[senco-forum] S&L when you're Aspergers

Hi Janice

  Yes, speaking and Listening is 20% of GCSE English - but that doesn't start until Year 10!  
  Yes, I force almost all kids to speak in front of the group at least once a year - but there are a few who just can't do it.  Anyway, a 'group' at GCSE level can be only two other people.
  And what about the 'listening' part?  If she can spot when others are using intonation, gesture and the speech patterns of whatever genre is being used, then she is doing half the task.
  I've taken several ASD and Aspergers pupils through the system.  Recently a boy got a B at GCSE.  He didn't speak to the class in Year 8.  In fact, he barely spoke at all.  In Years 10 and 11 he made two speeches, told a story and participated fully in discussion work.  A girl in the same year progressed to the point when she could talk to me plus two friends.  She could just scrape an F for oral work.
  Amanda
  Secondary SENCO (and mainstream Engish teacher)
  Cornwall

WrayJanice Wray <jwwray14 at hotmail.com> wrote:
  I have a lass in Yr 8 - just on the tip of Aspergers - got a diagnosis.
Also has a slight stutter made worse when she's nervous - has SALT for that.
English lessons - debate - they have to do a speaking and listening task - I said she will find this almost impossible - maybe write something on a card - tape record her views at home - introduce the group and the topic only - tell her she hasn't got to do it and she'll feel safer then she might actually say something on her own.
Anyone got any better ideas ?
English seem adamant that it's got to be done and is 20% of their GCSE

Janice Wray
Secondary SENCO, Herts
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Amanda
Secondary SENCO
Cornwall