Category Archives: Special Educational Needs

An Inclusive Whiteboard

Here are some of the things my students have found useful in relation to whiteboard use: Use a blue pen rather than lots of different colours, green is often hard to see against the glare of overhead lights.   Lots of … Continue reading

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What I learnt from reading Marie Delaney’s “Special Educational Needs”

An unexpected day off work was recently the perfect opportunity to make a dint in my reading pile and so I polished off Marie Delaney’s Special Educational Needs. A great, well –organised book for any teacher who has students with … Continue reading

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Inclusive Practice news

I’m very excited to be on the acting committee of the brand new IATEFL SIG – IP&SEN (Inclusive Practices and Special Educational Needs). As well as a chance to work with some highly qualified and very motivated people, it also … Continue reading

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Some Ideas on differentiating homework

It’s hard enough to get homework right at the best of times. It’s the end of the lesson, school policies (and parents!) call out for it, kids loathe it and you end up wasting half your next lesson working out … Continue reading

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Dyslexia in the EFL classroom – some reading material

It’s hard to know where to start so here are some of the books I’ve found useful, in order of “importance”, if you can only read a couple, start at the top: Reid, G. & Green, S. 2011 100+ ideas … Continue reading

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Top tips to help dyslexic students

Obviously every pupil  is different so these ideas will work with some but not necessarily all, the best thing to do is try them out and see what works, once you get to know your student it’s easier to know … Continue reading

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How to spot dyslexia in the secondary EFL classroom

Thankfully nowadays the vast majority of primary teachers know what to look out for and children are usually assessed before arriving at secondary school. Without going into all the elements that make up a dyslexia assessment here are a few … Continue reading

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Some dyslexia myths debunked

Dyslexia doesn’t exist: Also known as “Dyslexia is a load of rubbish; invented so middle class parents have an excuse when their kids fail their exams.” Thankfully few people actually believe this now, although I do unfortunately know some, even … Continue reading

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Teaching Creative Writing to Dyslexic Students

If the title itself sounds like the TEFL equivalent of a 12 metre fence to be jumped, remember that your students will be even more frightened than you are! It’s a pity, because often dyslexic students are holistic learners with … Continue reading

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