Tips For Navigatig School with Communication Difficulties

Communication skills help you do well in school and in life. Many students have trouble sharing ideas or understanding lessons.

You may see that half of kids with cochlear implants have a hard time following class or talking in loud rooms. These problems often happen because of weak speech perception. 

Good communication helps you get better grades and join class talks. Students with strong social skills listen well, speak clearly, and work well with others. If you want helpful Tips For Navigating School with Communication Difficulties, you can help every student in your class.

Students who talk well make friends and feel more sure of themselves.

• Better communication skills help you join class activities.
• Social skills help students talk to teachers and classmates.

Key Takeaways

• Watch how students talk every day to spot problems early. Helping early can make things better for students.
• Treat all students the same and talk to them often. This helps students trust you and feel safe. A safe place helps students talk more.
• Add things students like into your lessons. This makes learning fun and helps students join in.
• Use things like picture cards and schedules to help. These tools help students understand lessons and know what to do.
• Use short sentences and give clear directions. This helps students who have trouble talking feel sure of themselves.
• Show students how to talk by giving examples and using scripts. This helps students know what to say.
• Let students work together in groups and play games. These activities help students practice talking with others.
• Work with experts and families to help students. Working as a team makes communication plans work better.

Tips For Navigating School with Communication Difficulties

Observe Student Communication

Start by watching how students talk and act every day. Careful watching helps you see early signs of trouble. When you look at how students talk, you can check if their skills match their age.

Keep watching to see how they grow and change. If you see a problem, you can help right away. Helping early often makes things better for students who have trouble talking.

Watch for Non-Verbal Cues

Some students do not use words to share ideas. They might use gestures, faces, or body movements. You may see a student point, nod, or look at you to get your attention.

These actions show what a student wants or feels. Watching these clues helps you understand students who do not talk much.

Note Interests and Strengths

You can learn a lot by seeing what makes students happy. Some students love talking about animals, sports, or art. Others are good at building things or solving puzzles.

When you know what a student likes or does well, you can use it to help them talk more. You might ask a student to tell how they built something or share a story about their favorite animal. This makes students feel important and helps them join class talks.

Build Trust

Trust is important for open talking in your class. When students trust you, they feel safe to share ideas and ask for help. You build trust by being fair and showing you care about each student.

Treat Students Equally

Treat all students with respect and fairness. Give everyone a chance to talk and listen to their ideas. Show you are listening by looking at them and nodding.

Give students time to think and answer questions. Use clear words and routines so students feel safe and sure.

When students feel safe to share, they join in more and want to take part in class.

Maintain Regular Contact

Talk to your students often. A simple hello or quick talk can help a lot. Learn about each student. This helps you notice changes in how they feel or act. Talking often shows you care about each student.

Many schools have problems like not enough staff or hard spaces. Using Tips For Navigating School with Communication Difficulties can help remove some problems.

Give students many chances to talk and give feedback right away. These steps help students feel supported and ready to join in.

• Practice active listening
• Allow time for students to process
• Use consistent routines
• Foster a supportive environment

When you build trust, students want to share their ideas more. This helps everyone join in and talk better in your class.

Follow Student Interests

You can help students talk more by using what they like. Students get excited when you notice their interests. When lessons match favorite topics, students join in more and talk better.

Incorporate Interests in Activities

Students learn best when they care about the topic. You can use hobbies, favorite books, or sports to make lessons fun.

Think about what makes each student happy when you plan activities. Ask students to share stories about their pets or talk about games they enjoy.

Ask students about their interests at the start of the year. Use their answers to help plan your lessons.

Use Favorite Topics in Speech Tasks

Letting students talk about what they love helps them speak better. For example, ask a soccer fan to describe a match. A student who likes drawing can explain their artwork. These tasks help students feel sure and want to share.

Here are some ways to use favorite topics in speech tasks:

• Invite students to talk about their favorite hobby.
• Let students debate topics they care about.
• Use show-and-tell with personal items.

The table below shows how different types of engagement help students talk more:

Personalize Learning Materials

You can make worksheets, stories, and math problems about things students like. This helps students pay attention and join in. For example, use video game scores to teach math or ask students to write about their favorite social media star.

