AAC Kickoff Guide Lesson Plan AAC Kickoff Guide
Communicate with Confidence: A Tier 1 Inclusion Lesson
45 Minutes 3rd Grade
Why This Matters
Many peers have communication delays. Introducing AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools builds empathy, supports diverse learners, and empowers all students to participate fully in classroom conversations.
Learning Objective
Students will learn to use AAC tools—picture boards and speech-generating devices—to practice inclusive exchanges and express needs confidently.
Materials
Speak Up! Slides
Picture Boards (20 sets)
iPad/Tablet with AAC App
Activity Guides
Reflection Cards
Sticky Labels
Prep Checklist (15 Minutes)
Charge and test Speech-Generating Device
Print/Cut Picture Boards (one per pair)
Distribute Sticky Labels & Reflection Cards
Arrange chairs in a circle for discussion
Load Speak Up! Presentation
Review Role-Play scenarios
Lesson Flow
5
Introduction: The Silence Spark
Gather students in a circle. Ask: “How do we let someone know what we need if we can’t speak?” Briefly explain that AAC tools help people "speak" in different ways. Show slide 1 of the visual presentation.
10
Modeling AAC Tools
Advance through slides 2–5. Demonstrate:
Selecting a picture on the board and handing it to a partner.
Using the speech-generating device (app) to say a single word (e.g., "Help" or "Hello").
Invite two volunteers to model a "Water" request exchange.
15
Picture Exchange Role-Play
Divide students into pairs at tables. Each pair needs a Picture Board and access to a shared device (or rotating turns). Follow the Picture Exchange Role-Play Guide. Circulate and prompt: "Which picture shows 'I'm thirsty'?"
10
Voice Choice Circle
Reconvene in a large circle. Use the Voice Choice Circle Guide. Every student gets a turn to play an emotion phrase (e.g., "I feel happy") aloud. Peers respond with a thumbs-up to show active listening.
5
One-Word Reflection
Hand out Reflection Cards. Ask students to write one word about their experience today (e.g., "Helping," "Kind," "Cool"). Stick the labels to the class board for a collaborative visual summary.
Speak Up Visual Presentation Slides Speak Up!
AAC Tools & Tips
Confidence in Communication
Teacher Note: Ask: “How do we let someone know what we need if we can’t speak?” Welcome responses, then introduce AAC.
What Is AAC?
Augmentative
Something that helps add to our speech.
Alternative
Another way to communicate besides speaking.
"AAC tools support people who cannot always use spoken words to share their thoughts."
Teacher Note: Emphasize that AAC makes sure everyone can join the conversation, regardless of how they speak.
Using Picture Boards
1
Boards show pictures for common words (like drink, help, or happy).
2
Point to or hand over a picture to express a need.
3
Works anytime—no voice needed!
Help
Happy
Drink
Stop
Example Board
Teacher Note: Show a physical picture board. Model selecting "Drink" and handing it to a partner.
Speech Devices
Electronic devices or apps that speak for you.
Select words or pictures on a screen.
The device voices what you choose aloud!
Teacher Note: Display the device. Navigate to "Hello" and press it. Point out how technology gives everyone a voice.
Let's See It!
1
Partner A: Picks a picture ("I want water")
2
Partner B: Presses the device ("Water")
3
Swap Roles: Try another request!
💧
Speak
Teacher Note: Invite two volunteers. One uses the board, the other the device. Swap and repeat with "Help" or "Happy".
Picture Exchange Role Play Activity Guide Activity: Picture Exchange
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Time Allotted
15 Minutes
Objective
Practice using AAC tools to request items and respond, building confidence with picture boards and speech-generating devices.
Materials Needed
• Picture Boards (one per pair)
• Speech Device / iPad (one per pair)
• Scenario Cards (Help, Water, Snack, Play)
Facilitation Steps
1
Pair Setup (2 Mins)
Students sit face-to-face. Distribute one Picture Board and one Device to each pair.
2
Role-Play Turns (10 Mins)
Partner A (Requester)
Chooses the correct picture on the board and points to/hands it to Partner B.
Partner B (Responder)
Sees the picture, finds the matching button on the device, and presses it to speak the word.
Swap roles after 3 requests!
3
Reflection Share (3 Mins)
Pause the pairs. Ask: "What part was easy? What part was tricky?" Invite volunteers to share.
Teacher Circulation Prompts
SUPPORT: "Which picture shows 'help'? Look for the hands reaching out."
DEVICE: "Press the button all the way so your digital voice is loud!"
EMPATHY: "How can we show our partner we are listening while they pick a picture?"
COURTESY: "Remember to say 'please' and 'thank you' with your devices too!"
Scenario Cards (Cut Out)
Thirsty
"I would like some water, please."
Snack Time
"I am hungry and want a snack."
Help Needed
"This is hard, I need some help."
Feeling Good
"I am having fun today!"
AAC Communication Board Worksheet My Communication Board
Point to a picture to share what you need!
Hello
Help
Yes
No
Drink
Snack
Happy
Sad
Wait
Toilet
Friend
Play
Point, Hand Over, or Show
Student Name: __________________________ Date: __________________
Voice Choice Circle Discussion Guide Voice Choice Circle
Discussion & Listening Guide
Objective
Practice expressing emotions or simple choices using speech-generating devices and build active listening skills among peers.
The Circle Flow
1
The Message
A student picks a phrase card and uses the device to play the message for the group.
2
The Listen
Peers listen carefully without talking. Focus on the digital voice.
3
The Response
Peers show a Thumbs Up (I heard you!) or a Thumbs Down (Can you try again?).
Setup Needed
Circle of Chairs
Shared iPad/Tablet
Voice Prompt Cards
Teacher Tip
If a student gets a "Thumbs Down", encourage the speaker to try again or ask for help. It's a safe space to practice clarifyng!
Reflection Questions
"How did it feel to hear your friends' messages through a digital voice?"
"Why is it important to listen carefully when someone uses a device to talk?"
Cut-Out Voice Prompt Cards
"I feel happy."
"I need help."
"I want to share."
"I feel tired."
"I like playing."
"I am proud."
One Word Reflection Cards Worksheet Wrap-Up Activity
One-Word Reflection
What did you learn today? Share it in a single word!
Reflection Card
Write one word that describes how you felt using AAC tools today:
Name: ____________________
Reflection Card
Write one word that describes how you felt using AAC tools today:
Name: ____________________
Reflection Card
Write one word that describes how you felt using AAC tools today:
Name: ____________________
Reflection Card
Write one word that describes how you felt using AAC tools today:
Name: ____________________
Stuck for a word? Try one of these:
Helping Kind Cool Friends Sharing New Listen Inclusive
