Difficulties with learning e.g. despite appropriate differentiation/individual strategies
The child makes inadequate progress over time across the curriculum and are working below age related expectations.
The child makes inadequate progress over time across the curriculum and are working below age related expectations.
Strategies and approaches:
- Assess through making observations in child-initiated learning and adult directed tasks to identify the areas of need.
- Model use of open-ended simple pondering statements such as ‘I wonder…’ or ‘what if …’ rather than direct questions.
- Give clear and simple instructions, breaking down longer instructions and giving one at a time.
- Use visual timetables, visual cues and prompts e.g. objects, pictures, photos, symbols, choice boards, sequences to support instructions.
- Develop personalised stories and books using children’s interests.
- Give time to process information before a response is needed.
- Use pre-teaching to support the child. If there is a new interest that is planned to be expanded or a new book explored, it may be useful to share this with the child prior to others. It may be helpful to introduce specific language and vocabulary.
- Make explicit links to prior learning by reminding the child of past events, activities or experiences. Displaying photographs or sharing individual learning journals can support this.
- Share next steps where appropriate – so the child knows what to expect. This can be very informally done through conversation, for example, “Well done, next time we can try….”
- When considering the resources needed to support a child scrutinize the developmental stage of the child rather than their age to ensure resources support needs.
- Use meaningful continuous strategies to boost self-esteem and confidence. Provide specific meaningful praise and feedback when a child persists and / or achieves something new or perseveres at a new task. Staff should praise the child for the process of engagement and learning and “having a go” rather than the outcome.
Links:
Creating the Picture – Primary National Strategy