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
SEND pupil listening
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

Listening is an essential skill for learning and understanding, building relationships, communicating effectively, and developing independence. However, for some learners - including those with additional needs such as ADHD, autism, hearing impairments, or language processing difficulties - listening can be challenging. We can support learners in a range of ways, including using simplified instructions, visual supports, repetition, and reducing distractions in our learning environments. We can also teach explicit listening skills by explaining what listening looks like, modelling good listening, and practising with short activities.

Tip or Idea: Don’t forget to include movement breaks so listening isn’t too exhausting!

Use a recording device such as an iPad to involve your learners in creating their own listening material to share with their peers. Our 10 ideas for co-constructing listening activities resource is full of great ideas.

Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link

More articles by this author

illustration of a brain with symbols for the five senses

SEND support: Sensory-inclusive environments

Created: Mon 5th May 2025

Sensory needs (considering lighting, noise, textures, smells etc.) are now being seen as a central part of school design. It is widely recognised that overwhelming environments can block learning or trigger distress. Each learning environment presents its own opportunities and challenges to reducing sensory overload. Luckily, there are lots of small changes that can make a big difference to your learners!

SEND learner using speech sounds

SEND support: Speech sounds - Fluency

Created: Wed 13th Nov 2024

In English, there are 44 speech sounds. Creating speech sounds is a more complex process than you might think! It requires the coordination of different muscles and structures. The lips, tongue, teeth and other parts of our mouth all play an important role. Where learners have difficulties creating certain sounds, their fluency, ability to be understood and confidence in speaking aloud can all be affected.

Books in nature during summer

SEND support: Summer learning loss

Created: Thu 19th Jun 2025

During the school summer holidays pupils may lack opportunities to practise and revisit skills they have been learning in class. Research indicates that students can lose between one to three months of learning during their extended break! Considering ways to keep learners engaged throughout the summer is an important step in reducing lost learning. This is especially important for students with additional needs who may face challenges with learning retention, retrieval, and recall.

Back to Blog