Talk Tools Lesson Plan How Do We Talk?
Lesson Plan • Communication & AAC
30 MIN
Objective
Students will identify different communication devices, including AAC, and understand their basic functions.
Audience
K-2nd Grade (Whole Class Instruction)
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual exploration, and hands-on activities.
Why This Matters
"Understanding how we communicate using various devices, including AAC, is crucial in today's diverse world. This lesson helps young students recognize common communication tools and appreciate their role in connecting people, fostering empathy and inclusivity."
Materials Needed
Whiteboard or projector
"How Do We Talk?" Warm Up
"How Do We Talk?" Slide Deck
"Karl the Collector" Video Clips
"Let's Talk!" Discussion Guide
"Device Charades" Activity Guide
"Communication Bingo" Cards
Teacher Prep
Time: 20 minutes
Review the lesson plan and all linked materials.
Select and prepare 2-3 age-appropriate clips from Karl the Collector showing communication devices. Ensure one shows an AAC device (communication board or talker).
Prepare the Warm Up display.
Familiarize yourself with the Slide Deck scripts.
Review Discussion Guide prompts, focusing on AAC questions.
Gather props for Device Charades (toy phone, tablet, etc.) or prepare to mime.
Prepare Bingo cards and markers (counters, torn paper).
Ensure space for students to move during charades.
Lesson Flow
1
Guess the Gadget! (Warm-Up) 5 MIN
Display the Warm Up images. Ask students to guess what each item is and what it's used for. Emphasize that not everyone talks the same way. Ask: "How do people talk when their voice is hard to use?"
2
What Are Devices & AAC? 5 MIN
Use the Slide Deck to define communication devices and AAC. Show clips from Karl the Collector . Discuss: "What device did Karl use? How did it help him talk?"
3
Diverse Device Charades 10 MIN
Follow the Activity Guide. Students act out using different devices (phone, laptop, communication board). Facilitate discussion after each turn about the device's function.
4
Let's Talk About All the Ways! 5 MIN
Lead a class discussion using the Discussion Guide prompts. Focus on personal experiences with devices and how AAC helps people share their thoughts.
5
Communication Bingo! 5 MIN
Distribute Bingo cards. Call out devices while students cover the icons. This serves as a quick recognition check and a fun wrap-up for the lesson.
Gadget Guessing Warm Up Name:
Date:
WARM
Guess the Gadget!
Look at the pictures below. How do people use these to talk to others?
Device #1
What is it?
Device #2
What is it?
Device #3
What is it?
Device #4
What is it?
Big Question:
"What do these gadgets have in common? How do they help us talk?"
Hint: Think about talking to someone who isn't in the room, or someone who can't hear your voice!
Communication Slide Deck How Do We
Talk?
Connecting with others, near and far!
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Ask: "How did you talk to someone this morning?" Emphasize there are many ways to talk!
What is Communication?
It's how we share our thoughts and feelings!
Face-to-Face
Using Special Tools!
Teacher Note: Explain that communication means sharing ideas. Ask: "What if they are far away? Or what if it's hard to use our voices?"
Communication Devices
"Tools that help us talk to people who aren't right next to us, or when speaking with our voice is hard!"
Phone
Tablet
Laptop
AAC Board
Teacher Note: Ask students if they can think of any other devices people use to talk to others.
AAC
What are AAC Devices?
Stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Tools that help when it's hard to use our voices.
Uses pictures, symbols, or even computer voices!
🍎
💧
❓
👋
🏠
TALK
❤️
🚶
😴
Teacher Note: Explain that some people use tools like tablets or boards to communicate. Show an example if you have one!
Karl the Collector Communicates!
Let's watch Karl use a communication device! What do you see?
Embedded media
Teacher Note: Play a clip of Karl using a device. Ask: "What device did he use? How did it help?"
More Karl! More Devices!
Look closely! What device is Karl using now?
Embedded media
Teacher Note: Play a second clip (ideally AAC). Discuss how the device is special or helpful.
So Many Ways
to Talk!
Karl used different tools to talk to his friends.
Teacher Note: Recap the key points. Transition to "Device Charades" and "Communication Bingo".
Let's Talk Discussion Guide Let's Talk! Discussion Guide
Topic: Communication & AAC Devices • Lesson: How Do We Talk?
Use these questions to spark conversation and deepen understanding. Encourage all forms of response (vocal, gestures, pointing). There are no wrong answers!
1 Sharing Thoughts
What are some of your favorite ways to talk to people, whether with your voice, your hands, or a special device?
2 Experience
Have you ever used a phone, a computer, or another device to talk to someone far away? What did you talk about?
3 Function
How do you think a phone or a computer helps you talk to someone who isn't in the same room?
4 Focus: AAC
We talked about AAC devices. How do you think an AAC device, like a communication board or a talker, helps someone share their thoughts?
5 Inclusion
Why is it important to understand all the different ways people communicate?
6 Imagination
What do you think is a brand new way people might talk to each other in the future?
Discussion Tips
Wait 5-10 seconds for a response before prompting.
Validate all forms of communication (pointing, nodding, signs).
Repeat back student answers to confirm understanding.
Use visual aids from the slide deck to prompt memories.
Device Charades Activity Guide Device Charades
Activity Guide • How Do We Talk?
15 MIN
Objective
Students will act out using different communication devices, reinforcing their understanding of diverse communication methods and device functions.
Materials
Optional: Device Idea Cards (below)
Enthusiastic students!
1 Part 1: Teacher-Led Charades (5-7 min)
1
Explain: Tell students you will act out using a device. They must guess what it is. No talking allowed!
2
Act it Out: Mime using phones, tablets, or computers. Include AAC! Mime pointing to symbols on a board or pressing buttons on a speaking device.
3
Discuss: Once guessed, ask: "How did I use it to talk? Who might use this device?"
Mime Ideas for You
Telephone
Hold hand to ear, dial numbers in the air, nod while listening.
Video Call
Hold up a tablet, wave at the screen, make big smiles and gestures.
AAC Board
Hold an imaginary board, point carefully to different spots, then wave.
2 Part 2: Student Charades (5-8 min)
Invite student volunteers to the front. Whisper a device name to them or let them pick one of the cards below. Remind the class to guess politely and wait until the student is finished acting!
Device Idea Cards (Cut-out)
Telephone
Tablet
Computer
Walkie-Talkie
AAC Board
Talker Device
Letter / Mail
Video Chat
Cell Phone
Communication Bingo Game Communication Bingo!
How to Play
Listen for the teacher to call out a device.
Cover the image on your card with a marker.
Get 3 in a row (any way!) and shout BINGO!
Student Information
NAME:
Card #1
Telephone
Laptop
AAC Board
Tablet
FREE
Desktop
Cell Phone
Letter
Video Call
Card #2
Laptop
Telephone
Video Call
Desktop
FREE
AAC Board
Cell Phone
Tablet
Letter
Card #3
Cell Phone
Video Call
Tablet
Letter
FREE
AAC Board
Telephone
Desktop
Laptop
Teacher's Calling List
Telephone
Cell Phone
Tablet
Communication Board
Laptop
Desktop Computer
Video Call
Letter / Mail
"How Do We Talk?" Lesson Resource • K-2 Communication & Inclusion
