Supporting Learners with Special and Additional Needs
This page is designed to help you support your child with SEN or additional needs with remote learning. Please see below some tips, resources and websites that may help to support your child at this time.
Making a Routine
Establish a daily routine. Routines provide reassuring structure and purpose.
A visual timetable or checklist can be a useful tool so that everyone understands the plan. The remote learning pages flow nicely into the next activity. However, your child may need to take more short breaks in-between work tasks. A timer on a watch, phone or Youtube can help transition your child from break back to work.
Visual Timetables and Timers
Dyslexia
A child struggling with dyslexia can feel very frustrated. This may result in challenging behaviour or emotional withdrawal. Such reactions can affect learning even more and are upsetting for everybody.
Try to build your child's confidence, by balancing praising efforts and strengths, with sensitive constructive criticism to help improve skills. Show you understand their difficulties, but know they can overcome when they learn and practise some brilliant strategies.
Tips for Working at Home
1. Use a colour overlay for reading
Visual Stress is a reality for about 30% of the population. It can cause headaches, migraines, reading discomfort and distortion of text that can vary from mild to so severe that reading is seriously impaired or even prevented. Use a colour overlay (this could be a coloured ruler or small piece of coloured transparent plastic) to place over text whilst reading.
2. Use a ruler to focus on one line at a time when reading.
For some individuals, words can become blurred and appear to move on the page. Using a ruler can help people who struggle with reading focus on a single line.
3. Reduce Time Spent Reading or Writing
You can break things down into chunks and allow for small breaks to reduce stress.
4. Record your Ideas
Use a voice recorder on a phone or tablet to record ideas before you write them. This will help your child remember what they wanted to write down as well as making work more interesting.
5. Mind Maps and Bullet Points help to Organise Ideas
Work together with your child to encourage ideas and set their ideas out in a way that is best for them.
6. Use Audio Books to Encourage a Love for Stories
Books and reading should be an enjoyable experience. Take away the stress and pressure and enjoy an audiobook with your child.
7. Use Technology to Type Some Pieces of Work
A word processor can reduce the physical demand of writing and spelling correction software can help to see which words need to be checked.
8. Share the effort
Children who struggle with reading will become anxious and try to avoid reading at times. Take it slowly, you could share the reading by taking it in turns to read. You read a page and then your child can read a page.
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Dyscalculia
Students who have a specific learning disability in math can struggle with both simple and complex math topics.
1. Talk or Write Out a Problem
For the dyscalculic student, math concepts are simply abstracts, and numbers mere marks on a page. Talking through a problem or writing it down in sentence form can help with seeing relationships between the elements. Even restating word problems in a new way can help with organizing information and seeing solutions.
2. Draw the Problem
Drawing the problem can also help visual learners to see relationships and understand concepts. Students can “draw through” the problem with images that reflect their understanding of the problem and show ways to solve it.
3. Break Tasks Down into Subsets
Dyscalculic students can easily get overwhelmed by a complex problem or concept, especially if it builds on prior knowledge — which they may not have retained. Separating a problem into its component parts and working through them one at a time can help students focus, see connections and avoid overload.
4. Focus on One at a Time
Students can become highly anxious seeing 20 Maths problems on one page, especially if one sum is hard enough. Cover up the other problems using a blank piece of paper and work through them one at a time. This is an easy yet helpful technique for many dyscalculic students.
5. Use “Real-Life” Cues and Physical Objects
Relating math to the practicalities of daily life can help dyscalculic students make sense of concepts and see the relationships between numbers. Props like measuring cups, rulers, and countable objects that students can manipulate can make math concepts less abstract.
5. Use Maths Resources
A number line, a 100 square or a times table grid can increase children's confidence in tackling mathematical problems independently. Please see the printable resources below.
ADHD and ASC
1. Use a Visual Timetable
Children with Autism need structure and routine. A visual time table can reduce anxieties about the day ahead and is a reassuring tool to use to lay out expectations. You can use the printable timetable on this page. Cut it out and lay out the images in order and remove what they have completed. You could also use a schedule to tick or make your own that is appropriate to your child.
2. Create a Working Space
You might want to set up a specific space where children to their work tasks. They may have one in their classroom already in the likes of a 'work station'. Each child is different so you can ask them to help set one up.
3. Understand Sensory
Be aware of your child’s sensory needs and support them in managing that need to help them learn e.g. sound reducing earphones if noise is a problem, comfortable clothes, keep the area surrounding the work space clear to avoid over-stimulation etc.
4. Take Brain/ Sensory Breaks
Taking breaks is important when working hard. Check out our sensory box ideas below for some nice ideas. For other sensory break ideas see below.
5. Play Games Together
- Play lots of games with your child to encourage social skills, such as taking turns and winning and losing.
Calming activities
See below some calming activities. There are thousands to choose from online.
Sensory Support and Ideas
Sensory Toys
These sensory/fidget toys were bought from local bargain shops. They do not have to be expensive and we can loan packs to families.
Ear Defenders
Ear defenders and noise cancelling headphones can be a great way to block out unwanted noise and distractions.
Safe Space
A safe space can be helpful when children are cannot regulate their emotions or feel overwhelmed. Above is a dark den and below is a pillow fort. Either can work fine.
Fine and Gross Motor
External Agencies and Support
During these challenging times, we are still working with outside agencies to support families and children. We continue to work with the ADHD Foundation who can offer some on line training and support, those children who are supported by the Speech and Language Therapist can continue to receive this remotely or by phone and with CAMHS though our Mental Health School Support work. Our ELSA (emotional literacy support assistants) offer one to one sessions for those children who need help with their mental health and wellbeing. We also signpost families to agencies such Koala to support with managing children’s behaviour at home during lockdown. Our school website is regularly updated with resources, support ideas and links.
