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

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 learner learning to learn

SEND support: Learning to learn

Created: Wed 13th Nov 2024

We all learn in different ways. Helping your students to identify what works best for them is really important. Do they prefer visual aids, make links with existing learning or use movement and actions to help them remember things? Identifying their own personal preferences and effective practices will benefit lifelong learning and help your students to succeed.

SEND learners writing

SEND support: Engaging writing lessons

Created: Fri 13th Dec 2024

For some learners, including those with SEND, the thought of a writing lesson can be daunting and unappealing. However, by finding creative ways to engage and 'hook' your learners, they will be more likely to feel motivated and engaged.

Tip or Idea: Start your lessons in an unusual or exciting way! Set up a scene or have props that give clues to a character or event, play an engaging video or audio clip or perhaps transform your classroom into a courtroom for a debate...

Back to Blog