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
illustration of a brain with symbols for the five senses
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

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!

Tip or Idea: There are a number of simple adaptations you can incorporate, such as prioritising natural light where possible; making noise-cancelling headphones available to learners; offering calm corners with weighted blankets and other sensory aids; opening windows to aid ventilation; and presenting a clear, clutter-free learning environment with visual timetables and signage.

Learning Village resource: Use our visual Classroom Instruction Flashcards to provide a clear visual structure to support students who process information visually.

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

More articles by this author

SEND learner using non-verbal communication

SEND support: Non-verbal communication

Created: Wed 31st Jul 2024

Non-verbal communication such as body language, facial expressions and tone of voice convey information beyond words alone. It is an integral part of communication, building relationships and developing shared understanding. For some learners interpreting non-verbal communication is not always simple.

Tip or Idea: Understanding non-verbal communication can depend on many factors including cultural norms, situational context and the unique combination of words, actions and expressions used. Try to put communication in context and focus on more than simply the words used.

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.

SEND support: Past tense

Created: Wed 7th Feb 2024

Learners with speech and language difficulties may find it difficult to use the correct tense or find it hard to understand the concepts of time.  

Tip or Idea: Take 5 minutes to chat together at the end of a busy day or lesson. Talk about what you did, what you enjoyed or what made you laugh. This gives learners the opportunity to practise using the past tense and maybe time and order words too like first, next and then. 

Back to Blog