[senco-forum] Re: Chunking Instructions

We have established a network of schools and provided a copy of Writing
with Symbols for every school in the city and county that wanted to join.
Initially this was to support children with language and communication
difficulties but increasingly I have found, during training and support in
using the software, that the programme is being used to produce 'sequence
strips' of instructions where the text is supported by symbols for children
with a variety of learning needs and also for children who are judged to
have no special needs.

The idea of a visual timetable is extended to the extent where some common
sequences are produced on a strip of card and laminated for re-use.  Others
have laminated a variety of single symbols and attach them with velcro in
the requisite order for a particular instruction.

We always advise that this physical reminder is given with the verbal
instruction (and sometimes signing where appropriate), and some schools say
that they also insist the child repeats the instruction/s if they are able.

I see no reason why a programme like Clicker shouldn't be used to produce
something similar.  If such programmes are not available then there are one
or two web-sites that have sets of symbols available for free use -
download as pdf and then use cut and paste technology :-)

Jeremy Beckett
SEN ICT Consultant TeacherInclusion Support Service

E-mails and any attachments from Nottinghamshire County Council are
confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the
sender immediately by replying to the e-mail, and then delete it without
making copies or using it in any other way.

Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the sender and do not
necessarily represent those of Nottinghamshire County Council unless
otherwise specifically stated.

Although any attachments to the message will have been checked for viruses
before transmission, you are urged to carry out your own virus check before
opening attachments, since the County Council accepts no responsibility for
loss or damage caused by software viruses.

Senders and recipients of email should be aware that, under the Data
Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the contents
may have to be disclosed in response to a request.

Nottinghamshire County Council Legal Disclaimer