Reaction Sparks Slides AAC Social Power Lesson 1: Social Interactions
Peer Connection
Reaction Sparks Quick Comments
Say what you feel in the moment! Move beyond asking for things and spark real connections with your friends.
Spontaneous Reactions
Peer Modeling
Real Social Fun
Why Quick Comments Matter
Requesting vs. Connecting
Only Requesting
"I want that item."
Gets your basic needs met, but doesn't keep the conversation rolling with your friends.
Example: "Give ball" • "Want snack"
Social Commenting
"Whoa, no way!"
Shares your excitement, surprise, and thoughts. It makes your peer feel heard and keeps you connected!
Example: "Cool trick!" • "Gross!" • "Look!"
Pro Tip: One quick comment can kick off an entire hangout session.
Your Quick Reaction Sparks
Touch & Model
COOL!
When something is awesome
LOOK!
Get eyes on something fast
NO WAY!
When you can't believe it
AWESOME!
High praise for a friend
GROSS!
Slimy, weird, or yucky
WHAT'S THAT?
Curious question starter
Partners: Model along on your AAC device or visual chat mat!
Scenario 1
The Disappearing Coin Trick
What just happened?
Your friend places a quarter in their hand, blows on it, snaps their fingers, and opening their hand... it is completely gone!
What would you say right now on your device?
"NO WAY!"
Big surprise
"COOL!"
Total approval
"LOOK AGAIN!"
Check both hands
AAC Communicators: Hit your favorite reaction now! Peer buddies: React back!
Scenario 2
The Mystery Goo Explosion
Science Lab Surprise
Your classmate mixes baking soda, green food coloring, and vinegar. Foamy neon slime explodes all over the tray and drips on the table!
How do you react together?
"GROSS!"
Sticky & messy
"LOOK AT THAT!"
Point it out
"THAT IS SILLY!"
Laugh it off
Different reactions make conversations fun! There are no wrong answers.
3-Step Peer Routine: Show & Spark
Try It Right Now!
1
Show It
Peer shows a photo, video clip, or cool toy for 5 to 10 seconds without talking.
2
Spark Comment
AAC communicator hits a reaction key instantly: "Cool!", "No way!", or "Gross!"
3
High Five & Echo
Peer echoes the comment: "I know, totally cool!" and offers a high-five or fist bump.
Goal: 3 spontaneous comments in 5 minutes!
Grab your Quick Comments Mat next!
Quick Comments Mat Quick Comments Communication Mat
Talk Sparks • Peer Interaction Series
Social Reaction Focus
Student: ___________________
Peer Partner: ___________________
Date: _____________
Sentence & Comment Builder Touch cards or place tokens in sequence
Starter (Look / That)
Reaction (Cool / Gross)
Friend Name / Echo
Share It!
High-Frequency Reaction Grid Color coded: Pink = Social Reactions | Yellow = Attention | Sky = Descriptors
LOOK! Get attention
COOL! Love it
NO WAY! Surprise
AWESOME! Great job
THAT Pointing
GROSS! Yucky/messy
SILLY! Funny/weird
OH NO! Accident/spill
WHAT'S THAT? Curious
SO MUCH Big reaction
AGAIN! Do it more
I LIKE IT! Personal pick
Peer Partner Cheatsheet: The 3 'E's
1. Expect: Pause 5-10 seconds with eager eye contact. Don't press buttons for them!
2. Echo: When they hit a button, repeat it loud: "Whoa, totally cool!"
3. Expand: Add 1 word on your board or voice: "Look at that jump!"
Show & Spark Practice Tracker
Partner Activity • 4 Interaction Rounds
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Round-by-Round Social Practice Check boxes during the 10-minute peer hangout
Round Stimulus Shown (Peer brings) AAC Comment Selected Prompt Level High-5? 1 Funny animal photo / Meme [ ] COOL! [ ] SILLY! [ ] NO WAY! Indep Model [ ] 2 Wild video clip (15s trick/fail) [ ] NO WAY! [ ] OH NO! [ ] AWESOME! Indep Model [ ] 3 Gross / Weird texture object [ ] GROSS! [ ] LOOK! [ ] WHAT'S THAT? Indep Model [ ] 4 Peer drawing / construction build [ ] AWESOME! [ ] THAT + COOL [ ] I LIKE IT! Indep Model [ ]
Cut-Out Lanyard / Ring Reaction Badges Cut along dashed borders for wearable quick-tags
COOL! • Lanyard Badge •
NO WAY! • Lanyard Badge •
Partner Coaching Guide Partner Coaching Guide
Facilitation Protocol • Lesson 1: Quick Comments
Staff & SLP Guide
Instructional Target
The learner will spontaneously select or vocalize a social comment/reaction (COOL, NO WAY, GROSS, AWESOME, LOOK) in response to a peer stimulus during a 10-minute peer interaction session with ≤1 indirect prompt across 4 trials.
