SpeakMe

A toolkit for the identification and support
of learners exhibiting literacy difficulties

Strategies and Resources

Free Resources to Support Learners 

A range of resources are available in this section. The resources have been categorised into sections where possible, however there will be resources which are applicable to multiple sections.

All public (local authority) schools in Scotland were sent free copies of two series of booklets:

'Supporting pupils with dyslexia in primary schools'

'Supporting pupils in the secondary curriculum'

These are available free to down load to Dyslexia Scotland members. Members also receive quarterly copies of “Dyslexia Voice” magazine to support CLPL and discounts on their annual Education conference.  Details at the following link: http://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/why-join 

 

Please click on the dropdowns below. These are in alphabetical order.

Schoolsparks

Information: Free auditory processing resources

Speaking of Speech.com

Information:  Free auditory processing and listening resources

Speech Buddy.com

Information: Activities to Improve Language Skills in Children with APD

 

 

 

Reading Rockets

Information: 10 tips to support the development of reading comprehension skills

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/top-10-resources-comprehension

EAL Teaching Strategies

Information: Teachers resources for supporting children learning English - free reading comprehension worksheets.

http://www.eal-teaching-strategies.com/freereadingcomprehensionworksheets.html

Dekko Comics

Dekko comics are short comic stories of fun and often absurd characters. These stories also communicate educational information, making them an entertaining visual alternative to learning and revising in the conventional way of reading. Dekko Comics aim to improve literature comprehension and information absorption, as well as the general learning experience for all learners, including those with dyslexia.

For more details visit: http://www.dekkocomics.com/

Doorway Online is a collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options.

Fine motor skills - Handwriting

Information:  Advice and resources to support fine motor skills required for handwriting. http://www.teachhandwriting.co.uk/

An inclusive learning environment will support all learners to access the curriculum and participate in the range of experiences provided. The curriculum includes all of the experiences which are planned for children and young people through their education. It is not specific to subject areas but applies to activities that take place across the school. An accessible curriculum is an inclusive curriculum.

Consideration of the following areas will support effective differentiation 

Task   
Grouping 
Resources /Support

Pace 
Outcome
Dialogue and support
Assessment 

Click here to download our Differentiation Deviser. 

The possibility of dyslexia for children who are in Gaelic medium education will be just as relevant as it is for children in single language environments. However, the fact that the child is learning to operate in two different phonological and written language systems could be a complicating factor, and close investigation should be done before reaching conclusions. This may require focused attention to phonology in both languages. For most children English will be their home language, so consideration needs to be given to English language skills as well as Gaelic. However, the most important factor is to ensure that targeted teaching and support is given so that any gap that exists between the child and his or her peer group is not allowed to grow without close monitoring, liaison with parents and agreed strategies to support the child’s development of literacy skills.

A range of assessments are available in Gaelic and these are noted at the foot of the appropriate Resources section for each level of Curriculum for Excellence.

Additionally Gaelic support material modelled on Sylvia Russell's Phonic Code Cracker material is available to help support children in Gaelic medium education. This can be used to give practice in phonic skills and can be downloaded from the Resources section - 'Downloads - Gaelic Code Cracker - Fuaimean Feumail' at each level of Curriculum for Excellence.

Free Gealic language digital voice  - Ceitdh -  http://www.thescottishvoice.org.uk/home/

Fuaimean Feumail - Phonic worksheets 

Information: The following worksheets were created by Mairead Monk (Glasgow Gaelic School) and are based on work created by Peggy Ann Campbell and her pupil support assistant, R MacInnes, (Breasclete School, Lewis) to support pupils with Gaelic phonics.

Click to download.

Fuaimean Còmhla – Structured Phonics programme

Information: a resource to support learners in Gaelic written by Peggy Ann Campbell.

Click to download 

Literacy support software

Penfriend - this Word prediction programme predicts in Gaelic and other European languages (also available on a USB pendrive).

 

Phonemes

Click here for the Scottish Phoneme Chart.

Please watch the video here for discrete pronunciation of phonemes kindly shared by the GDSS.

Robbie the Robot – Syllable and Phoneme Awareness

Information: Competition winner 2012 – with thanks to Vicki Jones, Glasgow Dyslexia Support Service

Click to download.

Phonological games from GDSS

Click here for phonological awareness games.

Awareness of sounds activities

The following activities can support practitioners and learners:

Awareness of Sounds Activity Instructions

Cards for sounds

Dinosaurs1

Dinosaurs with spots

Racing car

Racing car with Spots

Word Boundary Resources

Click here for a Word Boundary Activity.

Click here for Blank cards to support the activity.

Doorway Online is a collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options.

Phonemes

Click here for the Scottish Phoneme Chart.

Please watch the video here for discrete pronunciation of phonemes kindly shared by the GDSS.

My Alphabet Mat


Information: A4 sheet with illustrated upper and lower case alphabet letters. Can be laminated

Click to download.

Alphabet cards


Information: Game to match the letters with images and 1st letters of words. 

Click to download.

Alphabet Dominoes


Information: Game of dominoes which matches letters to images. 

Phonics games

Click here for a phonic reading games from GDSS.

Click to download.

BBC Skillswise

BBC Skillswise provides online help with free numeracy and literacy, for tutors and students.  There are printable worksheets and factsheets and online games, videos and quizzes that can be used in class or by learners at home. This may be helpful for 3rd /4th and Senior level pupils. www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise

Starfall


A wide range of phonic games and reinforcement; sound and colour to hold attention. http://www.starfall.com/

 Fuaimean Feumail - Phonic worksheets 


Information: The following worksheets were created by Mairead Monk (Glasgow Gaelic School) and are based on work created by Peggy Ann Campbell and her pupil support assistant, R MacInnes, (Breasclete School, Lewis) to support pupils with Gaelic phonics.

