- Use short simple sentences;
- Break down longer sentences into chunks e.g. instead of saying “after you’ve hung your coat on the peg go and put your lunch box away and then come and sit on the carpet” They say “hang your coat up. Put your lunch away. Sit on the carpet”.
- This also simplifies the vocabulary, removing the concept words (after, then) which the child may also have difficulty understanding.
- Repeat key words in the sentence e.g. for the instructions above “Coat. Lunch. Carpet”.
- Adjust your level of language to their level of understanding (see info on abstract language and levels of understanding)
- Allow extra time for the child to process information
- Check the child has understood by asking them to repeat back what they’ve heard
- Teach new concepts words that will be used in class to allow the child to better access the whole class teaching
- Check the child has understood by asking them to repeat back what they’ve heard
What can I do to help?
