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

Colourful shapes

SEND support: Unique learner needs

Created: Wed 31st Jul 2024

Every learner is unique! This includes your SEND learners. Sometimes you need to create a bespoke resource to support their individual needs.

Tip or Idea: Using multimodal resources can provide a multi-layered approach to learning, removing barriers for learners and creating a fun, engaging learning environment.

washing hands

SEND support: Hygiene

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.

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