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

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.

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.

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.

Back to Blog