Applying Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset Model to School Leadership Teams I finally got around to reading Carol Dweck’s Mindset: Changing The Way You Think To Fulfil Your Potential this summer. I didn’t realise it had a section on leadership. The growth mindset philosophy teaches that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, good strategies, … Read more
Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of 5? This striking fact highlights the importance of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) in shaping young minds. It’s time to revolutionise your approach to EYFS teaching, with evidence-based strategies that maximise your young explorers potential. Imagine a classroom where … Read more
Why is Imaginary Play Important? When you see your little one engaged in an elaborate pretend scenario, don’t dismiss it as ‘just playing.’ Imaginary or pretend play provides incredible cognitive, social, and emotional benefits that can give your child a developmental boost. This article will explore why pretend play is so important and how parents … Read more
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 … Read more
What is Retrieval Practice? 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 it helps to strengthen the … Read more
Turn-Taking and sharing Activities for Toddlers Turn taking is a pivotal social skill that children must acquire early in life. It’s an essential component of social interaction, allowing them to effectively, and positively, engage with others. Turn taking is a behaviour for learning that helps in activities where the child needs to share attention, participate … Read more
Understanding the Causes: Why Do Children Ask Repetitive Questions? Repetitive questioning is a common challenge faced by many parents of children. It can be common in autistic children or those with communication difficulties. While frustrating for the adult, it is likely more frustrating and distressing for the child. It’s important to understand the potential reasons … Read more
Linking Sensory Ideas to Learning Intentions for Autistic Children 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 … Read more
Definition of inclusive education We have discussed Inclusive education many times on inclusiveteach.com. Currently I am taking part in the Inclusion Leadership project for Kent County Council so have been reflecting on this more and more. Each school needs to determine what inclusion means to them, this shared vision for inclusion should be based on … Read more
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 … Read more
The Hobbit is a captivating tale filled with adventure, discovery, and unforgettable characters. From mysterious mountains to encounters with dragons, trolls, and treasure, every chapter is packed with moments that spark the imagination. These rich and vivid scenes make it an ideal inspiration for a sensory story, one that brings the magic of Middle, earth … Read more
What are the Learning Intentions of Sensory Stories? Sensory stories are designed to spark imagination and help students connect with learning material on an emotive and sensory level. Multi-sensory stories can be an impactful tool for students with special educational needs to learn and develop in meaningful ways. Often used with children experiencing Profound and … Read more
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 … Read more
What Does the Evidence Say About Improving Literacy in KS1? Literacy encompasses not only the ability to read and write but also a range of intricate skills such as word-level competencies like spelling and word-reading, as well as text-level abilities like reading comprehension and writing composition. There are a number of ways to improve literacy … Read more
Hello storytellers, our most popular page is our free multi-sensory stories page. Here we share over 20 free sensory stories all written by teachers in special schools. This post will provide an idea for a prop that can be adapted as a simple sensory resource for many sensory stories, it is an evolution of Flo … Read more
Attention-Seeking Behaviour or Connection Seeking? When it comes to understanding the social and emotional development of young children, attachment theory has long been a cornerstone of both research and practice. Developed by British psychologist John Bowlby in the mid-20th century, the theory posits that the quality of the early relationships between children and their primary … Read more
Why Should a Mentor Help Their ITT Student Find a Teaching Job? We continue our recruitment and interview tips guide for SEN teachers with a quick guide for supporting your mentee to secure a teaching job. As an ITT mentor, supporting your mentee through the job application and interview process can be challenging, especially when … Read more
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental difference that is characterised by a spectrum, or fruit salad of different elements. These can include difficulty with social interaction and communication as well as a monotropic focus on specific interests. Increasingly this is looked at through the lens of “Double Empathy”. You can read more about this in Pia … Read more
Pre-Verbal Children: What Might Their Behaviour Be Telling Us? I am using the term pre-verbal to encompass pupils who may be described as non-verbal. 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 experience for … Read more
Enhancing Joy and Wellbeing: The School of Joy! Education is the foundation of personal and societal growth. As teachers, it is crucial to ensure that every child, irrespective of their abilities or disabilities, feels included and happy in the school environment. Pupils with special educational needs, often face challenges that can affect their overall wellbeing. … Read more
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