Laser Lessons - Lesson

Be able to overcome barriers to communication

View the video opposite, which was produced by part of the Teachers TV website. You will watch a 15-minute video following an 11 year old boy called Ricky, who has severe autism. The practitioner in the video uses a particular method of communication with Ricky to engage with him and improve his learning. Watch the video and make notes. Is there anything that you can relate to your setting? What can you learn from watching the video?

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

‘Barriers to Effective Communication’ on the Skills You Need website
‘Teenagers and communication’ from the Better Health Channel.
‘4 unforgettable barriers to communication’ on the Rasing 2 Children website.
Communication Matters Leaflets: 'Focus on... First Steps’
Communication Matters Leaflets:‘Focus on... What Can I Say’

Presentation
Good Practice Example
Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

Does the ethos of your setting encourage respect towards all adults? Ask to see your setting’s policies which relate to equal opportunities and developing good relationships with staff and parents. These policies help to make sure that all parents and adults in your setting feel included and welcomed. Does your practice reflect your policy? Share your findings with your staff team at your next staff meeting and find ways to develop and improve what you do.
Find and read a copy of ‘The Equal Opportunities Handbook’ (4th revised edition) by Phil Clements and Tony Spinks, published by Kogan Page.
Look on the internet to find websites that provide information about speech difficulties. Could you learn Makaton speech and sign, perhaps? What else can you discover that helps your understanding of others and the way they communicate?
Your role will often bring you into contact with adults who have difficulties communicating with you. Use the internet to find out ways that you can adapt the way you communicate to ensure effective communication with those:
Click the icon to the left to visit the Communication Matters website. This is a UK charitable organisation of members concerned with using assistive technologies and devices to aid communication, including eye pointing, word boards, and speech output devices.
Click the icon to the left to watch this video on augmentative and alternative communication from You Tube, called ‘The Power of Communication’.
Click the icon to the left to visit the Speech and Language UK website. Speech and Language UK is the operating name of I CAN Charity, a UK children’s communication charity focusing on development of speech, language and communication skills with a particular emphasis on those with communication difficulties. Includes numerous free resources available for download.

Think And Challenge