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 support: Expressive language - Feelings & emotions

Created: Mon 13th Nov 2023

Learners may have difficulties expressing their own ideas, thoughts and feelings.

Tip or Idea: Name the emotions. Use puppets, flashcards or simply hide and uncover your own face. Who can be first to name the emotion? Extend by giving a reason why e.g. He is happy because…

Learning Village resource: Feelings Snakes & Ladders game - land on a picture. Describe it and move forward 1 space! (I am happy when…/I am sad when…/I am shocked when…)

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 describing with adjectives

SEND support: Adjectives - Describing words

Created: Tue 13th Aug 2024

Being able to understand and use a range of adjectives can help learners to communicate successfully. Adjectives are essential for adding information or interest to their spoken or written language. They also enable learners to differentiate between items.

Back to Blog