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
A library section with non-fiction books
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

As well as being interesting and engaging, non-fiction texts help to develop learners’ academic vocabulary and support learning across the curriculum. Learners can use non-fiction texts to develop knowledge, retrieval, and comprehension skills, and this can be developed even further with higher level skills such as analysis and evaluation. Learners with SEND may find the bite-sized facts, clear sections and subheadings, and accompanying diagrams or illustrations in non-fiction texts less overwhelming than a longer narrative text.

Tip or Idea: Hook learners in with non-fiction texts that relate to personal interests and hobbies. Use this motivation and engagement to build core skills before expanding to a wider range of non-fiction topics.

Learning Village resource: All learners, especially those with SEND, will benefit from focused learning opportunities that provide challenges at an appropriate cognitive level. Use our Bloom’s Taxonomy Ladders for non-fiction texts to discover a range of activities tailored to different learner levels.

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

More articles by this author

Illustration of a woman observing something

SEND support: Pupil observation

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.

Teacher explaining comprehension skills to SEND learner

SEND support: Comprehension

Created: Wed 31st Jul 2024

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?

SEND pupil listening

SEND support: Listening skills

Created: Thu 29th Jan 2026

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.

Back to Blog