Tools for Schools
Provisions and /or strategies:
- Consider how many information carrying words a child can manage when giving instructions – adapt use of language and method, e.g. simple choices, reduce complexity and sentence length.
- Provide visual prompts if necessary, including key vocabulary, visual timetables, now and next, gestures and labelling equipment with pictures.
- Label equipment with pictures, signs and words.
- Ensure the adult is physically at the child’s level.
- Give extra / allow take up time to process what has been said.
- Think about the environment and how to limit any distractions.
- Check you have engaged the child’s attention before talking to them. Use the child’s name to attract their attention.
- Check that hearing has been tested.
- Plan specific opportunities to teach new vocabulary as well as opportunities to revisit and practice to develop understanding and use of words.
- Pre-teach topic vocabulary.
- Consider use of ‘First, then’ or ‘Now, next’ supported by visual prompts.
- Meet regularly with parent carers to discuss how advice and strategies can be continued and strengthened when used at home
- Repeat key words and phrases.
- Ensure access to an oral language modifier for assessments.
Last updated 2 November 2021