Language Unity WordCore WordPower AQLS

Table of Contents For Beginners For Non-Readers For Literate Individuals

Language for Beginners

Using Symbols for Meaning

• Unity icons are multi-meaning pictures. The many associations possible with each icon give access to a rich and full language encoding system.
• Using multiple meanings for pictures is a normal skill for children aged 3 to 4.
• Not ready for multiple meanings?
  • Start with a one-hit language application.
  • Build a core vocabulary using one icon to represent one word.
• Core vocabulary means simple every day words that are used frequently in many situations.
  • Words and phrases that peers use.
  • Taught by modeling and examples, similar to the way sign language is taught.
  • Target words - my, turn, don't, need, help, please, get, that, more, stop.
• Motor planning and automaticity develop for the device user because icons stay in fixed positions.
  • No sequencing.
  • No navigating.
  Parents and teachers may not use the device enough to develop any motor memory, so their understanding of the icons stops with learning the rationale, or metaphor and then looking for each icon.
• Dynamic activity rows - Much language development can occur at the Unity 1-Hit level because of the dynamic activity row technology. Dynamic activity rows show many words than may come next in a phrase, thus promoting the stage of putting words together.

Suggested starting points

• SpringBoard Unity 32
• Vantage and Vanguard Unity 45 1-Hit and Unity 45 2-Hit
• Vantage and Vanguard Unity 84 1-Hit and 84 Sequenced
• Pathfinder Unity 128 1-Hit and Unity 128 Sequenced

Go on to Putting Words Together