TalkLink has run KiwiChat groups and KiwChat camps for some years now. This initiative was developed as a way to support people who are learning to use communication assistive technology tools and strategies. The aim is to create fun-filled sessions of learning and sharing, with the goal to support people who use these tools and strategies to become competent communicators.
Traditionally, KiwiChat Groups have been held around the country at regular intervals. With the lockdown making it impossible to run KiwiChat groups for the foreseeable future we decided, with some trepidation, to run a Virtual KiwiChat group.
The first ever Virtual KiwiChat group was run on 30 April 2020 following minimal advertising through Facebook and by word-of-mouth. We had 58 participants from around the country attend, and with careful planning the outcome was a session that far exceeded our expectations. Families have embraced web-based meeting technology, making it easier to run the sessions, and the engagement and enthusiasm of the students participating in the session was remarkable.
As a result of this positive outcome,TalkLink has decided to run further virtual KiwiChat group meetings, which will be advertised on our website and Facebook page. A recording of the session, along with a resource pack will also be available to download here.
Recorded Virtual KiwiChat Sessions:
Term 1 2023, Junior Virtual KiwiChat - Colours
Colours schedule and news sheet - download the PDF here
Colours follow up activity - download the PDF here
Term 1, 2023, Senior Virtual KiwiChat - Recycling
Recycling circle sheet - download the PDF here
Recycling visual schedule - download the PDF here
Recycling follow up activities - download the PDF here
Term 2 2023, Junior Virtual KiwiChat Day - Dirty Dogs
Funny dogs visual schedule - download the PDF here
My story about funny dogs - download the PDF here
Funny dogs circle sheet - download the PDF here
Funny dogs follow up activity - download the PDF here
Term 2, 2023, Senior Virtual KiwiChat Day - art....ish
Art...ish circle sheet - download the PDF here
Art...ish follow up activities - download the PDF here
Art...ish visual schedule - download the PDF here
Fuzzy Felt Tip of the Month - click here
Term 4 2023, Senior Virtual KiwiChat Day - Beach
At the beach visual schedule - download the PDF here
At the beach circle sheet - download the PDF here
At the beach follow up activities - download the PDF here
Term 4 2023, Junior Virtual KiwiChat Day - Christmas
Christmas visual schedule - download the PDF here
Christmas circle sheet - download the PDF here
Christmas follow up activities - download the PDF here
Christmas other resources - download the PDF here