• Use video game scores to teach math.
• Figure out Instagram followers for social media stars.

Personalized materials help students feel noticed and important. Students try harder and talk more when they work with topics they enjoy. These Tips For Navigating School with Communication Difficulties make learning better for everyone.

You see students join in, ask questions, and share ideas more. When you follow student interests, you make a classroom where everyone wants to learn and talk.

Use Visual Supports

Visual supports make learning easier for students who have trouble talking. You can use pictures, objects, and gestures to show ideas.

These tools help students understand lessons and follow routines. They also help students join group activities. When you use visual aids, students get more ways to learn and share.

Types of Visuals

There are many kinds of visual supports you can use. Each kind helps students in its own way.

Picture Cards

Picture cards show things, actions, or feelings. You can use them to teach new words or explain steps. For example, show a card with a book for reading time.

Picture symbols and photos help students who need clear images. You can use cards for choice boards, daily schedules, or classroom rules.

• Objects
• Photographs
• Picture symbols
• Choice boards

Picture cards help students who find talking hard. They can point to a card to answer or ask for something.

Schedules

Schedules help students know what comes next. You can use picture schedules, calendars, or graphic organizers. These tools show the order of activities and help students feel safe.

Daily schedules make moving between tasks easier and lower stress. You can put a schedule on the wall or give each student their own copy.

• Picture schedules
• Calendars
• Graphic organizers
• Checklists

Students look at schedules to see what will happen. This helps them stay calm and ready to learn.

Gestures

Gestures help your words make sense. You can use hand signals, faces, or body movements. For example, wave to say hello or point to the door for line-up time. Gestures help students understand what you say.

• Environmental picture cues
• Visual instructions
• Visual rules
• Break cards

Gestures work well with other visual supports. You can use gestures with picture cards or schedules for extra help.

Integrate Visuals Daily

Students learn best when you use visuals every day. Studies show that using visual supports like schedules and cue cards helps students with autism. These tools lower stress and make routines easier.

Visual Cues for Instructions

You can use visual cues to show steps in a task. For example, use a checklist for writing or a graphic organizer for science. Visual instructions help students follow directions and finish work alone.

Put visual cues where students can see them during lessons.

Visual cues help students join in and stay focused. Students work by themselves more and ask for help less.

Visuals for Social Skills

Visual supports teach social skills in a simple way. You can use picture cards to show feelings or rules for group work.

During snack time, cue cards help students talk and share. Studies show these tools help young students with autism join talks and feel included.

Using visuals makes your classroom friendly for everyone. Students feel sure of themselves and want to join in. Visual supports help every student do their best.

Simplify Language

You help students when you use simple language. Clear words and short sentences make lessons easier. Students feel more sure when they know what you want. You can help language growth by changing how you talk. This also helps students join in class.

Short Sentences

Short sentences help students who have trouble talking. You give clear messages and make things less confusing. Simple words or short phrases are easier to follow.

Students can answer more easily. Match your sentence length to the student’s skills. If a student uses two-word phrases, you can use three-word sentences. This is called the “one-up rule.” It helps students learn new ways to talk.

Use short sentences when giving instructions or during group work. Pause between ideas so students have time to think.

Here is a table that shows how simple language helps students:

Clear Instructions

Learning is easier when you give clear instructions. Students need directions that are easy to follow. Do not use long or hard sentences. Use the same words and repeat important terms. When you keep your words clear, students stay focused and feel less worried.

You can use pictures or hand signals to help your words. Point to things or use your hands to show what you mean. Students remember instructions better when they see and hear them.

Check Understanding

Checking understanding helps you know if students follow lessons. You can use different ways to see if students get the main ideas.

Ask open-ended questions for more details. Tell students to say if they do not understand. You can use the “give me five” method. Students show how well they understand by holding up fingers.

Use Comprehension Checks

You can use these ways to check if students understand:

• Ask open-ended questions.
• Ask, “who else doesn’t understand?”
• Use the “give me five” method to show understanding.
• Give quick quizzes during or after lessons.
• Let students make their own quizzes.
• Ask students to pick keywords and explain them.
• Have students use new words in sentences.

