INCLUSIVE LITERACY

For learners with profound learning difficulties

Dr Penny Lacey

Difficulties in learning

• Slow speed of information processing

• Small short-term memory• Little general knowledge• Difficulties with language• Poor attention skills• Distracted by other stimuli• Difficulties with

generalisation & problem solving

Literacy learning needs

What are the literacy learning needs of pupils with profound learning disabilities?

Literacy learning needs

• Small amounts of information at a time

• Lots and lots of repetition• Concrete resources that

appeal to different senses• Early learning skills for

enjoyment and participation• Literacy activities that

motivate• Support from people

Research Project

• What is literacy for students who do not learn to read and write?

• 3 Universities and 35 schools

• Observations and interviews then expert witnesses, focus groups and desk work

What we found

• Adaptations to Literacy Hour

• Books and stories• Pre-reading activities • Symbols for

communication• Sight vocabulary plus

phonics• Whole class lessons• Some use of ICT, films,

cameras

For those with PMLD we found examples of:

• Objects of Reference• Communication Passports• Sensory Stories• Personal Stories• Life Quilts• Memory Boxes• Websites• Picture books• Theatre and Drama• Technology• Multimedia

Objects of ReferencePhotos removed

Communication Passports

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Sensory stories

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Personal Stories2. John put on his shoes

3. His mum found her purse

4. She put the purse in her bag

5. She picked up her keys

1. It was time to go to the library

6. They got in the car

7. Oh dear the car broke down

8. They had to wait for ages

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Life Quilts

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Box of Memories

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Useful websitesPoisson Rouge

Priory Woods School

Pete Wells

Plasma Screen & Whiteboard Room

Moorcroft School

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Storytellers

Events in South WestOpen Story Tellers

London & SE

London & SW Wales

Nicola Grove

Scotland

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Books with picturesPhotos removed

Theatre Experiences

Oily Cart

Us in a Bus

Inner Sense

Shysters Theatre Co

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Low TechPhotos removed

Bit higher tech!Photos removed

Talking gadgetsPhotos removed

Digital camerasPhotos removed

MultimediaPhotos removed

Websites to share

• http://www.checkthemap.org/links/fun_sites/

• www.whiteboardroom.org.uk• http://www.poissonrouge.com/• www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/• http://www.moorcroft.hillingdon.sch.uk/

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Useful booksPhotos removed

Next research step

Inclusive Libraries

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Start thinking about a story for someone you work with

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