Total Communication in the Classroom
The following post was written by Lindsay Kiszkowski, speech-language pathologist in Illinois: Total communication is a large part of the two classrooms I currently work in. Having a variety o...
Internet Explorer is no longer a supported browser for the Communication Matrix so features may be missing. Please switch to a different browser, such as Firefox or Chrome.
Collection Total Communication
Date Created: 6/11/2018
Posts: 3
Currently working with students across grade levels (as well as skill levels) requires inventive modification of communication systems. This collection discusses how education professionals utilize total communication while working with students.
This collection is a collaboration between the following professionals working in Illinois public schools: Lindsay Kiszkowski (SLP), Janet Waldman (SLP), Diane Fuchs (educator), and Mary Solberg (SLP).
In this post, Lyndsay (SLP) describes several ways she has promoted total communication in her classroom.
-
2
-
1146
In this post, Mary discusses various communication supports she uses in her Early Childhood classroom.
Total Communication in an Early Childhood Classroom
The following post was written by Mary Solberg, speech-language pathologist in Illinois: In our Early Childhood classroom we use all possible modes of communication! Every student, even if...
-
2
-
810
In this post, Janet and Diane discuss using total communication strategies at snack time.
Total Communication at Snack
The following post was written by Janet Waldman (speech-language pathologist) and Diane Fuchs (educator) in Illinois: One way our non-verbal student communicates with verbal peers is using “Go Talk...
-
1
-
664
GIVE
The Matrix is FREE for everyone. Help us maintain and improve it with a tax deductible gift.
© 2025 Charity Rowland, Ph.D.
Site by State33 and Smith & Connors
Try the Matrix
Please select a statement below that describes the type of matrix administration that you would like to begin.
Please wait while we process the matrix ...
You are about to TRY the Matrix Assessment tool.
Your information will not be saved unless you register. You may register for free at anytime throughout the tryout by clicking the orange button bottom right.
Your information is private.
The information you enter in the assessment is completely secure and cannot be identified. When you use this free service, we ask you to provide some very basic information about the individual you are assessing (gender, age, ethnic background, country of residence, disability and specific impairments) and your relationship to that person. However, we have no way of indentifying who has used this service.
Teachers:
Many teachers require their college students in communication disorders or child development classes to complete a Communication Matrix online. Please have your students use the Test Drive site for this purpose. You may ask them to print out the Profile and Communication Skills List as proof of their work.
Statement A
My child doesn't seem to have real control over his body yet.
The only way I know that he wants something is because he fusses or whines when he's unhappy or uncomfortable, and he smiles, makes noises or calms down when he's happy and comfortable. Does this statement describe your child?
Statement B
My child has control over her own behaviors, but she doesn't use them to try to communicate to me.
She doesn't come to me to let me know what she wants, but it's easy for me to figure out, because she tries to do things for herself. She knows what she wants, and her behavior shows me what she wants. If she runs out of something to eat, she will just try to get more, rather than trying to get me to give her more.
Does this statement describe your child?
Statement C
My child clearly tries to communicate his needs to me through gestures, sounds or language.
He knows how to get me to do something for him. He uses some of the kinds of behaviors below to communicate:
- Gestures such as pointing, shaking his head, tugging at my arm or looking back and forth between me and what he wants
- Sounds such as squealing to show you he wants something or fussing when he doesn't want something
- Language or symbolic forms of communication such as speech, written words, Braille, picture symbols, 3-dimensional symbols or sign language
Does this statement describe your child?
How to score your child
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging
Mastered
– Does this independently most of the time when the opportunity arises
– Does this in a number of di erent contexts, and with di erent people
Emerging
– Does this inconsistently
–
Only does this when prompted or encouraged to do so. Only does this in one or two contexts or with one person.
Tips on Communication Devices
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging
