Expanding Shared Reading: Integrating Expansive Literacy and Translanguaging Strategies to Support Multilingual Learners Who Communicate Using AAC

Abstract

Multilingual learners (MLs) who communicate via alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) experience many barriers to accessing inclusive literacy instruction with same-age and multilingual peers. Educators can support MLs who use AAC by designing shared reading instruction that incorporates expansive literacy and translanguaging strategies. After reading this article, three key takeaways for educators of ML who use AAC are: (a) expansive literacy learning is a socio-cultural practice that is guided by communication and connection, (b) inclusive shared reading instruction develops language and literacy skills, and (c) research-based strategies like dialogic reading, teaching vocabulary through text, and discussion-oriented comprehension instruction with peers can be adapted to support linguistically and expressively diverse learners. Practitioners can plan inclusive shared reading instruction by using these expansive literacy approaches and research-based strategies to support ML who communicate using AAC.