Unlocking Learning: The Power of Visual Supports
How to get the most out of Visual Supports
Dear Inclusion Champions,
This week, the focus has been on the power of visual supports in enhancing learning and communication for all students. Visual supports are an invaluable tool for creating an inclusive and effective learning environment, and they can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent students who may process information differently.
Visual supports can help students learn, communicate and be more independent:
🎯 Learning: understand routines and learn new skills, vocabulary and concepts.
🎯 Communication: expand and provide alternative means of communication.
🎯 Independence and self-regulation: increasing predictability.
🎯 Inclusion: they help both neurodivergent and neurotypical students.
In this newsletter, we'll delve deeper into the world of visual supports, introducing the Total Communication Approach (TCA), exploring different types of visual supports and how to use them effectively in your classroom. We'll also discuss the role of a speech and language therapist in the Team Around the Child meetings and offer suggestions for alternative strategies if one is not available.
I hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful. As always, I encourage you to share your own experiences and insights on using visual supports in the classroom. And, remember, there is more information about Visual Supports over on my website. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Total Communication Approach (TCA)
The Total Communication Approach is a philosophy that values all means of communication equally, and it promotes the use of all available modes of communication, including spoken language, sign language, gestures, facial expressions, pictures and other visual aids, to ensure effective communication with individuals who have difficulty with traditional verbal communication, allowing them to express themselves in whichever way works best for them; essentially, valuing all forms of communication equally.
Who might benefit from the Total Communication Approach
Students with hearing or speech impairments, students who are not speaking yet and students with cognitive delays. Initially, students who are new to a language will also benefit from the total communication approach.
Benefits of using total communication in the classroom
Increased student engagement: By providing multiple communication channels, teachers can reach a wider range of students and encourage participation.
Improved comprehension: Visual aids and gestures can help students better understand complex concepts.
Positive social interactions: Students learn to respect and communicate effectively with peers who may have different communication needs.
Key strategies for implementing the Total Communication Approach in the classroom:
Use visual aids regularly: Employ pictures, diagrams, charts and real-life objects to support verbal explanations and enhance understanding.
Incorporate gestures and body language: Naturally use gestures to emphasize key points, and be mindful of your facial expressions to convey meaning.
Teach basic sign language: Learn and use simple signs for frequently used words or concepts, especially beneficial for students with hearing impairments.
Provide opportunities for non-verbal communication: Allow students to express themselves through drawing, pointing, or other non-verbal cues.
Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices: For students with significant communication difficulties, consider using picture communication boards or speech-generating devices.
Adapt instruction to individual needs: Observe each student's preferred communication methods and tailor teaching strategies accordingly.
Foster a supportive classroom environment: Encourage students to respect diverse communication styles and actively listen to their peers.
Incorporate multi-sensory learning: Combine auditory, visual, and tactile elements to engage students with different learning styles.
Collaborate with specialists: Work closely with speech therapists, sign language interpreters, or other specialists to ensure students receive appropriate support.
Key points about the Total Communication Approach:
Flexibility: It adapts to the student's needs, using a combination of communication methods that best supports their understanding and expression.
Multi-modal: It encourages the use of lots of communication methods used alongside one another.
Holistic view: It considers all aspects of communication, not just spoken language, to facilitate meaningful interactions.
Positive environment: Aims to create a supportive environment where all communication attempts are valued and encouraged.
Cultural sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural variations in gestures and body language when using non-verbal communication.
All Students Benefit from Visual Supports
Visual supports can be beneficial for a wide range of learners in the classroom. Here's a list of who might particularly benefit:
Students with Disabilities
Visual supports can help with communication, social understanding, behaviour regulation and reducing anxiety.
Visual aids can improve focus, organisation and task completion (executive functioning).
Visual strategies can support reading comprehension, memory and understanding of abstract concepts.
Visuals can make information more accessible and understandable.
Visual supports can aid in learning new skills and concepts.
Students with Specific Learning Challenges
Visual aids can compensate for challenges in processing spoken information.
Students who learn best through visual information can benefit from visual supports.
Visuals can aid in comprehension and communication for students who are learning English (EAL and ELL).
Students with Behavioural Needs
Visual supports can help with self-regulation, understanding expectations and managing emotions.
Visuals can provide predictability and reduce anxiety in the classroom.
All Students
Visual supports can aid in the development of foundational skills.
Visual aids can enhance learning and engagement for all students, regardless of their learning style or needs.
It's important to remember that visual supports should be individualised to meet the specific needs and preferences of each student.
Types of Visual Supports
In addition to the visual supports mentioned in the table above, please consider:
Digital versions of visual supports: These can be accessed on tablets or computers, making them portable and adaptable for different learning environments.
Visual supports combined with other sensory modalities: For example, using textured materials or incorporating movement into visual supports can enhance learning and engagement for some students.
Where you can find templates for these supports (please be aware that some of these sites may require paid subscriptions:
Twinkl: This website offers a vast collection of visual supports, including visual timetables, flashcards, social stories and more. They cater to various age groups and needs, with resources specifically designed for SEN students. This site has a free and paid version.
