Laser Lessons - Lesson

Understand how to communicate with children, young people and adults

Your role will often bring you into contact with adults who have difficulties communicating with you. Research ways you can adapt the way you communicate to ensure effective communication with those:Who have a hearing impairment;For whom English is not their first language;Who do not speak English;Who have a visual impairment;Who have a stammer, or other speech impediment

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

Communication Matters leaflet
Communication Matters leaflet
Level 3 candidate handbook for supporting teaching and learning in schools, published by Heinemann

Presentation

Click on the icon to the right to launch this lesson's presentation entitled 'Pardon?'.
Open this presentation 'Classroom communication' and read through the document of the same title attached below. Both of these were part of the primary national strategy.
'Primary national strategy: Classroom communication' - read this document alongside the presentation.

Good Practice Example

Watch the video to the right, which was produced by Teachers TV. This is 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. Ask your tutor if you have any questions about the video.
Watch the video to the right, which was produced by Teachers TV. This is 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. Ask your tutor if you have any questions about the video.

Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

Does the ethos of your school encourage respect towards all adults? Ask to see your school’s policies which relate to equal opportunities and developing good relationships with staff and parents. These policies help to make sure all parents and adults in your school 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.N.B. You should be able to find a copy at your local library service.
Research 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. Research ways you can adapt the way you communicate to ensure effective communication with those:Who have a hearing impairment;For whom English is not their first language;Who do not speak English;Who have a visual impairment;Who have a stammer, or other speech impediment
Communication Matters 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 on the icon to go to their website.
Click to watch this video on augmentative and alternative communication from Communication Matters, called ‘The Power of Communication’.
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, such as the Communication Cookbook.Click on the icon to the left to go to their website.

Think And Challenge