Least-to-Most Prompting for AAC Commenting (Never Force Hands!)
1
Environmental Expectant Pause (Wait 5-10 Seconds)
Peer shows stimulus (e.g. silly video clip), makes an expressive facial expression, and visibly pauses with eager attention. Do not speak yet!
2
Aided Language Input (Peer Models on Secondary Mat)
Peer touches their own mat or speaks aloud: "Whoa, LOOK!" or touches COOL without touching the learner's screen or hands.
3
Open Social Question / Gesture Cue
Peer points towards the AAC display generally or asks: "What do you think?" (Avoid demanding: "Press cool!" ).
4
Partial Physical / Visual Highlight (If Needed)
Gently spotlight the reaction folder or card grouping. Acknowledge any communicative glance, head nod, or proximity touch immediately.
Common Pitfalls vs. Communicative Best Practices
Stop Doing This
Asking compliance questions: "Can you find COOL?"
Hand-over-hand forcing the student's finger to a button.
Interrupting their processing time after only 2 seconds.
Only honoring communication when they ask for snacks.
Do This Instead
Share authentic enjoyment: "That was hilarious!"
Honor all selections—even unexpected ones—as meaningful.
Count to 8 silently before speaking or prompting.
Model commenting 80% of the time, asking questions only 20%.
Talk Sparks AAC Training Series Page 1: Facilitator Protocol
Peer Buddy Quick-Start & Fidelity
Companion Guide for Inclusive Classmates • Lesson 1
Peer Training
Being a Great AAC Peer Buddy: 4 Superpowers
1 Bring the Fun
Pick 2-3 cool items from home or your locker: a funny TikTok/meme, a drawing, or a fidget spinner. Exciting things trigger authentic reactions!
2 Be the Model
Keep your own communication mat right next to you. Whenever you react, point to your board while you say the word out loud!
3 Give 10 Seconds
Opinion Showdown Slides AAC Social Power Lesson 2: Opinions & Hot Takes
Express Yourself
Opinion Arena Hot Takes & Debates
What do you really think? Rate foods, movies, and crazy choices. Agree, disagree, and stand your ground!
Like • Love • Hate
1-to-5 Star Ratings
"What do you think?"
Opinions Make Us Unique
No Right or Wrong!
A Fact
"Pizza is a food."
Everyone agrees on this. It's true for everyone, but it doesn't tell us who you are.
Your Opinion
"Pineapple pizza is the best!"
This is your personal taste! Your peer might love it or scream "NO WAY!". That sparks a lively conversation.
Sharing opinions tells your friends what makes you tick!
The Opinion Rating Meter
5 Ways to Vote
★ 1
Hate It
Worst ever!
★ 2
Don't Like
Not for me
★ 3
Just Okay
Take or leave
★ 4
I Like It
Pretty good!
★ 5
Love It!
The champion!
Model each rating on your board before voting!
Showdown 1
Food Fight: Pizza vs. Tacos
🍕
Cheesy Pizza
Gooey melted cheese, crispy crust, pepperoni!
"Pizza is the best!"
🌮
Crunchy Tacos
Crispy shell, zesty meat, guacamole, and salsa!
"I love tacos more!"
Turn to your peer: "What do you think?"
Showdown 2
Ride Showdown: Coaster vs. Waterslide
🎢
Mega Roller Coaster
Huge drops, upside-down loops, 70 mph wind!
"Too scary!" or "Awesome!"
🌊
Giant Waterslide
Twisting slides, splashing water, big pool drop!
"Super fun!" or "Cold!"
Practice disagreeing politely: "I disagree, coasters are better!"
The Opinion Loop: Give & Ask
Keep The Chat Going
Step 1: Give Your Take
"I love [ item ] !"
State your opinion clearly on your AAC device or pointing mat. Rate it with 1-5 stars.
Step 2: Toss the Ball
"What do you think?"
Ask your peer partner their opinion! Wait for them to answer before moving on.
Opinion Rating Board Opinion Rating Board
Talk Sparks • Lesson 2: Expressing Opinions
Debate & Rating Mat
Student: ___________________
Debate Buddy: ___________________
Date: _____________
The 5-Star Opinion Scale Touch star to cast rating
★ 1 STAR Hate It
★ 2 STARS Don't Like
★ 3 STARS It's Okay
★ 4 STARS I Like It
★ 5 STARS Love It!
Opinion Framing Strip Combine 2 to 3 cells
I THINK...
[ TOPIC ITEM ]
IS AWESOME!