Checking understanding helps you change your teaching and help students who need more support.

Repeat Key Points

Saying key points again helps students remember. You can say the main idea at the start and end of lessons. Use simple words and short sentences each time. Students who hear key points more than once feel more sure and ready to join in.

You make a big difference when you use simple language. Students with trouble talking feel included and ready to learn. Clear words, short sentences, and checking understanding help every student do well.

Model Communication

Demonstrate Responses

You help students learn how to communicate by showing clear examples. When you answer questions or respond to comments, you give students a model to follow.

You can use video modeling to show students how to greet others, ask for help, or join a group. Students watch and copy these actions. Social stories also work well.

You tell a short story about a social situation, like sharing materials or asking to play. Students see what to say and how to act.

Use short scripts for common classroom situations. Practice these with students so they feel ready.

You can use scripts to teach students what to say in different situations. For example, you might give students a script for asking to borrow a pencil or joining a game. These tools help students feel less nervous and more confident.

• Video modeling shows students how to act and speak.
• Social stories explain what happens and what to say.
• Scripts give students words to use in real situations.

Students who see and hear examples learn faster. They feel more sure of themselves and join in more often.

Scaffold Language

You support students by building up their language skills step by step. Scaffolding means you start with simple answers and help students move to longer or more complex ones.

You give hints, prompts, or extra words to help students say more. This method helps students feel safe and ready to try new ways of talking.

You create chances for students to use new words and join conversations. Scaffolding helps you spot where students need more help. You can change your support to fit each student.

Expand Student Answers

You help students grow their answers by adding more details. If a student says, “Dog,” you can say, “Yes, the dog is running.” This shows students how to make longer sentences.

You can ask follow-up questions like, “What is the dog doing?” or “Where is the dog going?” Students learn to add more information and feel proud of their progress.

• Give prompts to help students add details.
• Repeat and expand what students say.
• Encourage students to use new words.

Students feel more comfortable and want to share more when you expand their answers.

Show One More Step

You guide students to take their communication further. If a student gives a short answer, you show how to add one more idea.

For example, if a student says, “I like apples,” you can say, “I like apples because they are sweet.” You help students connect ideas and build longer sentences.

Small steps help students feel successful. Celebrate each new skill.

You notice students become more confident and join group talks. Scaffolding gives students the support they need to grow as communicators.

Encourage Social Interaction

You help students talk better when you let them interact. Social interaction lets students practice talking and listening. It also helps them understand each other.

You can use group games and activities to make a friendly space. These activities help students learn new skills together.

Group Activities

Group activities let students work as a team. They share ideas and help each other. Students learn how to work with others and show respect. They feel like they belong and make new friends.

Book Clubs

Book clubs are small groups that read and talk about stories. You can pick books that students like. Each person gets a turn to share or ask questions. Book clubs teach students to listen and answer others. Students feel more sure when they talk about books.

Let students choose books they like. This makes them want to join and talk.

Cooperative Groups

Cooperative groups do tasks together as a team. You can give each student a job, like leader or note-taker. Students learn to take turns and help their group. They solve problems and celebrate wins together.

• Cooperative games help students work as a team.
• Group puzzles make students solve problems together.
• Role-playing lets students practice talking and understanding others.

Games for Turn-Taking

Games teach students to wait and follow rules. You help students learn to be patient and think ahead. These skills are important for good talking.

Board Games

Board games like Candy Land and Uno teach waiting your turn. You can play these games in small groups. Students learn to listen, wait, and follow the rules. Board games also help students solve problems and work together.

• Turn-taking games are fun and help students learn.
• Group activities are like real life and show why rules and teamwork matter.

Relays

Relays are games where students pass things or finish tasks in order. You can set up relay races or team games. Students learn to wait, cheer for friends, and follow steps. Relays are exciting and help students practice social skills.

Games and group work help students support each other. You see students cheer for friends and celebrate together.

