Overview
This is a resource which teachers can use to inform the planning for, monitoring and evaluation of students’ functional language and communication development. It can be used to support other relevant language programmes, or to assist with differentiation for individual students.
This resource was adapted from the NCCA Primary Gaeilge curriculum (1999). It focuses on the promotion and development of key functional social communication and language skills. SESS would like to acknowledge the Mid-West School for the Deaf, Limerick, who developed and piloted this resource, as well as Holy Family School for the Deaf, Cabra, Dublin. It may be useful for teachers working with students who use different modes of communication including PECS, Lámh, Irish Sign Language (ISL) and Sign Supported English (SSE). It may also be a useful resource for teachers working with students in a variety of school settings who have special educational needs, and may need an adapted language and communication focus to access the curriculum.
It is presented in eight levels. Each level outlines key language functions in a sequential format. These include social interaction, conversation, seeking and giving opinions and information. Learner outcomes and an overview of key vocabulary are presented at each level.
A student checklist and a teacher planning and monitoring checklist are included for each level.
Each level is structured as follows:
- Student Checklist
- Teacher Planning and Monitoring Checklist
- Key Vocabulary Guide
Click here to download the full version of the SESS Functional Language and Communication Resource
Click on the links below to access material within each of the levels