Download resource

Please enter your details to download this resource
Login
 

Enter your details to access this video

Or if you already have an account login to watch the video (if you don't you can register here).
Login
Approximate reading time: < 1 minute

Learners with speech and language difficulties may find it difficult to use the correct tense or find it hard to understand the concepts of time.  

Tip or Idea: Take 5 minutes to chat together at the end of a busy day or lesson. Talk about what you did, what you enjoyed or what made you laugh. This gives learners the opportunity to practise using the past tense and maybe time and order words too like first, next and then. 

Learning Village resource: Practise those trickier past tense words with our helpful irregular past tense writing prompt.


More articles by this author

Child learning phonics
Created: Thu 20th Aug 2026

For many learners, phonics can provide a clear, structured pathway into reading and spelling. For learners with SEND, phonics can offer small, sequential steps that reduce cognitive load. Improving phonics skills can also build independence for learners, as it enables them to decode unfamiliar words without relying solely on context or translation. This helps learners to access the wider curriculum and develop their confidence.

washing hands
Created: Wed 22nd Apr 2026

Hygiene is not only an essential topic for all learners, but one that can be made practical, visual, and repetitive, too - which is great for learners with additional needs. Teaching hygiene isn’t just a health topic; it builds essential life skills. When young people learn routines like washing hands and brushing teeth, they are developing independence, self-care, and personal responsibility as they move towards independent adulthood.

Teacher motivating learners
Created: Wed 4th Dec 2024

All learners have times where they may become less engaged or motivated with their learning. This can be for a range of reasons but learners with additional needs may face even more challenges. It is important to get to know your learners well and learn what motivates and excites them. Try to incorporate this into your lesson planning and help them to progress and reach their full potential.

Back to Blog