We reckon finding leaves and hunting for beetles passes as a free outing. We love running up to puddles and saying "one, two, three...Geronimo!" Pity we forgot about the importance of all-in-one overalls!
By rebecca Brynat
Talking access and diversity in children's publishing
Thanks to Kristen at Curved House publishers we were recently invited to The Society of Authors to talk about books! Armed with suitcases full of books and references we raised some of the needs and ways to make books accessible for and inclusive of children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. We had a great morning sharing enthusiasm with everyone including Alexandra Strick and Lucy Hawkings and coming up with ideas for the future!
Going bananas in storytime at Brighton library!
Following training to Brighton and Hove library staff on making books accessible for children and adults we teamed up for a 'monkey story session'. We had monkeys galore, a low tech communication aid, Makaton signs, symbols, toy food and some ripe bananas! Just what we needed for 'Monkey and me' by Emily Gravett and 'Banana' by Ed Vere.
Feedback from families was positive: requests were made for more signing sessions and access to baby signing classes; comments were made on how it had included children who use Makaton signing and that it had provided a way for family and friends to learn Makaton together. Attendance at the subsequent session has also increased as a result!
Let's make books accessible, make story times inclusive and work together with libraries!
We are going out signing!
100% positive! Great feedback from the Makaton training for the staff at East View Housing for adults with learning difficulties. We were choosing outings and talking to doctors! Looking forward to going back and teaching signs for going to the cafe and the pub! I think I feel a bit of 'Bake off" inspiration....
Making books accessible
Thanks to Tony and his team for showing me how they make books accessible for children with visual impairments and dyslexia. A child or adult can sign up for the online library and access a range of books on their tablet or computer. www.seeingear.org
We have recently come up with a list of a few of our favourite children's picture books for the fabulous 'Bags of Books' independent bookshop in Lewes. We chose some because they are more accessible, and others to help develop speech language and communication skills. See it here...
A bit of bling!
It's a long story involving communication aids, training, an Internet search and some out of the box thinking but thanks to Tatty Devine we have come up with three 'speech bubble' necklaces to give away.
Competition details on their way!
Tell us a story!
Tell us a story!
We joined Rebecca Fifield last week for a storytelling session at Great Dixter Garden Explorers play group. We love interactive stories; lots of props, sounds and movement. Even the adults couldn't resist pretending to splash in the mud!
We will be tracking Rebecca down for more inspiring stories... www.out-of-the-bag-theatre.co.uk
Ship Ahoy...!
We love cardboard boxes!
The toys seem to have been playing pirates. I hope they don't make me walk the plank again...
Naughty Bus
Found this book (by Jan and Jerry Oke) in the fabulous children's bookshop 'Bags of Books' in Lewes. It has been a big hit in our house...
The bus is on its way...
The use of photographs to illustrate is a refreshing change. It also makes it more accessible for children with communication and learning needs. I'm on the search for more books like this...
By Rebecca Bryant
'Something funny for money'
Finished another Makaton Foundation course. Set them the challenge of doing something funny for money for Red Nose Day using Makaton signs and symbols. Looking forward to seeing what happens...!
Makaton - Guerilla Art!
Inspired by the paintings of the sea in the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne, I drew a Makaton symbol picture with my son, in the Children's Corner. I hope you like it! Also met with enthusiastic Makaton supporter Andy Willard, an artist/graphic designer, who had come in to do a workshop there. I hope we could do a joint project in the future...
Brighton and Hove are on Board!
I'm off to the Library... Am very excited to be working with the Library service in Brighton to make stories and books more accessible to those with Speech, Language and Communication Needs. It's going to be 'off the page'!
By Rebecca Bryant
Lee Ridley (Lost Voice Guy)
Emailed 'Lost Voice Guy', winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2014 to tell him I recommend his sketches as homework for the AAC courses. He was amused to discover this! He is coming to the Brighton Fringe festival in May, so get your tickets...
Welcome to our new site!
We hope you like the look of it so far!