Click to download.

Fuaimean Còmhla – Structured Phonics programme

Information: a resource to support learners in Gaelic written by Peggy Ann Campbell.

Click to download 

Videos explaining games and links to games

Click here to access videos and resources for games. 

Consonant Phonemes

The following presentation on ‘Consonant Phonemes’ was developed by City of Edinburgh Council EAL Service’ 

Click to download

 

Doorway Online

A collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options.

Reading Circle


Information: The Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit Working Group has developed the Reading Circle to help teachers gain an understanding of how the reading skills have developed for child or young person who they are working with.  This resource can be used in primary and secondary sectors and may also be beneficial for children and young people for whom English is not their first language, as well as for adults. The Writing Circle was also developed.

The circles provide:

  • Descriptions of the key areas involved in the acquisition of reading skills
  • A tool to identify areas of difficulty
  • Approaches and strategies for each key area
  • A practical planning/evaluation tool to record discussions with colleagues, staff and where appropriate the learner highlighting strengths, difficulties.

Click to download. 

 

Top Tips for Paired Reading (Falkirk Council Support Teachers)


Click to download.

 

Top Tips for Reading (Falkirk Council Support Teachers)


Click to download.

 

Top Tips to Develop Sight Vocabulary (Falkirk Council Support Teachers)


Click to download.

 

Tricky words


Information: Flash cards for 41 tricky words -  1 word per A4 sheet

 

Bingo - High Frequency Words


Click to download.

 

Doorway Online

A collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options

How to Spell Prompt cards


Information: Competition winner 2012 – with thanks to Hugh Morrison, Principal Teacher in the Biggar/ Carluke Extended Learning Community Team, South Lanarkshire.

Summary outline:Click to download.

How to spell prompt cards: Click to download

 

Spelling Hints Guide

This useful guide produced by the Glasgow Dyslexia Support Service has useful tips to help with spelling.

Click here to download. 

EAST Spelling Pack

This pack has been developed by East Ayrshire Council and aims to provide a range of information including spelling development, the teaching of spelling and various activities/resources to support pupils.

click here to download 

Doorway Online

A collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options

Writing Circle


Information: The Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit Working Group has developed the Writing Circle to help teachers gain an understanding of how the writing skills have developed for child or young person who they are working with.  This resource can be used in primary and secondary sectors and may also be beneficial for children and young people for whom English is not their first language, as well as for adults. The Reading Circle was also developed.

The circles provide:

  • Descriptions of the key areas involved in the acquisition of reading skills
  • A tool to identify areas of difficulty
  • Approaches and strategies for each key area
  • A practical planning/evaluation tool to record discussions with colleagues, staff and where appropriate the learner highlighting strengths, difficulties.

Click to download. 
 

Amazing Adjectives Game!


Information: Competition runner-up 2012 – with thanks to Su Hayward, Adviser - Learning Support, Suffolk County Council.

Click to download.

Doorway Online

A collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options

Dyslexia Scotland has a range of leaflets which are free to download from their website: https://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/our-leaflets. The following are relevant to this section:

Section on study skills 

Leaflet on Mindmapping 

 

Memory Tips (Falkirk Support Services)


Information: Tips  to support auditory memory

Click to download.

Activity Village.co.uk


A website which provides free games and actives to support concentration and memory skills

https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/memory-games

Doorway Online

A collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options

GLOW - The National Numeracy and Mathematics Hub   Education Scotland

https://glowscotland.sharepoint.com/sites/PLC/numeracyhub/SitePages/Home.aspx

The National Numeracy and Mathematics Hub is a virtual learning environment for all practitioners, providing an innovative approach to career-long professional learning across all sectors. Please note that you will need a GLOW log in to access this site.

It provides:

  • Professional learning in different aspects of numeracy with a focus on progression, numeracy and mathematics skills, numeracy across learning, assessment, moderation and teaching.
  • Career-long professional learning opportunities of various types such as broadcasts, professional reading and action research.
  • An easy to use environment where you can share and work with colleagues from across Scotland as well as those from your own school or authority.

Number Squares

free printable number squares in word format to enable learners and practitioners highlight particular number patterns.  -  Click to download

Number cards in dyslexia friendly font -    Click to download

Number bars 1-10    -    Click to download

Number bars 11-20    -  Click to download

Number bars 1 -15  -     Click to download

 

 

Math Drills
Math-Drills.com is a collection downloadable math worksheets for teachers and parents on a variety of math topics. Some of the resources are free.

 

Dyslexia Scotland has a range of leaflets which are free to download from their website: https://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/our-leaflets

The following are relevant to this section:

Leaflet on Dyscalculia

Leaflet on Ideas for Supporting Maths

Doorway Online

A collection of free learning activities originally developed with funding from Scottish Borders Council. It is now managed by the Doorway Accessible Software Trust, a Scottish charity. The suite comprises highly accessible educational activities that learners will find easy to use independently. Each exercise has a range of accessibility and difficulty options

Therapy Fun Zone


Information: A website which provides information on Visual Perceptual Skills and some free resources.

http://therapyfunzone.net/blog/ot/visual-perceptual-skills/

Eye Can Learn


Information: A  website which provides activities to support visual processing

http://eyecanlearn.com/