WIRED
Wirral SEND Partnership (SEND IASS) provides free and confidential impartial information, advice and support to disabled children and young people, and those with SEN, and their parents. Wirral SEND Partnership also covers other issues related to special educational needs/disability (SEND) such as health and social care issues.
Useful Websites
Speech Langauge and Communication and Interaction
- https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/communication-and-language Oak academy communication and language lessons
- https://en.commtap.org/primary A directory of activities and resources to support development of specific speech, language and communication needs, Searchable by age phase, subject, target and level of attainment.
- https://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/resources/resources/resources-for-parents/ A range of resources to help parents develop children speech and language needs.
- https://ican.org.uk/a-message-to-our-supporters-on-coronavirus/activities-to-develop-speaking-and-listening-skills/ games and activities to support speech and language needs.
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/android-apps-for-complex-communication-support-needs/ a guide to android apps to support complex communication needs
- https://pecs-unitedkingdom.com/support-at-home/ activities to support children and parents using PECS (picture Exchange)
Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/category/free-resources/ A range of resources, games etc. to support different areas of mental health; anxiety, anger, emotions, mindfulness etc.
- https://managing-change.middletownautism.com/ resources aimed at autistic pupils, but could be used with others to support change, particularly around COVID 19.
- https://www.autismlittlelearners.com/search/label/My%20Freebies?updated-max=2020-07-05T17:59:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=20&by-date=false A range of social stories and resources around a lot of different life issues, including COVID 19, that can be used to support children’s understanding.
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-complex-communication-support-needs/ iPad Apps for Complex Communication Support Needs
- https://www.bookofbeasties.com/ Create a free account to access certain activities and resources to support mindfulness and well-being.
- https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/games-skillbuilders/social-emotional-activities-for-children a selection of games to play to build children’s social and emotional awareness
Cognition and Learning
Maths
- https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/numeracy Oak academy lessons to support children with additional needs in specific areas of maths.
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-learners-with-dyscalculianumeracy-difficulties/ iPad Apps for Learners with Dyscalculia/Numeracy Difficulties
- https://www.easyreadtimeteacher.com/teacher-classroom-resources/ resources to support teaching to tell the time
- https://www.weareteachers.com/active-math-games/ active games to support maths learning
- https://www.didax.com/math/virtual-manipulatives.html virtual physical resources to help children understand maths, cubes, tens frames, number lines, bead strings, and many more!
English
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/android-apps-for-learners-with-dyslexia/ Android Apps for Learners with Dyslexia / Reading and Writing Difficulties
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/powerpoint-books-for-young-readers/ Free Powerpoint Books for Young Readers
- https://www.booksfortopics.com/dyslexic-readers?fbclid=IwAR1_cTqfjigl-KkzG9UVxUq_cwmZfBJ9yIvdA6R5utt-Jbxer7Xy6xLaolY List of Dyslexia friendly books
- https://www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com/ multisensory stories for downloading using signs, props, movement etc. to engage children with special needs.
- https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/free-ebooks/ free e-book library, select by age group
General
- https://dekkocomics.com/topic-guide Comic books that can be downloaded and support learning in different areas of the curriculum, aimed at KS2
- https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/early-development-learning Early develop lesson for pupils working below year 1 level.
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ict-to-support-learners-with-dyslexia/ Ways to use technology to Support Learners with Dyslexia
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/inclusive-learning-resources/ Resources to support SEND learning
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-learners-with-complex-additional-support-needs/ iPad Apps for Learners with Complex Additional Support Needs
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-learners-with-dyslexia/ iPad Apps for Learners with Dyslexia
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zn5RLhNWoCRG9KyoHu4boFiqo5G8Zc3lxDkgJw-uBGQ/edit?fbclid=IwAR1-h3BvteNDDHTcqBStqz7YECBPgfifaW58D2E8NHS2EmiOfqwuSHfDYSU A list of free or cheap apps for developing a range of learning skills
- https://vimeo.com/457320105?fbclid=IwAR3m1100UbRduVvNCqW6eN7OVUZdXO38APRka-cObxntIlwNoh34AXjb7P8 Funky feet dance and movement videos
- https://do2learn.com/ Downloadable resources, activity and lesson ideas for literacy, numeracy, behaviour and social skills of needs including social skills.
- https://www.doorwayonline.org.uk/ accessible learning games for English, maths, memory and typing skills
Sensory and Physical Needs
- https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/physical-development Oak academy lesson to support children with additional in in their physical development
- https://sensory-processing.middletownautism.com/ support for autistic learners with sensory processing, ideas for activities, resources and guidance for those supporting them
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-physical-difficulties/ A guide to using the iPad to Support Learners with Physical Difficulties
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-visual-difficulties/ Using the iPad to Support Learners with Visual Difficulties
- https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-windows-10-accessibility-tools-to-support-learners-with-visual-difficulties/ Using Windows 10 'Accessibility' Tools to Support Learners with Visual Difficulties
- https://www.griffinot.com/developing-childrens-fine-motor-skills/fine-motor-activities-with-kim-griffinot/ 10 weeks worth of videos with activities to develop children fine motor skills
- https://www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com/ multisensory stories for downloading using signs, props, movement etc. to engage children with special needs.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr dance mat typing to develop typing skills, different levels of challenge.
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ah-07GtU9ou18fXpkcZSQ Learn British sign language fun videos
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Self Help and Independence
- https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/independent-living Oak academy lesson developing life skills such as dressing, personal care etc.
- https://life-skills.middletownautism.com/ Resources aimed at support children with autism develop essential life skills such as personal hygiene, self-care, safety, managing work and leisure activities.
If you would like some more useful websites and specific tips and advice please look at the SEND Support and Advice for parents/carers below.
