Do you struggle with expressing your thoughts in a clear and concise manner? Are you an educator looking for a tool that can help your students develop their language skills? Look no further than the Expanding Expression Tool Visual!
What is the Expanding Expression Tool Visual?
The Expanding Expression Tool Visual, also known as EET Visual, is a research-based tool designed to enhance language skills. It was created by Sarah Smith, MS CCC-SLP, who wanted a tool that would help her clients improve their ability to express themselves. The EET Visual comprises of colorful circles, each representing a different aspect of an object or concept.
How does it Work?
The EET Visual contains six circles, each with a unique color and icon that represents the aspect of an object or concept that needs to be expressed. These circles are:
1. Group – represents the category or group that the object belongs to
2. Function – represents what the object does or how it works
3. Parts – represents the parts that make up the object
4. Appearance – represents what the object looks like
5. Texture – represents how the object feels
6. Location – represents where the object is or where it comes from
When using the EET Visual, individuals are encouraged to identify and describe each circle for a given object or concept. This process helps them organize their thoughts and express themselves more effectively.
Who can Benefit from Using the EET Visual?
The EET Visual is beneficial for individuals of all ages and abilities who struggle with expressing themselves. It is particularly helpful for individuals with language disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Additionally, educators can use this tool in classrooms to help students develop their language skills.
Benefits of Using the EET Visual
1. Improved organization of thoughts: The EET Visual encourages individuals to break down their thoughts into different aspects, making it easier to organize and express them in a clear and concise manner.
2. Increased vocabulary: By identifying and describing each circle, individuals are exposed to new vocabulary related to the object or concept they are describing.
3. Enhanced communication skills: Using the EET Visual helps individuals develop their ability to express themselves effectively, leading to improved communication skills.
4. Fun and engaging tool: The colorful circles and icons make the EET Visual a fun and engaging tool for individuals of all ages.
How to Use the EET Visual?
Using the EET Visual is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose an object or concept that you want to describe.
Step 2: Identify which circle(s) apply to the object or concept.
Step 3: Describe each circle using appropriate language and descriptive words.
Step 4: Put all the circles together to form a complete description of the object or concept.
Tips for Using the EET Visual Effectively
1. Start with simple objects or concepts before moving on to more complex ones.
2. Use real-life objects or pictures instead of abstract concepts for better understanding.
3. Encourage individuals to use as many descriptive words as possible when describing each circle.
4. Practice regularly to develop fluency in using the EET Visual.
Conclusion
The Expanding Expression Tool Visual is a powerful tool for enhancing language skills, improving communication skills, and developing vocabulary. It is a fun and engaging way to help individuals of all ages and abilities learn how to express themselves more effectively. As educators, parents, or individuals seeking to improve their language skills, try using the EET Visual today!
References:
Sarah Smith, MS CCC-SLP (2010). Expanding Expression Tool Manual.
https://www.expandingexpression.com/
National Center on Improving Literacy (2019). The Expanding Expression Tool: A Multi-Sensory Approach to Improving Sentence Writing.
https://improvingliteracy.org/tools/strategy-guides/expanding-expression-tool-multi-sensory-approach-improving-sentence-writing