Teachers Pay Teachers: This online marketplace allows educators to buy, sell and share original educational resources, including a wide variety of visual supports created by teachers for teachers. You can find everything from classroom décor to printable activities and assessments, many of which incorporate visual elements.
Creatively Adapted Resource Library offers free printable visual supports including schedules, curriculum supports and vocabulary cards. The site is password-protected, so you'll have to request access by providing your name and email address. (The password is “adapted.”)
Do2learn: Provides a range of free printable visual supports for communication, daily living skills, behaviour, and academics.
ConnectABILITY: Offers a "Visuals Engine" where you can create and print customised visual supports.
Widgit: Provides a range of visual support resources, including their renowned SymbolStix symbols and software for creating visual materials. They offer a variety of products, including picture dictionaries, communication books and curriculum resources.
Picto-Selector – This is a free tool for creating visual schedules which you download to either a Windows or Mac computer. Picto-Selector makes creating visual schedules easier by: a) Fast search options to find the needed pictures; b) Automatic sizes, depending on the number of rows and columns; and 4) Reuse of earlier created schedules.
VClock Timer: This is an online countdown timer for students to keep track of the time during timed assessments.
Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) in the Team Around the Child
Neurodiversity-affirming SLTs can play a vital role in the Team Around the Child, especially for children with communication difficulties. Their expertise extends beyond speech to encompass a broader range of communication skills and related areas. Here's what an SLT can contribute to the team and meetings:
In Meetings:
Assessment: SLTs can assess the student's communication skills, including speech, language, comprehension, social communication and alternative communication methods (eg: sign language, visual supports).
Goal Setting and Intervention: Based on their assessment, SLTs can collaborate with the team to set appropriate goals for the student's communication development. They can help develop and implement individualised support plans, including strategies for using visual supports effectively.
Training and Support: SLTs can train teachers, parents and other team members on how to use visual supports and other communication strategies to support the child's needs. They can provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure effective implementation.
Advocacy and Collaboration: SLTs can advocate for the student's communication needs within the school and community. They can collaborate with other professionals, such as teachers, occupational therapists and psychologists, to ensure a holistic approach to the student's development.
Adding Value to the Team:
Improved Communication: SLTs help students develop their communication skills, which is crucial for academic success, social interaction and emotional well-being.
Enhanced Learning: SLTs can provide strategies and tools to support student learning, especially those with language difficulties or learning disabilities.
Increased Independence: SLTs can help students become more independent communicators, enabling them to express their needs, participate in activities and build relationships.
Greater Inclusion: SLTs can promote a more inclusive learning environment by providing support and training to ensure all children can communicate effectively.
Overall, SLTs are valuable members of the Team Around the Child. Their expertise in communication and their ability to collaborate with other professionals make them essential for supporting children with communication difficulties and ensuring they reach their full potential.
The Research Says So
Understanding Visual Supports in the Classroom
I came across a fascinating research paper by Wellington and Stackhouse (2011) this week. This research explored the use of Visual Supports in aiding pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) in mainstream primary schools. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, SLCN refers to children who have difficulties with any aspect of communication, including understanding and using spoken language, speech sounds and nonverbal communication. These difficulties can impact their learning and social interaction in the classroom.
The study involved teachers and teaching assistants (TAs) from seven mainstream primary schools, none of whom had previously received formal SLCN training. The training programme covered various aspects of SLCN, including identification, impact on learning and strategies for differentiation, with a particular focus on visual supports. Following the training, both teachers and TAs demonstrated a marked increase in their use of visual support strategies, which was largely maintained even after the mentoring phase of the programme concluded. The training was delivered by qualified Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), who are professionals who assess and provide intervention for children with SLCN.
The authors concluded that targeted training and mentoring can effectively empower educators to use visual support strategies in their classrooms, leading to improved learning experiences for students with SLCN. This research underscores the importance of Professional Development in equipping educators with the necessary skills to cater to the diverse needs of their students.
🎯 Practical applications for teachers:
Use a variety of visual aids: Pictures, symbols, graphic organizers, real objects, videos and interactive whiteboards can all be effective.
Provide clear and concise instructions: Supplement spoken instructions with visuals to ensure all students understand.
Create a visually structured environment: Use visual schedules, labels and designated work areas to help students navigate the classroom.
Encourage multimodal communication: Allow students to express themselves using their preferred communication methods.
Collaborate with SLTs: Seek guidance and support from SLTs to implement visual support effectively.
➡️➡️ This research would be valuable for:
Teachers and teaching assistants: To understand the benefits and practical application of visual support for children with SLCN.
SLTs: To inform their training and mentoring programs for school staff.
School administrators and policymakers: To understand the importance of providing training & resources for visual support in the classroom.
Parents of children with SLCN: To advocate for the use of visual support in their children's education.
Wellington, W. & Stackhouse, J. 2011. Using visual support for language and learning in children with SLCN: A training programme for teachers and teaching assistants. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 27(2), 183-201.
Inclusion champions, please share this newsletter and/or the publication with anyone and everyone who, like you, is trying to create a learning space of belonging.
Please leave a comment below, start a discussion about the real issues we face as inclusion champions. Let’s build a community of support. Have a wonderful week everyone, and remember to take care of yourselves.
Perfect 🤩