A young boy who can do several everyday tasks independently finds an imaginary friend to keep him company; accompanied by picture symbols for use specifically with special needs children. Jay and Ben
A young boy who can do several everyday tasks independently finds an imaginary friend to keep him company; accompanied by picture symbols for use specifically with special needs children.
Jay and Ben is an interactive book developed for use with children with developmental and learning differences and disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. The book is designed to help educators, parents, and caregivers teach and reinforce children's language and reading skills, story comprehension, and functional skills (brushing teeth, getting dressed, and so on).
Jay can make his own breakfast, dress himself, and play by himself, but sometimes he feels sad and wishes for a friend. When a magical horse appears and befriends Jay, his wish comes true. Clear visual representation of the text through panels of sequential illustrations and picture symbols (based on the commonly-used Boardmaker Picture Communication symbols) enable students to gain understanding of the story's plot and recognize printed words. Children with learning differences and disabilities exhibit a broad range of behaviours and abilities, and they require individualized instruction. Jay and Ben can be used in a variety of ways to promote each child's educational progress and growth, and to support children with a wide variety of abilities.
Lulu Delacre is the illustrator of numerous textbooks, magazine stories and award-winning trade books for young readers. She became interested in developing a book for special needs children after researching the available materials and finding nothing like the interactive book she envisioned. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband.
Katharine Swanson is a special education teacher with a focus on mental and emotional disabilities. She and her son live in Wilmington, Delaware.
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