You make a classroom where students feel safe to talk and listen. Social interaction helps students feel sure and grow as better communicators.

Support with AAC

Many students need help to share ideas. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools give students more ways to talk.

You can use AAC to help students who have trouble speaking or understanding. These tools make joining class easier. Students feel included when they use AAC.

Use AAC Tools

AAC tools come in different types. Some use pictures. Some use signs. Others use technology. Pick the best tool for each student. Think about what each student needs.

• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System): Students use pictures to ask for things or share ideas. PECS is the most common AAC tool in preschool.
• Signing: Students use hands and body to show words. Signing is the second most used AAC method.
• Speech-generating devices (SGDs): These devices say words when students press buttons. SGDs are the third most common AAC tool.

AAC systems help students join lessons and talk with others. You can use unaided or aided AAC in your classroom.

AAC systems help students join in and feel part of the group. Training for teachers and help from friends make AAC work better.

Reinforce and Prompt

You help students use AAC by showing how and giving reminders. You can model AAC use, use visual supports, and plan lessons for everyone.

Encourage Use in Class

You can help students use AAC every day. Put AAC tools where students can reach them. Use them during group work, snack time, and lessons.

Praise students when they use AAC to share ideas or ask for help. Invite classmates to use AAC tools too. This helps everyone learn and support each other.

Celebrate every time a student uses AAC. Small steps lead to big progress.

Monitor Progress

You need to check how students use AAC over time. Watch for changes in how often and how well students use their tools.

Keep notes on what works best. Ask students how they feel about using AAC. Meet with families and specialists to share ideas and track growth. Change your support as students learn new skills.

AAC tools help students with communication needs. When you use, reinforce, and check AAC, you help every student find their voice.

Collaborate with Specialists

Working on communication skills means you need help from others. You do not have to do everything by yourself. Specialists like speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and families can help you. When you work together, you make a team that helps students learn.

Work with SLPs

SLPs know a lot about language and talking. You can ask them for ideas to help students who have trouble speaking or understanding. SLPs can show you new ways to teach words, use pictures, or plan small group work.

You might ask an SLP to watch your class and give advice. Sometimes, SLPs can help with lessons or lead small groups for extra practice.

Meet with your SLP often. Tell them what you see in class and ask for ideas.

Working with SLPs gives you more support and ideas. Students feel better when they see adults working together to help them.

You can see that teamwork with SLPs helps everyone do better.

Team with Families

Families know their kids best. You can learn a lot by talking to parents or caregivers. Ask them about what their child likes, what they are good at, and what is hard for them. Share what you notice at school. When you work together, students feel supported at home and at school.

Share Strategies

Share your teaching ideas with families. Ask what works for them at home. You can send home easy tips or pictures for families to use. When everyone uses the same words or routines, students feel safe.

You can use a log to write down progress. This helps everyone stay up to date and involved.

Consistent Support

Doing the same things at home and school helps students learn faster. Plan meetings to talk about what is working. Celebrate small wins together. If there is a problem, work as a team to fix it.

When you work with specialists and families, you make a strong team. Every student gets the help they need to do well.

Tips For Navigating School: Classroom Strategies

Cooperative Pods

You can set up your classroom with cooperative pods. Pods are small groups or pairs that sit close together. Students in pods work on tasks as a team.

Pods give students more chances to talk and listen. Students learn to share ideas and ask questions. They also learn to give feedback to each other. You see students help their friends and solve problems together.

• Pods help students join group talks.
• Students learn teamwork and respect.
• You make a classroom where everyone feels included.

Pods help students interact and work together. Students feel more confident when they talk in small groups. Shy students join in because they feel safe with friends.

Change pod groups often. This helps students meet new classmates and learn new ways to talk.

Flexible Seating

Flexible seating lets students choose where to sit and learn. You can use chairs, bean bags, stools, or cushions. When students pick their seats, they feel comfortable and ready to talk.

Teachers say flexible seating helps build a classroom community. Students feel like they belong and want to join in.

• Flexible seating helps students work together.
• Students feel ownership of their space and speak up more.
• You see better talking and teamwork.

