Simple Ideas for Embedding Literacy and Communication Into the School Day

Posted by Claire Harrison on the 16th April, 2025

Category Severe & Complex Support Needs AAC

Welcome to the first blog in a new series where we’ll be sharing practical, easy-to-implement ideas to help you embed literacy and communication skills into your daily school routine. 

A Simple Way to Integrate Communication Boards with Picture Books

Do you have a class library with books that are particularly beloved by your learners? Why not add a communication board as a flap to the back of each  book to ensure that staff can easily model key vocabulary, no matter what page the learner is exploring. This simple addition can make a big difference in supporting  communication for everyone.

Here’s how you can do it: 

• Create a Communication Board: Laminate a small communication board or print it on tear-proof paper. Make sure the symbols  include a mix of core words and vocabulary specific to the story.
• Attach the Board to the Book: Use tape to securely attach the communication board to the back cover of the book. Make sure the board is slightly smaller than the size of the book, so that it can fold back into the book. 
• Incorporate Shared Reading Prompts: Visual supports & reminders can be helpful for everyone, not just learners! So if you’re using the Comprehensive Literacy for All approach and incorporating Shared Reading, you might want to add a second flap with a reminder for staff to use ‘CAR - Comment, Ask, Respond’ and Putting the CROWD in the CAR. The Project Core website has a set of fantastic Professional Learning modules which explain what these prompts are and how to use them.

Simple changes can make a big difference - why not try it out with one of our Bookbug Symbol Communication boards? Have a look at what’s available over on our Symbols for All website, and download copies of the 'GoTalk 9+' PDFs.