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
board game with dice and figures
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

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.

Tip or Idea: Games don’t have to just be played at desks. Think about ways to allow learners to be active, too! Try using outdoor areas like the school field; use a ball to throw and catch when taking turns speaking; or try placing words and picture cards around the room for learners to find and match.

Learning Village resource: Games are not just for younger learners. Our resource Group Games using Multiple Learning Styles includes fun ideas such as Agent ALFA. In this game, learners work in teams to solve a mystery by collecting and decoding clues that help them identify the undercover double agent (Agent ALFA).

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

More articles by this author

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.

colourful speech bubbles

SEND Support: Cultural sensitivity and SEND

Created: Wed 5th Nov 2025

How societies, schools, and families view and support learners with SEND is often shaped by cultural beliefs, values, and traditions. It is important to consider the families you work with and be aware of potential differences. Respecting values, adapting approaches, and using inclusive language can help to achieve strong partnerships between school and home. Terms like special needs or disability may not always translate directly across languages, so discussing strengths and differences may be a more helpful approach.

graphic organiser

SEND Support: Graphic organisers to support students with dyslexia

Created: Tue 30th Sep 2025

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.

Back to Blog