Opinion Vocabulary Grid Green/Pink = Positive | Red/Orange = Negative | Purple = Interaction
THE BEST Top favorite
SUPER FUN Enjoyable
THE WORST Terrible
BORING Dull/sleepy
DELICIOUS Tastes great
GROSS TASTE Yuck
I AGREE Same here!
I DISAGREE I think different
TOO LOUD Noise reaction
TOO SCARY Spooky
YOU THINK? Toss turn to peer
MY TURN! Take speaking turn
Conversation Strategy: Always ask "YOU THINK?" after sharing your opinion! Page 1 of 2
Hot Take Showdown Tally
Partner Activity • 4 Peer Debates
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Showdown Faceoffs: Vote & Compare Circle your pick & rate (1-5 stars)
1. 🍕 Pizza vs. 🌮 Tacos
Which is the champion food?
Student Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Peer Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Agree? [ ] YES [ ] NO
2. 🎢 Coaster vs. 🌊 Slide
Ultimate thrill ride faceoff
Student Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Peer Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Agree? [ ] YES [ ] NO
3. 🐱 Cats vs. 🐶 Dogs
The classic pet championship
Student Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Peer Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Agree? [ ] YES [ ] NO
4. ☀️ Summer vs. ❄️ Winter
Beach heat or snowy fun?
Student Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Peer Vote: [ ]
★★★★★
Agree? [ ] YES [ ] NO
Cut-Out Quick Debate Paddles (Glue to Popsicle Sticks) Physical voting props for peer discussions
I AGREE! "Same here!"
Peer Chat Tracker Peer Chat Pragmatics Tracker
Assessment & Data • Lesson 2: Opinion Sharing
IEP & SLP Tool
Student: ___________________
Clinician / Observer: ___________________
Target IEP Period: _____________
Pragmatic Language IEP Goal Template
"During 15-minute unstructured or semi-structured peer interactions, learner will independently initiate or respond with an opinion/rating and ask a peer partner for their perspective (e.g., 'What do you think?') in 4 out of 5 conversational opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions."
4-Level Pragmatic Opinion-Sharing Rubric
Skill Domain Level 1: Emerging Level 2: Developing Level 3: Proficient Level 4: Autonomous 1. Stating Opinion Selects opinion only with direct hand pointing model. Expresses like/dislike with indirect verbal prompt. Spontaneously shares 1-5 star rating or opinion word. Spontaneously combines opinion + reason (e.g., "Boring + Too loud" ). 2. Reciprocal Turn Relinquishes turn only when partner prompts physically. Passes turn after partner asks: "What should you ask me?" Spontaneously taps "You think?" or gestures to peer. Maintains conversational volley for 2+ exchanges. 3. Acknowledging Peer Walks away or shifts gaze away during peer response. Maintains joint visual attention while peer shares. Selects "I Agree" or "I Disagree" to peer's take. Validates peer warmly (smiles, nod, fist bump, paddle).
Clinical Scaffolding Advice
If the student consistently stays at Level 1, pre-program high-interest fringe buttons (favorite YouTube channels, snacks, songs) directly beside the opinion rating bar to lower motor navigation demands.
Talk Sparks Assessment Toolkit Page 1: Rubric & Standards
Peer Interaction Longitudinal Log
Multi-Session Data • Progress Monitoring
Page 2 of 2
Session-by-Session Tracking (Record 6 Sessions) I = Independent • V = Verbal • M = Model • P = Physical
Date Peer Buddy Activity / Topic Opinion Initiated Asked Peer ("You Think?") Prompt Level
Game Talk Slides AAC Social Power Lesson 3: Peer Hangout & Play
Play & Connect
Game Talk Requests & Banter
Combine requests, spontaneous comments, and friendly opinions while playing games together with your classmates!
Turn Requests
Game Banter
Good Sportsmanship
The Three Game Talk Powers
Why combine them?
1. Requests
Moves Game Forward
Keeps the turns flowing smoothly so nobody gets confused.
"My turn!" • "Pass dice!"
2. Comments
Brings The Energy
Reacts to the drama: lucky rolls, near misses, and funny blunders.
"Oh man!" • "Nice move!"
3. Opinions
Builds Friendship
Shows you love playing with them and invites another round.
"Great game!" • "Rematch?"
A true game buddy doesn't just play silently—they share the hype!
Power 1
Action & Turn Requests
"MY TURN!"
Claim your spot respectfully
"PASS THE DICE!"
Ask for game piece politely
"WAIT A MINUTE!"
Need time to think or move
Pro Tip for Communicators
Keep your finger resting near the "MY TURN" key so you are ready as soon as your peer finishes their move!
Peers: Always pause and look at your friend before passing the pieces.
Turn requests give you equal control over the game board.
