Using Adapted Books in Small Groups
Using Adapted Books in Small Groups
Can we ever stop talking about Adapted Books? I have found a million different ways to use adapted books in my special education classroom. I’ve talked often about how I use them in my classroom for independent work systems. One thing I like to do is use adapted books in small groups. I like that it is something that is very familiar to the students and that I can target relevant skills, all while teaching small group lessons. Here is what I do:
Small-Group:
I would start your small group with only two students at a time. Make sure to par students that need to work on the same type of skill. Grab an adapted book that targets that skill. Now you want to make sure that you work on small group expectations while they are there.
Small-Group Expectations:
- taking turns
- raising hands
- no talking out of turn
- wait for your turn
In addition, you can have the students read round-robin where each student gets a chance to read one page. You can even do this on the smartboard.
PRO-TIP:
When prepping adapted books, try to make at least two copies (more if you have the supplies to do so) of the same book. This allows you to use these books in a small group. You can even just make paper copies (no laminate or velcro needed) and just cut & paste if you are pressed on time.
Adding in More Students:
Once your students have mastered working in a group of two, you can move up to 3 or more! For all of my adapted books, I have a black and white version included, so if you have one student using the adapted book, you can have the other two students in the small group, using the black and white version of the book.
If you are wondering if my Adapted Books would work in your classroom, you can try this unit for FREE here!
Instruction:
Pre-Reading Activity:
I would try and activate their prior knowledge about the book. You can even fill out the graphic organizer that I have included with every Adapted Book that I make. I will also introduce them to the book vocabulary by using the included vocab cards.
During Reading:
Support the students by reminding them to turn the pages, page the pictures, point to each word and look at the pictures.
After Reading:
I would have students do a writing worksheet or related cut and paste worksheet to connect the reading to writing. (These worksheets are included in all of my adapted books)
Assessments:
At the end of your small group instruction, you will give them an assessment. I use the comprehension page from the adapted books. There are two different versions of this.
Collecting Data:
I would use the assessments mentioned above as a form of data collection. If you are meeting with your small groups once a day, then I would keep one reading comprehension worksheet a week and collect it that way.
Go ahead and give adapted books in small groups a try! You might just be surprised at how many skills you can target at once!
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I am a High School, self-contained Autism teacher from Central New York, who is passionate about individualizing student learning. I am a mommy of three, lover of all things Disney, married to my best friend and addicted to chocolate!! I hope that you find great ideas and inspiration here, so welcome!!
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