Time Traveler Teacher Guide Time Traveler Narratives
Lesson 1: Recounting Past Events Facilitator Guide
11TH GRADE
OBJECTIVE
Students will navigate to 'Time' folders and apply 'Past Tense' markers to tell a 3-part sequential story.
KEY FOLDERS
Time (Yesterday, Weekend)
Grammar (Past Tense -ed)
Little Words (First, Then)
DURATION
45-60 Minutes
Instructional Sequence
1
The Weekend Reveal (10 min)
Display a photo from your own weekend. Model navigating your device to say: "Yesterday, I went to the park." Ask students to find their photo (brought from home or taken in class) and prepare one sentence using a Time word .
2
Navigating the Timeline (15 min)
Demonstrate the 3-step navigation path on the classroom display:
Folder: Time → YesterdayAction: Find Verb → Apply Past Tense markerSequence: Little Words → First / Then / Last
3
Workshop: The 3-Part Reel (20 min)
Students use the "Weekend Reel" worksheet to plan a story. Support students in finding their specific navigation paths for their unique devices (TouchChat, Proloquo, etc.).
Differentiation Tip: For students with high motor planning needs, provide a "cheat sheet" with screenshots of their specific path to the 'Time' folder.
Discussion Prompts
Navigation Check:
"Where do we go when we want to talk about something that already happened?"
Predictive Prompt:
"I see you found 'Eat'. How do we make it 'Ate'?"
Success Looks Like...
Locating 'Yesterday' or 'Weekend' in < 15 seconds.
Using at least 2 sequence words (First, Then).
Applying the past tense marker to at least 1 verb.
Sharing the story with 1 peer during the wrap-up.
Time Traveler Slides Social Navigator
Time Traveler
Narratives
Mastering the art of recounting the past to share our unique stories.
Why Tell Stories?
Connect
Sharing what happened to you helps friends get to know the real you.
Remember
Keeping track of "First, Then, Last" makes your story easy to follow.
"Stories are the bridge between people."
Your Navigation Map
1
TIME Folder
Find words like "Yesterday" or "Last Weekend" to set the scene.
2
PAST Tense
Use the "-ed" marker or past tense forms (Go → Went).
3
SEQUENCE
Use "First," "Then," and "Finally" to build the chain.
The Story Formula
Part 1
FIRST, [Time Word] + [Action]
Part 2
THEN, [New Action]
Part 3
AFTER THAT, [Closing Detail]
Ready to build your reel?
Weekend Reel Activity My Weekend Reel
Map out your story using your AAC Device
NAME:
DATE:
1
Pick Your Time Folder
Which folder will you open first? (Circle one)
Yesterday
Last Weekend
Before
2
The Sequence
First...
Write the words you will find on your device:
Then...
What happened next? Find the verb + past tense marker:
Finally...
End your story. How did you feel?
Navigation Checklist
Did you find these buttons on your screen?
Time Word
Past Tense (-ed)
Sequence Word
Question Quest Teacher Guide The Question Quest
Lesson 2: Asking Follow-Up Questions Facilitator Guide
11TH GRADE
OBJECTIVE
Students will navigate to interrogative folders to initiate and maintain a 3-turn peer conversation.
KEY FOLDERS
Questions (Who, What, Where)
Social / Chat (Your turn)
Clarification (What?)
DURATION
50-60 Minutes
Instructional Sequence
1
Hook: The Hot Seat (15 min)
One staff member or student sits in the 'Hot Seat'. The class must interview them. The goal isn't just to ask random questions, but to ask questions related to what the person just said.
Focus: "Tell me more about [Topic]"
2
Modeling: Question Scaffolding (15 min)
Model the "Active Listening" navigation path:
Folder: Questions → Why / How / WhereSocial Bridge: "That is cool" + "Why?"Strategy: Using the "What about you?" button to hand the turn back.
3
Question Quest Bingo (25 min)
Students pair up. They must use their "Interview Bingo" sheet. Each time they successfully ask a specific type of question (Who, What, Where, Why, or a Follow-up) and receive an answer, they mark it off.
Navigation Mastery Tips
Interrogative Folders
Encourage students to look for the '?' icons which usually lead to the core question starters.
The "What?" Barrier
If a peer doesn't understand, guide the student to the "Clarify" or "Try Again" folder rather than repeating the same button.
Ready for Lesson 3: Nuance & Emotion Network
Question Quest Slides The Question
Quest
From answering to initiating. Master the art of the interview.
The "Quest" Starters
WHO
People / Groups
WHAT
Objects / Actions
WHERE
Places / Location
WHEN
Time / Schedule
WHY
Reasons / Cause
"Which one is the hardest to find on your device?"
The "Follow-Up" Secret
A follow-up question is like a bridge. It keeps the talk alive!
They Say:
"I like playing Minecraft."
You Ask (Follow-up):
"WHO do you play with?"
OR "HOW long have you played?"
