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SEND support: Dual coding - Use of visuals and words

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6-11 year-olds 'The Village'

Blended vocabulary, language structure and reading programme for EAL and multilingual learners

Image as the language of instruction for learners of ANY language background

Independent learning • small-group teaching • differentiation in class • high interest, low level reading support

For 6-11 year-olds

11-16 year-olds 'The Islands'

Blended vocabulary, language structure and reading programme for EAL and multilingual learners

Image as the language of instruction for learners of ANY language background

Independent learning • small-group teaching • differentiation in class • high interest, low level reading support

For 11-16 year-olds

Post-16/adults (Community Village)

Blended vocabulary, language structure and reading programme for ESOL and multilingual adult learners

Supporting school community members with their integration into school community life!

High interest, low level reading - image as the language of instruction for learners of ANY language background.

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Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist

Approximate reading time: 1 minute

Dual coding, developed by Allan Pavio, is a teaching method that combines different types of stimuli to support students to learn and remember information. It is particularly beneficial for learners with special educational needs. An example might be combining words with pictures or audio with text.

Tip or Idea: Start with an image and ask students to explain in their own words what they mean or flip it around and provide students with a word and ask them to draw or create their own image.

Free resource to help you with this activity: Dual coding is key to the Learning Village programme. Try using our exercise resources to see how the combination of images and words can help your learners.

SEND support: Unique learner needs

Created: Wed 31st Jul 2024

Every learner is unique! This includes your SEND learners. Sometimes you need to create a bespoke resource to support their individual needs.

Tip or Idea: Using multimodal resources can provide a multi-layered approach to learning, removing barriers for learners and creating a fun, engaging learning environment.

SEND Support: Cultural sensitivity and SEND

Created: Wed 5th Nov 2025

How societies, schools, and families view and support learners with SEND is often shaped by cultural beliefs, values, and traditions. It is important to consider the families you work with and be aware of potential differences. Respecting values, adapting approaches, and using inclusive language can help to achieve strong partnerships between school and home. Terms like special needs or disability may not always translate directly across languages, so discussing strengths and differences may be a more helpful approach.

SEND support: Learning to learn

Created: Wed 13th Nov 2024

We all learn in different ways. Helping your students to identify what works best for them is really important. Do they prefer visual aids, make links with existing learning or use movement and actions to help them remember things? Identifying their own personal preferences and effective practices will benefit lifelong learning and help your students to succeed.

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