Power 2
Spirited Game Banter
When a Friend Scores
"NICE MOVE!" • Respect the skill
"LUCKY ROLL!" • Playful teasing
"NO WAY!" • In disbelief
When a Tower Falls / Spill
"OH MAN!" • Shared disappointment
"SO CLOSE!" • Encouragement
"TRY AGAIN!" • Ready for round 2
Banter makes table games exciting whether you win or lose!
Power 3
Game Over: The Good Sport Debrief
🏆
How to Finish Like a Champion
When the game ends, don't just pack up the box in silence. Share your final opinion and seal the friendship!
"GOOD GAME!"
Fist bump
"PLAY AGAIN?"
Request rematch
"THAT WAS FUN!"
Positive wrap
A good sport is someone everyone wants to play with again!
The 3-Step Game Flow
Game Chatter Placemat Game Chatter Placemat
Talk Sparks • Lesson 3: Collaborative Play
Tabletop Board
Player 1: ___________________
Player 2: ___________________
Game: ___________________
Zone 1: Action & Turn Requests (Make Your Move)
MY TURN! Claim spot
YOUR TURN! Pass to friend
PASS DICE Need pieces
WAIT PLEASE Thinking time
Zone 2: Live Banter & Reactions (Share The Energy)
NICE MOVE! High praise
OH MAN! Bad luck
LUCKY ROLL! Playful rib
SO CLOSE! Near miss
Zone 3: Opinions & Sportsmanship (Finish Like A Champ)
GOOD GAME! Handshake
REMATCH? Play again
SUPER FUN! Love game
TOO HARD Tough match
Place this placemat in the middle of the game board so both players can model!
Page 1 of 2
Game Time Banter Scorecard
Partner Activity • Track Talk & Play
Page 2 of 2
The 3-Power Talk Tracker (Tick 1 box for every phrase used!) Goal: 6 total checkmarks per game
1. Requests
"My turn" • "Pass dice"
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
2. Comments
"Nice move!" • "Oh man!"
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
3. Opinions
"Good game!" • "Super fun"
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
Game Matchup Rounds Record round outcomes
Round What Happened? Round Winner Best Banter Used Round 1 ________________________________ ________________ ________________ Round 2 ________________________________ ________________ ________________ Round 3 ________________________________ ________________ ________________
Good Sport Champion Badge
Fist Bump Verification
Both players shared turns, gave encouragement, used AAC banter, and finished with a friendly "GOOD GAME!"
Player 1 Signature: ___________________
Player 2 Signature: ___________________
Peer Buddy Handbook Peer Buddy Playbook
Inclusive Hangout Guide • Lesson 3: Collaborative Play
Buddy Edition
The Hangout Mission
Playing games together isn't about teaching or testing your friend. It's about having fun, cheering each other on, and making sure everyone has a voice at the table!
The 4 Golden Rules of Game Hangouts
1 Hands Off Their Device
Their talker is their voice. Never touch their screen or push buttons for them unless they specifically ask you to.
2 Model on the Placemat
Keep the paper placemat between both of you. When you say "Nice move!" , tap the icon with your finger while you speak!
3 Give Them Thinking Time
Moving fingers and finding keys takes a few extra seconds. Count slowly to 8 in your head before repeating a question.
4 Share the Hype
React to wild dice rolls, funny mistakes, and winning plays! Real friends share reactions, laugh together, and give high-fives.
Ready-to-Use Peer Dialogue Scripts
When passing the turn: "I just finished my move! Whose turn is it now?"
Invite "MY TURN"
When a crazy move happens: "Whoa! Did you see that roll?! That was wild!"
Invite "NO WAY!"
When the round wraps up: "That was such a close match! Do you want a rematch?"
Invite "PLAY AGAIN"
Talk Sparks Inclusive Peer Series Page 1: Buddy Playbook
Hangout Mission Log & Reflection
Post-Game Debrief • Celebrate Connection
Page 2 of 2
Today's Hangout Session Record
Game We Played: __________________________
Hangout Length: [ ] 10 min [ ] 15 min [ ] 20 min
Communicator Name: ______________________
Peer Buddy Name: ______________________
Peer Buddy Reflection Questions
1. What was the funniest or most exciting moment during the game?
2. Which AAC comment or phrase did your buddy use with the most excitement?
[ ] "MY TURN!" [ ] "NICE MOVE!" [ ] "OH MAN!" [ ] "GOOD GAME!"
3. Did you remember to wait 8 seconds before repeating a question?
[ ] Yes, nailed it! [ ] Mostly, but had to remind myself [ ] Still working on it!
4. Would you like to hang out and play this game again next week?
[ ] Definite YES! [ ] Yes, but let's try a new game
Certificate of Inclusive Friendship
Awarded to two awesome classmates who proved that games are always more fun when everyone has a voice and plays together!
Player 1 Signature