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

SEND learners, particularly those with speech and language difficulties, can find comprehension more challenging for a range of reasons. Understanding of subject-specific vocabulary and inference can be difficult areas for some learners.

Tip or Idea: Start simple! Use single images or short sentences and talk about what is happening. Can your learner relate this to an experience they have had themselves?

Free resource to help you with this activity: Use our Rainforest Reading Comprehension flashcards and activities to work towards answering the associated rainforest comprehension questions.


More articles by this author

Teacher pre-teaching SEND learner
Created: Wed 31st Jul 2024

Pre-teaching helps learners to enter a lesson feeling confident, independent and ready to shine! It can be used to promote curiosity before a lesson, expose learners to new, unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts and/or allow them to tackle tasks at their own pace before working in a larger group setting.

colourful speech bubbles
Created: Wed 5th Nov 2025

How societies, schools, and families view and support learners with SEND is often shaped by cultural beliefs, values, and traditions. It is important to consider the families you work with and be aware of potential differences. Respecting values, adapting approaches, and using inclusive language can help to achieve strong partnerships between school and home. Terms like special needs or disability may not always translate directly across languages, so discussing strengths and differences may be a more helpful approach.

Illustration of a woman observing something
Created: Thu 3rd Jul 2025

Understanding the needs of your learners is essential. Learners who use English as an additional language may also have additional learning needs, and sometimes separating language needs from learning needs can be challenging. Assessment results and classroom work offer some insight; however, taking the time to carefully observe your learners’ behaviours can provide a deeper appreciation of their needs. This can help you consider necessary adjustments or interventions, or support further assessments of specific SEND needs.

Back to Blog