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Reading opens up endless possibilities for learning, growth and development. However, for some learners, including those with SEND, barriers can make reading more challenging. Fortunately, by employing a range of strategies tailored to each learner's individual needs, you can support reading developing for all.
Tip or Idea: Empower learners to choose reading material that interests and engages them. Graphic novels can be a strong motivator for even the most reluctant readers. Combining visuals with text helps make reading more accessible and enjoyable.
Use our Reading: Pupil Voice document as a written activity or a guide for a verbal discussion. The template is aimed at helping you to understand the individual needs and preferences of your students to enhance their reading experiences.
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?
Graphic organisers can be a powerful tool for learners with dyslexia. They enable learners to plan and structure their ideas in a visual and accessible way. Focusing on getting ideas organised before navigating challenges with grammar and spelling can be a positive approach. The visual scaffold reduces working memory strain by keeping ideas clearly organised and structured. This allows more cognitive space for sentence construction and spelling, which might be challenging.
Games are one of the most effective ways to support both SEND and EAL learners because they reduce anxiety, increase engagement, and make language learning fun! Structured games also offer additional benefits for SEND learners by encouraging attention, turn-taking, and understanding routines. Visual rules, simple instructions, and predictable formats also help reduce cognitive load whilst keeping learning active and inclusive.