Watch this incredible video clip of FE Tutor Leigh Blakeman, (Chadsgrove College, Bromsgrove) carrying out some home teaching using books beyond words with two students with PMLD from their 19-25 provision. As ever, we are reminded of the power of communication, in whatever form it comes.
Tag: PMLD
Online professional learning around Children and Young People with Complex Needs
At this present time , when teachers and teaching assistants are home based, and looking for worthwhile on line professional learning , you may like to visit http://www.complexneeds.org.uk
16 modules of teacher training , at 4 levels . Level A is specifically designed for Teaching Assistants. Level D , for example , is for those in Leadership roles, whether as SENCO, Assistant, Deputy or Headteacher/Principal.
The attached article details what the modules are , and their aims and purpose.
When first launched the user friendly nature of each module and the accessibility were highly praised.
How do children born prematurely learn?
This is question I am often asked. My key thought in responding is that these children are often ‘wired differently’ – their brains are not configured as those of a full term infant might be. This does not automatically imply that they will have a learning disability or special educational need, but teachers need to be prepared that that these children may not perceive and deduct from information given, in the ways we usually expect from children.
Indeed, to repeat again the phrase given to me by the mother of a boy born at 24 weeks gestation after observing his first term in school, he is ‘wired differently’ . As a as a Teacher I then have so ask , “so of he is wired differently , in what ways does he learn differently ? And when I know how he learns differently, in what ways do I teach differently?”
Many teachers find the Engagement Profile (http://engagement4learning.com), a useful observational tool to profile neurodiversity in children, particularly as we start a new academic year.
This article may guide and refresh thinking around how we engage children whose learning pathways are different due to prematurity of birth.
Professor Barry Carpenter CBE,OBE,PhD.
September, 2018
Valuing the views of children with a learning disability
Engaging with children and young people with severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Click cover image below to open and view article in full.
‘Best of British Special Education’ – Forum Event
A two-day Forum, dedicated to the memory of Penny Lacey on the 2-3rd March 2017 at the Swiss Cottage School Conference Centre, London.
Full details in the downloadable flyer below!
Barry Carpenter Education 