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Adapted books are those that have been adjusted to accommodate different kinds of learners. Some common adaptations for these books include sensory or tactile elements, simpler language, and interactive pieces, among many other possible modifications. They are engaging, interactive, and can help children develop their foundational literacy skills. Many adapted books are repetitive and give children the opportunity to participate in story time and learn tons of different language skills.

How to use adapted books with children:

• Use simple, repetitive language for younger children.
• When using adapted books to teach skills, target concepts that are slightly above their current level of performance.
• Provide visual support (i.e., pictures) throughout the book.
• Provide verbal and/or visual choices in a field of 2 or 3 as appropriate.
• Establish the child’s current levels of literacy, language, knowledge, and overall abilities in order to target appropriate concepts and maximize their learning experience.

What are some skills I can target with an adapted book?

• Answering various WH- questions about the words and/or pictures
  • Nouns, adjectives/describing words
• Spatial concepts/prepositions
• Sequencing 
• Categorizing 
• Verbs, verb tenses (i.e., past, present, future)

-Samantha W.

References

Allen, S., n.d. Using adapted books with younger students. [online]. The Autism Helper.
Available at: https://theautismhelper.com/using-adaptive-book-younger-students/students/

Allen, S., n.d. Using adapted books with older students. [online]. The Autism Helper.
Available at https://theautismhelper.com/using-adapted-books-older-students/

Lancaster, T., 2017. What are adapted books?. [online]. Enrichment Therapies.
Available at: https://enrichmenttherapies.com/what-are-adapted-books/