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Semantic Pragmatic Language Difficulties in the Classroom



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Description:

Tutor:
Mary Hartshorne, Speech and Language Therapist, Head of Expert Services, I CAN
Glenn Major, Specialist Teacher 

Course description:
Are you struggling with pupils who:

  • Find group participation difficult and interact inappropriately?
  • Have problems making and maintaining friendships?
  • Interpret instructions or information very literally?
  • Need very explicit social rules and boundaries?
  • Think inflexibly and find judgement difficult?

This course will explore the typical features of pupils described as having semantic and pragmatic language difficulties, where social interaction is the main area of disability. The course will focus on a practical problem-solving approach to managing these types of communication and associated behaviour difficulties in the classroom.

While the focus will be on secondary age, the course will also be relevant to primary aged pupils

From this course you will gain:

  • A clearer understanding of the nature of semantic and pragmatic difficulties, pragmatic and language impairment and the overlap with high functioning autistic spectrum disorder
  • Knowledge of different strategies for teaching and learning
  • Practical ideas: general approaches and more individualised strategies
  • Opportunities to explore, discuss your own and other's experience of working with this group of children and to problem-solve puzzling pupils.

Who should attend?

Teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants with some experience of working with children with speech, language and communication needs who are interested in building on this. Speech and language therapists working in school settings.

Possible available funding
The DSCF has outlined funding to train teachers and SENCOs in a primary setting to attend these courses. Details of the SENCO training consultation can be found here: http://www.tda.gov.uk/teachers/sen/senco_consultation.aspx
Details of the initial teacher training units for primary undergraduates will be published on the TDA website: www.tda.gov.uk
The Inclusion Development Programme is operated by the Department's National Strategies and materials are developed in conjunction with key voluntary sector organisations and other interests.
See:www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/features/inclusion/sen/idp
For more details of Voice see: www.voicetheunion.org.uk  

Outline programme:

Day 1 - morning :

  • Background to semantic and pragmatic language difficulties (SPD) and the interface with autistic spectrum disorder
  • Exploring the features of SPD
  • SPD in a school setting: the challenges, why and what helps.

Day 1 - afternoon :

  • SPD in a school setting: the challenges, why and what helps
  • Embedding the teaching of skills into lessons
  • Problem-solving: a chance to reflect on pupils you work with
  • Practical, interactive activities throughout the day to explore ideas and link theory to practice.

 

Booking this course:

If you would like to book this course for your organisation you can download a booking form here

For further information please contact training@ican.org.uk

Subject:

Social Communication Difficulties

Age range:

Primary school (5-11), Secondary school (12-16)

Places available:

No



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