Modeling. Use AAC to teach AAC. No matter where you are in your adventure to build communication with AAC modeling is a valuable strategy. Modeling means you point to words on the AAC tool as you speak. Ready set [go]. Look, [I like this] book. [We go to] > Places > More> Outdoor places> the [beach]. [We go to the beach]. We went to the beach. You cannot simply place an AAC tool in front of someone and expect that they will know how to use it to communicate. We need to model. AAC learners need to see AAC in use to communicate real messages in real situations. So point to words on the AAC. When you first start it can be difficult and feel clumsy. Everyone feels that way at first! Start small and build up your modeling. Focus on a few words to model at first. Every time you model it will get easier. The most important thing is to start. Give it a go! Get others involved. Who else in the team can model? Get friends, family members, classmates and siblings modeling. The more the merrier! Now you can model on your iPad or device or even on a paper-based version. Model throughout the day especially during real meaningful and motivating activities. Model in conversations. Show how you can use different words to communicate different messages. You do not have to model every word that you say and sometimes the grammar might be wrong. All these things are okay. Modeling does not need to be perfect. You will make mistakes. Every time the learner sees you model, it builds their knowledge. Your modeling will help them to learn how they can use words to communicate. Make it fun and enjoy the adventure! For more information read our full article in Learn AAC.