Shared Storybook Reading – An Authentic Context for Developing Literacy, Language, and Communication Skills
Shared storybook reading provides an authentic context for facilitating the literacy, language, and communication skills of children with complex communication needs who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This paper discusses the research surrounding the effectiveness of shared storybook reading and provides suggestions on how to maximize the language and literacy outcomes for children who use AAC. The paper highlights how simple AAC technologies, aided language displays, and picture communication symbols can be used to support communication during shared storybook reading for beginning communicators. In addition, it outlines how systematic strategies can be implemented to extend the communication skills of children with access to comprehensive AAC systems. Finally, the paper discusses the need to select books for shared storybook reading that are appealing, engaging, and age-appropriate, and the importance of providing frequent opportunities for repeated readings.