Navigation Challenge
FOLDER: Questions
Usually has a big question mark icon.
REVERSE: What about you?
Look in 'Chat' or 'Social' for this turn-taker.
QUEST GOAL:
Ask 3 people a question.
Use a "Follow-up" question.
Fill your Bingo Board!
Interview Bingo Sheet Question Bingo
The Interview Challenge
NAVIGATOR:
MISSION DATE:
Ask your classmates questions using your device. Mark a square when you successfully navigate to and use that question!
WHO
"Who is your favorite artist?"
WHAT
"What do you do for fun?"
FOLLOW UP
Ask a question about what they just said!
WHERE
"Where is the best food?"
FREE SPACE
WHY
"Why do you like that?"
OPINION
"Do you think that's cool?"
WHEN
"When is your birthday?"
REVERSE
"What about you?"
Quest Notes
Who was the most interesting person you talked to today? Write their name and one thing you learned.
Emotion React Guide Nuance & Emotion
Lesson 3: Expressing Opinions and Emotions Facilitator Guide
11TH GRADE
OBJECTIVE
Students will navigate to 'Feelings' and 'Describe' folders to select specific, nuanced emotional vocabulary.
KEY FOLDERS
Feelings (Beyond Sad/Happy)
Opinions (Cool, Boring, Mid)
Intensifiers (Very, A little)
DURATION
50-60 Minutes
Instructional Sequence
1
Hook: The Weird Taste Test (10 min)
Provide a "weird" food combo (e.g., pickle and chocolate). Students must navigate to their 'Describe' or 'Feelings' folder to find a word other than "good" or "bad".
Target Words: Confusing, gross, interesting, salty, surprising.
2
Modeling: The Feeling Wheel (15 min)
Model the "Drill Down" strategy:
Level 1: Happy → Level 2: Excited → Level 3: ThrilledStrategy: Using intensifiers. "I am REALLY frustrated."
3
The Nuance Scale (25 min)
Students work on the "Reaction Roadmap" worksheet. They watch 3 short video clips (a fail video, a nature clip, and a news story) and must navigate to find a unique reaction word for each.
Scaffolding Nuance
Simple Word Nuanced Alternative Navigation Prompt Good Incredible / Chill "Is it just okay, or is it amazing?" Bad Annoying / Terrible "What part of it is bad? Does it bother you?" Sad Lonely / Disappointed "Are you sad, or are you let down?"
Key Questions
"Can we find a word that explains why it's good?"
"Where is the 'more' button in your feelings folder?"
Next Lesson: Social Sync & Slang
Nuance Network Slides Lesson 03
Nuance
Network
Moving beyond "Good" and "Bad" to express exactly how you feel.
Escaping the "Good/Bad" Trap
The Trap
GOOD
Too simple! Not enough flavor.
Nuance means...
Finding the exact word for the exact feeling.
Folders to check:
Feelings → Secondary Emotions
Describe → Quality
Social → Opinions
The "Drill Down" Strategy
1
Start Big
SAD
2
Drill In
LONELY
3
Intensity
REALLY
Challenge: Real-World React
"You just won the lottery, but you lost your ticket."
Target Navigation:
"FRUSTRATED"
Watch the video clips.
Find a word that NO ONE else uses.
Add an intensifier (Very, Totally).
Reaction Roadmap Worksheet Reaction Roadmap
Escaping the Good/Bad Trap
EXPLORER:
DATE:
1 The Level Up Challenge
Find these "Level 1" words on your device. Then, navigate deeper to find a "Level 2" word that is more specific.
Happy
Your Level 2 Word:
Sad
Your Level 2 Word:
Mad
Your Level 2 Word:
2 The Video Reaction Log
Watch the clips. Navigate to your 'Describe' or 'Feelings' folder to find one unique word for each clip.
Clip 1: Fail Video
Navigation Word:
I used an intensifier (Very/So)
Clip 2: Nature Scene
Navigation Word:
I used an intensifier (Very/So)
Navigator Tip
Can't find the perfect word? Check the "Descriptors" or "Opinion" folder!
Pragmatic Prep Teacher Guide Social Sync & Slang
Lesson 4: Using Slang and Social Comments Facilitator Guide
11TH GRADE
OBJECTIVE
Students will navigate to 'Social' or 'Chat' folders to use age-appropriate slang and social fillers (vibe, bet, facts).
KEY FOLDERS
Social / Chat
Personal Phrases
Quickfire / Interjections
DURATION
45-60 Minutes
Instructional Sequence
1
Hook: The Vibe Check (10 min)
Display two versions of the same request: "I would like to play basketball" vs. "Wanna hoop?". Ask students: "Which one sounds like us?" Lead into why AAC users sometimes sound "too formal."
2
Discovery: The Social Scavenger Hunt (15 min)
Guide students to find their "Social" or "Chat" folders. Challenge them to find phrases like:
No way / For real?
