Literacy on the Move:Literacy on the Move:Embedding Literacy into Embedding Literacy into

O&MO&M

Literacy on the Move:Literacy on the Move:Embedding Literacy into Embedding Literacy into

O&MO&MAER Regional Conference AER Regional Conference

Presented by:Presented by:Lynn MurphyLynn MurphyPenni TelleckPenni Telleck

What’s the Fuss?• No Child Left Behind- proficiency for all students by

2014• State Academic Standards• Support for student achievement of standards

– Aligning curriculum to standards and support across subject areas

– Materials and resources– Meaningful instruction

• Literacy on the move is a vehicle to support students who are deafblind or who have significant cognitive disabilities to develop understanding of concepts. The understanding increases opportunities for learning in all subject areas

Literacy• Begins at birth• Encompasses

– Communication– Information gathering– Thinking and expressing thoughts and

ideas

• Occurs with conversation• Is a means to participate in Learning

Participation In Learning

• Literacy tools– Paper– Books

• Concepts are language• Provide a platform for opportunities to develop

shared language

• Movement• Motivation

Literacy Learning for Students who are

Deafblind• Movement• Communication• Conversation• Shared Language

Our “Literacy on the Move” Bookbags are the means to provide the beginnings of shared language upon which concept development and literacy is based

Early Literacy Learning is Not Taught ... It’s Made Possible

In its broadest sense, literacy is learning to communicate, learning information, thinking, and sharing thoughts and ideas: Teaching Communication through O&M.(Literacy is not just learning the mechanics of reading and writing!)

Literacy unfoldsin childrenin O&M lessonsthat areliteracy-rich.

Children need to participate in literacy activities and interact with literacy items (such as books, paper, landmarks, movement and motivation) in order for literacy to happen.

You don’t teachliteracy ... you make itpossible.

What is Literacy and O&M?

Why is O&M Important?• Movement is a foundation of learning. • Children gain knowledge of people,

places and things by movement through their environments using sight and hearing.

• When the distance senses of sight and hearing are both compromised, skill in Orientation and Mobility takes on a great importance in their learning.

What can O&M Instructors do?

• Literacy learning occurs in real-life situations• Do you see any areas where you can foster an

O&M lesson?– Daily living -Obtaining Information– Entertainment -Jobs/Work– School– Communicating with Family and Friends– Helping Children Become Interested in Literacy

How to Embed Literacy into the O&M

Lesson• Using experience books that afford

opportunities of shared language using tactile components/objects

• Having a shared language increases opportunities for conversation with multiple partners- increasing experiences and increasing concept development

Embedding Literacy into the O&M Lesson

• Provides a natural, meaningful and functional environment

• Provides for kinesthetic learning while enhancing concepts of movement, language and orientation

How Does the Bookbag Help?

EXAMPLESElementary

Middle schoolHigh school

How Does the Bookbag Help?

VIDEO

Group Activity• Divide into groups• Choose a book• Choose a student• Choose a concept(s) upon which to focus• What are some tactiles for use?• Outline an O&M lesson using the book• Report Out

Closing Remarks• Any Questions?

THANK YOU