With hyperlexic learners, it's important to make things visual and use the written word as much as possible. After all, their strength is their ability to decode.
So, one tool that you might want to consider owning (or gifting to them for their birthday!) is a label maker. You can use a label maker to quickly add text to your belongings and surroundings.
But, you can also use label makers in creative ways to support comprehension, language, executive functioning skills, and so much more. So, let's take a closer look at some ways to use a label maker to support hyperlexic learners at home or in other environments, such as the classroom, and reasons why you'll want to consider using one.
Why Use a Label Maker with Hyperlexic Learners?
Here's why using a label maker can be helpful for supporting your hyperlexic learner:
- Leverages the hyperlexic learner's strength in decoding and recognizing printed words
- Leans into their interests in the alphabet and fascination with the written word
- Boosts comprehension by pairing the written word with a physical object
- They're quick and easy to use (i.e., minimal setup, require little effort to make, no learning curve required, low-tech, anyone can use them)
- Reduces the need for verbal instructions
- They're durable (i.e., they can stay in place for long periods of time, are often waterproof, stick to lots of surfaces, text doesn't rub off easily)
- Increases engagement (i.e., you're making a print-rich environment and hyperlexic kids love letters and words)
- They're flexible and customizable (i.e., you can change font and size, add borders, use colored label tape, add whatever text you want to them)
- They're fairly affordable (e.g., I bought ours years ago for well under $20. This is the label maker we use and love.)
- They're easy to tailor to individual needs
Of course, this list is not exhaustive, but it gives you an idea of why label makers can be a helpful tool.
Check out our favorite label maker
Ways to Use a Label Maker to Support Hyperlexic Learners
Below you will find some suggestions with concrete examples of how to use a label maker in your home or classroom. Feel free to get creative and use these ideas as a starting point because the possibilities really are endless.
1. Label Everyday Items & Personal Belongings
Most people buy a label maker to label personal belongings. That's a given. I mean the whole reason I first bought one was to make labeling school supplies less tedious.
Yet, you can label everyday items with what they're called or with simple instructions for use. Not only will you be boosting vocabulary, but you'll be building independence and reducing frustration as well.
Consider these examples:
- Put your child's name on all personal belongings, especially those that frequently leave the house (e.g., backpack, coat, boots, binder, water bottles)
- Add a label to items and objects around the house to increase vocabulary (e.g., toothbrush, light switches, doors to bedrooms, fridge)
- Add instructions to specific items so the child can use them independently (e.g., label the charger for the iPad to say something like "Use to charge iPad", label a button or switch on a fan with instructions such as "Press to turn the fan on.")
2. Label Where Things Go
You can use labels to promote organization skills and support executive functioning around the house (or in the classroom or other environments). Doing so provides clear visual cues about what items are stored where, which can help with everyday self-care tasks (e.g., getting dressed), chores (e.g., cleaning up toys), and so much more.
Consider these examples:
- Label drawers in your child's closet with what's in that drawer (e.g., socks, underwear)
- Label toy bins so your child knows where to return those toys to
- Label hooks in your mudroom or entryway with your child's name or the name of the object that should be put away on those hooks
- Label the inside of your child's shoes with left and right so they know which shoe goes on which foot
3. Type Out Relevant Gestalts/Scripts
Since hyperlexic learners are gestalt language processors, you likely know that you need to model gestalts and also write them down. And that's where our trusty little label maker can come in handy yet again. We can stick some relevant gestalts in natural contexts and increase the likelihood of those gestalts sticking (pun intended).
Consider these examples:
- On the fridge, you could have labels that say, "I'm thirsty." or "Let's have a snack."
- On the door to the backyard, you could have labels that say, "Let's go outside." or "We need shoes."
- On the soap dispenser in the bathroom, you could have labels that say, "Time to wash our hands." or "I need soap."
Not only could your child read these labels and repeat them verbally, but they could also point to them as needed if they're primarily non-speaking or experience periods of situational mutism.
4. Create Simple Routines or Written Schedules
For most hyperlexic learners, breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps or tasks is incredibly helpful. They are also fond of routines. So, why not use your label maker to support these routines and break tasks down into smaller parts. Simply create a label for each step of the routine or task and put them in order. You can add numbers too so that they're sequential.
Consider these examples:
- Create labels that break down tasks into smaller steps (e.g., adding labels to the bathroom mirror that have, "Step 1: Put toothpaste on toothbrush, Step 2: Brush", etc.)
- Label clothing drawers with numbers so the child knows which order to get dressed in (e.g., 1- underwear, 2 - pants, etc.)
- Label clothing drawers or hanging spaces with outfits for each day (e.g., a label that says, "Monday: blue pants, red dinosaur shirt")
- Create reminders for daily self-care tasks on the bathroom mirror (e.g., a label that says, "Don't forget to put on deodorant!")
A Quick Recap of Using Label Makers to Support Hyperlexic Learners
Remember, with hyperlexic learners, we really want to leverage their ability to decode and their fascination with the written word and using a label maker is a great way to quickly make your home a print-rich environment. Try to:
- Label everyday items and personal belongings with either their proper name or with simple instructions for use
- Label drawers, bins, and shelves to provide clear cues about what items are stored where
- Type out relevant gestalts and scripts to model language in natural contexts and environments
- Create simple routines or written schedules to help break down tasks into smaller steps or to create visual reminders
Hopefully, these suggestions for how to use a label maker to support hyperlexic learners are helpful. Which one will you be trying out first?