Cool / Awesome
Wait / Hold on
See ya / Later
3
Workshop: The Slang Translator (25 min)
Students use the "Slang Translator" worksheet to find "cooler" ways to say standard AAC phrases. If a student's device lacks slang, use this time to program 2-3 custom buttons in their 'Personal' folder.
A Note on Respect
Ensure students understand the difference between Social (friends/hallway) and Academic (teacher/principal) registers. We are learning 'Social' navigation today.
"Real Talk"
Social Navigator Sequence • Grade 11 • Lesson 4 of 5
Social Sync Slides The Vibe Check
Social Sync
& Slang
Sounding like a peer, not a textbook.
The Right Register
Academic / Formal
"I am in agreement with your statement."
Use with: Teachers / Boss
Social / Casual
"FACTS."
Use with: Friends / Peers
The Social Scavenger Hunt
CHAT
Look for: "What's up?", "Cool", "Nice".
QUICKFIRE
Look for: "Wait", "Actually", "No way".
PERSONAL
Where we will add your favorite slang later!
Mission: Find 2 phrases that sound like something YOU would actually say.
"Real Talk" 2026 List
BET
"Yes" or "I agree"
FACTS
"That is true"
VIBE
The feeling of a place/song
MID
"Just okay" or "Boring"
Let's add these to your device!
Slang Translator Worksheet Slang Translator
Social Navigation Mission 04
User:
The "Real Talk" Upgrade
Standard AAC phrases can sound like a textbook. Find a "cooler" way to say these using your 'Social' folder or custom buttons!
Standard AAC Phrase:
"I am in agreement."
Real Talk Upgrade (Find or Program):
Standard AAC Phrase:
"I do not like that."
Real Talk Upgrade (Find or Program):
Standard AAC Phrase:
"Wait for a moment."
Real Talk Upgrade (Find or Program):
Programming Challenge
Pick one 2026 slang word and add it to your 'Social' or 'Favorites' folder!
Go Mode
Collaborative Chain Teacher Guide The Collaborative Chain
Lesson 5: Collaborative Storytelling Facilitator Guide
11TH GRADE
OBJECTIVE
Students will listen to a peer's sentence and navigate their device to provide a logical continuation in a group story.
KEY SKILLS
Auditory Processing
Rapid Folder Navigation
Peer Collaboration
DURATION
60 Minutes
Instructional Sequence
1
Hook: The Giant Pizza (10 min)
Start a ridiculous story: "Yesterday, I found a giant pizza on my roof." Use a talking stick or visual pointer. Each student must add ONE word or phrase to keep it going. No rules, just flow.
2
The "Listening Link" Strategy (15 min)
Teach students to identify the Subject of the previous sentence to find their next folder.
Example: If Peer says "The cat ran away," I should look in my Places folder (Where did it go?) or Feelings folder (How does the owner feel?).
3
The Collaborative Chain (35 min)
Divide the class into groups of 4. Give each student a Narrative Navigator Card (Intro, Conflict, Reaction, Ending). They must build a coherent story together. Record the final stories to play back for the class.
Troubleshooting Navigation
Student gets stuck:
"Don't look for the perfect word. Look for a folder that fits." (e.g., if they can't find 'Taco Bell', just use 'Food' or 'Eat').
Off-topic input:
Acknowledge it, then use a "Social" button to pivot back: "Wait, what about the [previous topic]?"
Synthesis Lesson
Capstone
Social Navigator Sequence Complete
Story Chain Slides The Collaborative
Chain
Connecting our voices to build one incredible story.
Rules of the Chain
1
LISTEN carefully to the person before you.
2
Think of a word that CONNECTS to theirs.
3
NAVIGATE to your folder and share!
THE LINK GOAL
"Make the story make sense."
Your Story Roles
THE HOOK
Who? Where?
"Once there was a skater..."
THE ACTION
What happened?
"...who ate a magical burrito."
THE REACTION
How they felt?
"They felt VERY shocked!"
THE TWIST
What's the end?
"Suddenly, they started to fly!"
Navigator Prep
Before we start the chain, check these folders on your device:
Actions / Verbs
Feelings / Describe
Places / Things
STORY TIME
Let's build the chain.
Narrative Navigator Cards Narrative Navigator Cards
Cut along the dotted lines. Assign one card to each member of your group!
Role 01
The Hook
Your Job: Start the Story
"Once there was a [Person/Thing] who lived in a [Place]..."
Navigation Folders:
People Places
Role 02
The Action
Your Job: What Happened?
"Suddenly, they decided to [Verb/Action] with a [Thing]..."
Navigation Folders:
Actions Things
Role 03
The Reaction
Your Job: Add the Nuance
"It was [Intensifier] [Feeling]! Everyone was [Emotion]!"
Navigation Folders:
Feelings Describe
Role 04
The Twist
Your Job: End the Story
"But then [New Person] said '[Slang Word]' and they all [Ending Action]."
Navigation Folders:
Social / Slang Finish
