Adapted books are one of those magical tools in special education—simple in concept, but powerful in practice. If you’ve ever had a student light up during reading time because the material finally made sense for them, you already know the value of using adapted books in your classroom.
But if you’ve also stayed late cutting out laminated pieces or scrambling to find the right visuals… well, welcome to the club. The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel (or your planning time) every time you need a new book.
Here’s everything you need to know about making adapted books—plus a time-saving resource that might just become your new best friend.
What Is an Adapted Book?
At its core, an adapted book is a modified version of a traditional story or informational text designed to meet the unique needs of learners with disabilities. These books often include:
- Simplified text with clear, concise language
- Visual supports like picture symbols or photos
- Interactive elements such as Velcro pieces, flaps, or matching tasks
- Repetitive structure to build confidence and comprehension
- Core vocabulary that aligns with AAC systems or language goals
Adapted books are especially helpful for students with autism, intellectual disabilities, language delays, or emerging literacy skills. They allow students to engage in meaningful literacy activities while also working on fine motor, communication, and comprehension skills.
How to Make Adapted Books Step-by-Step
If you’re ready to dive in and start making your own adapted books, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you’ll need:
1. Choose the Book or Resource
You can adapt a favorite classroom storybook, create your own from scratch, or download pre-made books. (Psst—if you want to save serious time, check out the Adapted Book Club. More on that in a sec!)
2. Print and Laminate
Once you’ve got your pages ready, print them in color for maximum visual clarity. Laminate the pages and interactive pieces to make your book durable and reusable. You’ll thank yourself later.
3. Bind the Pages
You can use binding combs, binder rings, or even keep the pages loose in a folder or binder with page protectors. Whatever works for your classroom setup!
4. Prep the Interactive Pieces
Cut out the picture symbols or response options, laminate them, and add Velcro (soft side on the book, rough side on the piece—or vice versa, just be consistent). Store pieces in a small envelope or Ziploc attached to the inside of the cover.
5. Model and Use!
Introduce the book during small group time, individual instruction, or even independent work centers. Model how to use the visuals, how to answer questions, and how to stay engaged with the story.
Adapted Book Club: Your Time-Saving Secret Weapon
Let’s be honest—making adapted books from scratch takes time. And you probably don’t have a whole lot of that to spare.
That’s why I highly recommend joining the Adapted Book Club. This subscription-based resource gives you access to hundreds of ready-to-print adapted books designed specifically for special education classrooms.
Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:
- New books added monthly
- Aligned with seasonal themes and academic goals
- Printable in full color or black-and-white
- Already adapted—just print, laminate, and go
- Huge variety—fiction, nonfiction, core vocabulary, and more
Whether you’re teaching preschoolers with communication delays or older students working on life skills, there’s something for every learner. And instead of spending your Sunday night Googling picture symbols, you can actually rest (or, you know, drink your coffee while it’s still hot).
Why Adapted Books Matter
Adapted books aren’t just “cute” or “helpful”—they’re essential tools for inclusion. They give students access to literacy experiences that meet them where they are, while still challenging them to grow. They’re confidence boosters, conversation starters, and a way to create joyful, meaningful moments in your classroom.
When you take the time to adapt your materials—or better yet, use resources like the Adapted Book Club—you’re not just making your job easier. You’re creating opportunities for your students to connect, communicate, and succeed.
You don’t have to be a craft wizard or have endless prep time to make adapted books that truly make a difference. With a little structure, the right materials, and support from resources like the Adapted Book Club, you can fill your classroom library with books that are engaging, accessible, and loved by your students.
So grab your laminator, fire up your hook and loop closures, and let’s make reading fun and functional for every learner.
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