 

AJ: Puts the bag back.

Mom: AJ, what do you want?

AJ: (Picks up bag of salad mix and hands it to me) GUH-GUH. {very clearly}

Mom: Oooooh, you want salad for breakfast? 

AJ: (Takes 3 steps to me holding the bag of salad mix and hands it to me) GUH-GUH. {very clearly}

I have a new appreciation for salad mix.

Since these are the hot topic in the blogging world...

...here is our calendar. I made it a few months ago in an attempt to help AJ understand the routine of the day.



We are just now getting to the point of leaving the calendar up on the door, pulling the activity cards off at the appropriate times, and talking/signing about what we are going to do next. At naptime, I change the cards for our afternoon routine.

I cut a piece of cardstock in half (length-wise) and laminated each side individually. I then used packing tape to attach them make one long strip. I used velcro pieces on the strip and on the back of each activity card. I created a chart in Word using pictures of AJ doing certain activities, as well as clip art. I wanted to him to get used to seeing a variety of things for art time, therapy days, dinner, etc. (not just the chicken nugget picture). I cut each card to size BEFORE I laminated them. Let's face it, anytime I get a chance to use my card making supplies-I'm thrilled! The laminator I have uses sheets that open on one end so you can arrange your pieces and then close it and send it through the machine. I LOVE IT! **Shameless pitch: I got my laminator @ Target for $29. The ones online and at the office stores are way more expensive!

I do really like the Listening Room calendar, but I think its a bit beyond AJ's level at the moment. Our's is a bit simpler and seems to be doing the trick. I still need to make a pouch to keep the cards in-that can be attached to the door as well. And I do like this workboard from Aiden's Mom. Oh my, it looks like I'm going to be forced down into my stamping oasis again.
(HAPPY DANCE!)

Strawberries ARE in Season...

At least in AJ's world they are!

Today, on Day 2 of Preschool, AJ's teacher reported me that during snack he SIGNED:

Strawberry. (pause) Strawberry. (pause) More. (pause) Strawberry.

HOLY COW!!! I could hardly believe what I was HEARING!

What was equally as awesome was when she was telling me the story...his teacher has the BEST animation and tone in her voice. She said/signed "Tell Mommy what we had for snack today. We had strawberries." AJ's eyes immediately looked up at her when she said the word strawberries-and he grinned at her. He recognized the word!

We now have TWO WORDS in his signing vocabulary. WAHOO!