Introduction to SEN Tutoring
Students with special educational needs or specific learning difficulties will struggle to learn when on the receiving end of some traditional teaching methods. Therefore we use a range of approaches depending on the students specific needs. Such teaching methods may include multi-sensory teaching; small incremental steps delivered one at a time, with plenty of opportunity for repetition, so learners can proceed at their own pace and receive positive reinforcement as they learn. We know every student is different and will assess them continually to ensure we are using the method which best complements their learning style.
Teaching Styles to Differentiate for Our Students
Behavioural Problems
How we differentiate for this student
• We use supported self-compiled visual dictionary for subject-specific vocabulary
• Breaking up work into smaller chunks disregarding superfluous content helps our students
• Visual cues are used to support written text
• We use a lesson menu to write down instructions
• Encouraging students to tick off each one as they complete tasks so they can identify their own progress.
Lack of Written work
How we differentiate for this student
• We use coloured overlays, following advice from specialists to reduce glare and jumping letters
• Keeping instructions simple and breaking down into short, well-spaced out sentences helps our students understand better
• Each student will have 1:1 time within each class to engage them in letter/word games that encourage phoneme blending
• We use alternative means of recording such as dictaphones or laptops where needed rather than note taking methods
• Visuals are used extensively within our resources to support written text
• We colour code topics and tasks to ease navigation and enable independent learning
Lack of Concentration
How we differentiate for this student
• Class work is broken down into small sections which can be worked on one point at a time
• We introduce "time out" as a calming measure
• Using realistic timed targets to promote engagement with a task helps our students keep focused
• Homework and classwork is phased so that students are not overwhelmed by quantity
• Classes are quiet with constant student monitoring to ensure students stay on task within lessons
How we can help at School
It is important that we build a line of communication with each students SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) if they have had one provided at school so that we can ensure the extra tuition is complementing the SMART targets laid out in their support plan. If they do not have a SENCO at school no need to worry we can create a SENCO support plan for them and forward it on to relevant teachers should you need it.