SEND Top Tips: Virtual Learning
- The main thing is to provide high-quality teaching for all pupils including differentiated tasks, i.e. providing a word bank, a writing template/writing examples and visual support.
- Encourage the children to wear headphones to reduce distractions within the home. Also, children should have all the resources they will need with them at a clear desk space to minimise distractions.
- Ensure you are sat with a plain background behind you and try to use headphones yourself.
- If you are sharing a PowerPoint, use a pastel background, keep the font/size consistent throughout the presentation and leave a line between sentences. Comic sans has been recommended for use in presentations.
- Use different colour font to emphasis key information, i.e. key words or tasks.
- Refer to the timetable throughout the day so that they know what is happening next.
- Ensure you allow some thinking time after posing a question to allow the children to process and think of an answer. In addition, some children may require extra time to complete the task. They can submit their work later.
- Ask the children to repeat the task back to you to check their understanding.
- Use small break-out rooms to work with individuals or small groups.
- If possible, parents can sit alongside their child to provide extra support.
- Allow/timetable regular movement breaks.
- Remind the children that learning virtually is tricky and all we can do is try our best!
SEND: Apps and Games
Brain Parade
Website: http://www.brainparade.com/products/see-touch-learn-free/
Description: a visual instruction app, including flash cards and picture-choosing games, for children with autism and special needs.
HelpKidzLearn
Website: https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
Description: a collection of games and resources designed for a range of educational needs and stages. It includes provision for school closure.
Sensory App House Ltd
Website: https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/
Description: a range of apps are available for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) or Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). All are interactive and many do not require significant coordination abilities.
Visuals2Go
Website: https://www.visuals2go.com/
Description: an all-in-one app created to support people with communication and learning difficulties. For verbal and non-verbal learners.
SEND: Resources for Teachers
A great website for sensory resources:
http://www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk/covid19-resources
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/media/11160/supporting-schools-and-colleges.pdf
Description: a downloadable guide to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and students during periods of disruption.
Do2Learn (USA)
Website: https://do2learn.com/
Description: a range of downloadable resources grouped by theme. Themes include: social skills, songs and games, and picture cards.
Inclusive Teach
Website: https://inclusiveteach.com/free-printable-sen-teaching-resources/
Description: downloadable teaching resources to support pupils with SEND.
PMLD thematic units – from the Northern Ireland Curriculum
Website:http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/curriculum_microsite/SEN_PMLD_thematic_units/index.asp
Description: comprehensive guidance on themed activities for learners with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). A full sensory curriculum is offered.
Priory Woods School
Website: http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/page/?title=Resources&pid=3
Description: resources from an award-winning, innovative school, rated by Ofsted as outstanding and put together by SENDteachers. The resources include apps and programmes.
SEND Gateway
Website: https://www.sendgateway.org.uk/whole-school-send/find-wss-resources/nqt-videos.html
Description: A range of SEND guidance videos created in collaboration with the Centre for Education and Youth (CfEY) in addition to many other experts within the sector. Aimed at Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs).
SENict Activities
Website: https://www.ianbean.co.uk/senict-members-resource-portal
Description: downloadable activities aimed particularly at Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) learners.
SEN Teacher
Website: https://www.senteacher.org/
Description: downloadable resources that can be adapted to suit the needs of pupils. Resources are aimed at a range of abilities.
Speech and Language Kids
Website: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/free-speech-language-resources/
Description: a range of education and therapy resources for speech and language problems. A podcast is also available on iTunes for verbal and non-verbal children.
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
Website: https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/
Description: a range of downloadable resources to support blind and visually impaired pupils.
UCL Centre for Inclusive Education
Description: a guide to help parents adjust to remote learning by providing advice and links to resources.
