This book takes a fresh look at approaches to teaching reading, writing and communication skills. It presents a wealth of innovative ideas specifically designed to support visual learners, including those with autism spectrum conditions and special educational needs.
Some children are more responsive to visual stimulation than spoken words, and this book shows how to engage these children in literacy lessons by using strategies that cover everything from the latest assistive technology to getting creative on a limited budget. There are tips for sharing stories with children who find it hard to sit still, supporting reluctant writers, enabling the pre-verbal child to answer questions and helping the child who never stops talking to develop listening skills. The strategies are supported by practical resources, examples and case studies, to show how to instil in children the confidence to create and share their thoughts.
This is a must-have resource for special education teachers and coordinators, as well as speech and language therapists, looking for new strategies for teaching literacy.
Acknowledgements. Introduction - A Fairy Tale. 1. Visual Learners are in EVERY Classroom (Preventing a learning difference from becoming a learning difficulty). 2. Learning Differences and Disabilities. (Autism Spectrum Conditions, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and physical disabilities affecting communication). 3. Gifted Visual Learners Past and Present. 4. Visual Teachers (Past and Present). 5. First Impressions! (How we introduce literacy can help develop positive attitude to learning.) 6. Motivation to learn (Finding out what motivates the individual child can be the key to engaging them to want to learn. 7. Teaching writing right (Setting them up to succeed, by stepping learning to meet individual needs - sandpaper letters, stamps and pencil grips). 8. Whats in a name? (How names and labels give reading and writing a purpose). 9. Reading (Practical strategies including teaching children who do not get phonics). 10. Sight Reading High Frequency Words (a structured approach). 11. Visuals for Communication (An Introduction to Picture Exchange Communication and going beyond I want...). 12. Augmentative Assistive Communication (Switches, buttons, android, eye gaze and iPad Apps). 13. Actions speak louder! (Gaining Attention, adding meaning and improving communication through actions and signing). 14. Listening and Gaining Attention (Becoming a good listener, Tutorials, Intensive Interaction and Attention Autism). 15. Functional Communication (Within school and out and about). 16. Implementing subject based TEACCH. 17. SEN Assist (Teaching Literacy through the Class Computer). 18. Drama and Dance and Shakespeare (Bringing stories to life using costume, masks and puppets). 19. Look here! They can! (Believing in futures). 20. Happy Endings. Resources. Index.
This books title gives a few clues to the broad range of its content. In fact, the author also includes topics such as how best to motivate and engage pupils, as well as how to maximise their abilities to listen, communicate, read and write. Mrs Devine shares her experiences of teaching pupils with severe learning difficulties and works indefatigably to show how every child has the potential to shine. In the current climate of every changing goalposts and the relentless drive to fulfill targets, her passion and philosophy are breath of fresh air.
