Language and Communication Literacy
Pupils with ASD exhibit significant social communication and language difficulties. Appropriate communication and social skills are necessary in order to express needs, desires, and feelings. Language and communication are the foundations for the development of relationships, participating in society and accessing the curriculum. It is therefore crucial to develop skills in these areas in order to improve pupils’ quality of life. For this reason, Stepping Stones Special School for Children with Autism and Complex Needs places greater emphasis upon receptive and expressive communication (speaking and listening) within English, making this area of the curriculum, one of our Core Curriculum Areas.
The term ‘communication’ embraces verbal and non-verbal methods of receiving and giving information, essential when catering for students for whom verbal communication may not be an option. Language enables the students to engage socially initially within the family, school and later in the wider world. It enables the students to give expression to their feelings, ideas & concerns. We in Stepping Stones Special School for Children with Autism and Complex Needs believe that the ability to gain control over the environment opens up a world of opportunity for the student.
The English curriculum is designed to offer children a language experience, which integrates oral language, reading, and writing. The English Curriculum notes that language is crucial in the learning process. Children learn about language, and they also learn through language.
At Stepping Stones Special School for Children with Autism and Complex Needs each child is unique and this is foremost in our thoughts when developing & creating Language & Communication programmes for our students.
We endeavour to teach Language and Communication skills in a structured way, which is appropriate to our students individual abilities.
You can download the entire curriculum here:
Stepping-Stones-School_Curriculum-Content
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