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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