special education

Supporting Children with Speech and Language Impairments

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Speech and Language Impairments in the Classroom Communication is a critical life skill that allows us to express our needs, build relationships, exchange information, and make sense of the world around us. For children with Speech and Language Impairments, developing strong communication abilities is essential not just for academic success, but for cognitive, social-emotional, and …

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Executive Functioning: A Guide for Teachers

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What is Executive Functioning? Executive functioning refers to the cognitive processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. It includes skills like working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control. Students rely on these skills to regulate their behaviour, organise their thoughts, and problem-solve.  Executive functioning skills start developing in …

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An In-Depth Guide To Developmental Delay

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Developmental Delay The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention Child development proceeds rapidly in the first few years of life as critical cognitive, language and motor skills emerge. As such, the early years represent a crucial period for detection and mitigation of potential developmental delay. Extensive research has shown that the earlier interventions can begin …

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Augmented Reality Storytelling for Children: Engagement and Learning

AR – Augmented Reality Storytelling To Engage Children

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Engaging Children In Literacy Through AR Storytelling. In the digital age, technology’s intersection with education has transformed the way we approach learning and engagement. One technology that has shown significant promise in this realm is Augmented Reality (AR). AR, by overlaying digital information onto the real world, offers a unique blend of interactive and immersive …

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16 SENCO Interview Questions

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Things To Know About the Role of a SENCO What is a SENCO? A SENCo, which stands for Special Educational Needs Coordinator, is the key leader in supporting students with special educational needs and/or disabilities at their primary or secondary school. The SENCo works to ensure these students receive the right teaching and learning support …

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Classroom Design, Sensory Processing & Autism

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Sensory Processing Differences and Classroom Design ‘Sensory processing’ refers to how a person’s nervous system responds to sensory information and how they react to it. autistic individuals often find it challenging to prioritise the stimuli to process in their environment, making it difficult to focus on a single stimulus. Atypical sensory processing in autism involves …

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High Quality Interventions for Pupils with SEN

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Effective Interventions for Pupils with SEN: What Does the Evidence Say? Providing effective support and high quality interventions for pupils with SEN (special educational needs and disabilities) can be challenging. However, research shows that evidence-based interventions tailored to pupils’ specific needs and implemented with fidelity can narrow the achievement gap. The following principles and interventions represent …

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The Power of Retrieval Practice for SEN Pupils

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What is Retrieval Practice and Why is it Important? Retrieval practice, or recalling what you have learned, can be a powerful learning strategy for students with special educational needs. Retrieval practice is a learning strategy in which a person actively attempts to recall information that they have previously studied from memory. This is effective because …

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100 Sensory Ideas: Activities for Autistic Children

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Linking Sensory Ideas to Learning Intentions We love sensory ideas, play based learning and developing engaging activities. The importance of sensory experiences in a child’s development is well-known. Engaging in sensory activities helps children build essential skills, including fine and gross motor skills, self-regulation, and emotional regulation. While vestibular activities, which stimulate the sense of balance and spatial orientation, are essential …

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The Impact of Lockdown on Autistic Children’s Mental Health

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The Impact of Lockdown on Autistic Children The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have had a profound impact on’s lives, including children and adolescents. At the time of writing this article, June 2023, we are seeing the challenges and outcomes of this upheaval including much-reduced attendance. It feels like there has been a subtle shift …

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Retrieval Practice and Word Learning in Children With Developmental Language Disorder

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The role of retrieval practice on the word learning and retention Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a language disorder that affects the development of language skills in children. In was previously known as Specific Language Impairment. These children often struggle with vocabulary acquisition and require targeted intervention to improve their language skills. This article will …

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Pre-Verbal Children: Understanding Behaviour and Supporting Early Communication

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Pre-Verbal Children: What Might Their Behaviour Be Telling Us? I am using the term pre-verbal to encompass pupils who have may be described as non-verbal. Really any child who does not have a communication system that is easily interpreted by others. Understanding the behaviour, or actions, of pre-verbal children can be a challenging yet rewarding …

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Micro-Transitions and Support Strategies

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Micro Transitions and Support Strategies for Students with Special Educational Needs For pupils with special educational needs (SEN), the numerous small or micro-transitions that happen throughout the school day can be particularly challenging to navigate. These micro-transitions involve changes in activity, environment, physical state, emotion, companionship and more. The lack of control or predictability around …

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The Joys and Educational Benefits of Messy Play for Children’s Development

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The Benefits of Messy Play Messy play is an essential part of childhood that encourages creativity, exploration, and effective engagement in learning. As parents, we might be tempted to keep our children clean, tidy and presentable, but there is a world of benefits to embracing the mess. From fostering cognitive development to nurturing social skills, messy play has …

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Understanding Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder: A Guide for Teachers

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Understanding Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. As a teacher, it is important to recognise that every child is unique. While there are certain commonalities in the needs of autistic individuals. Reactions to sensory stimuli can play a significant role in how engaged in learning a child will be. Reducing sensory overload can improve a child’s …

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Play Your Way to Better Self-Regulation: Tips and Strategies

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Teaching self-regulation skills to children with SEN is a vital part of their education. It also presents real challenges depending on the complexity of their needs. Pre-Verbal children or those with communication difficulties need our constant focus on this. Many of our children have disorganised nervous systems that are always seeking out sensory stimulation to …

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Unlock the Potential of Play: Maximising Joy, Learning Outcomes & Play Types

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What is Play? While there are various definitions of play, there is no consensus on its characteristics. Some commonly cited characteristics include enjoyment, focus on process over product, and freedom from external rules. However, even heavily theorized definitions can draw on completely different characteristics. The elusiveness of play’s definition has been attributed to its ambiguity …

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Developing Communication Skills For Pupils in The Classroom

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One of the most significant challenges for teachers supporting children with a diagnosis of Autism is the development of language skills. This is not necessarily verbal communication. As teachers we seek to develop communication to a point where the child can intentionally communicate with as wide a range of people as possible. Yes – this …

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How Can Being Part of a Community Improve Wellbeing?

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Today, we’re diving into the topic of why a special school is more than just an educational institution, but a vibrant and supportive community. At my school (SEN), we believe that fostering a sense of community is crucial in creating an inclusive and empowering environment for our students. It’s important to first clarify the vision …

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