Flexible seating makes your classroom lively and fun. Students move around and join different groups. They talk with new friends and learn to share ideas. This setup helps students get involved and express themselves.

Set clear rules for flexible seating. This keeps your classroom organized and focused.

Positive Reinforcement

You can use positive reinforcement to help students talk more. Praise students when they share ideas or listen well. This makes them feel proud and want to try harder.

Positive reinforcement can be kind words, stickers, or extra free time. Students work harder when you notice their efforts.

You help students set goals and track progress. Positive feedback teaches students to manage time and check their own work. Students become more independent and confident when they share ideas.

Celebrate small wins every day. Saying “Great job sharing your idea!” helps students feel good.

Classroom strategies like pods, flexible seating, and positive reinforcement make your classroom safe and supportive. You help students build strong communication skills and enjoy learning together.

Monitor and Adjust

Track Progress

You help students get better by watching how they improve. You can use many tools to see their growth. Learning journals let students think about lessons and set goals. This helps students look back at what they learned and talk about it.

Learning journals help students think about lessons and set goals. This helps students understand how they are growing in school. Thinking about learning is important for building communication skills. Students need to explain their ideas and progress.

You can check understanding with quick assessments during class. Exit tickets let students say what they learned before leaving.

Think-Pair-Share gives students time to talk and share ideas with friends. Self-assessment lets students look at their own work and make new goals.

• Formative assessments show where students need help.
• Exit tickets tell you what students remember.
• Think-Pair-Share helps students practice talking and listening.
• Self-assessment helps students take charge and keep growing.

You can set clear goals for each student. Digital tools help you see progress right away. Data portfolios show how much students have grown and help you talk with parents. Giving feedback helps students know what to do next.

1. Set clear goals for communication.
2. Use digital tools to watch progress.
3. Keep data portfolios for each student.
4. Give feedback to help students get better.

Adapt Strategies

You need to change your teaching as students learn more. When you see students improve, you can try new ways to help them.

Students feel excited when they know how they are doing and can make new goals. Parents like hearing updates about their child’s progress and what needs work. You can use progress graphs to share news with families and teachers.

Reflect on Effectiveness

You should think about what works best in your classroom. Ask yourself which ways help students talk more and join in. Look at your notes, journals, and test results.

If something does not work, try something new. Thinking about your teaching helps you make good choices for students.

Take time each week to look at your teaching and student progress.

Involve Students

You can let students help change classroom strategies. Ask them what helps them learn and talk. Let students share ideas about activities. When students help make choices, they feel more sure and want to learn.

• Let students set their own goals.
• Ask for feedback about activities.
• Encourage students to share what helps them most.

You make a classroom where everyone works together to get better at communication. Watching progress and changing strategies help all students do well.

You can help all students talk better by making small changes. Give clear directions and listen carefully to students. Give feedback quickly so students know how they are doing.

These steps help students with different needs. Technology makes learning more fun and connects lessons to real life.

The table below shows some common problems and ways to fix them:

Try new ideas often and think about what works best. Your help makes students feel sure of themselves and ready to learn.

FAQ

How can you spot students with communication difficulties?

Watch students when they talk and move. Some students use gestures instead of words. Some students are quiet in groups. Notice if a student has trouble following directions. See if they join group talks or not.

What visual supports work best in class?

Picture cards, schedules, and gestures help students learn. You can use graphic organizers and cue cards for steps. Try different visuals to find what helps your students.

How do you encourage shy students to speak up?

Start with small group games. Praise students when they share ideas. Use games that need turn-taking. Let students talk about things they like. Build trust by listening and showing respect.

What is AAC and who needs it?

AAC means Augmentative and Alternative Communication. You use AAC tools like picture boards or speech devices. These help students who cannot speak well. AAC lets students share ideas and join class activities.

How do you work with families to support communication?

Share classroom ideas with families. Ask parents what helps at home. Use logs to track progress. Meet often to talk about goals and celebrate wins.

How can you check if students understand lessons?

Ask open questions. Use quick quizzes or exit tickets. Try the “give me five” method to check understanding. Repeat main ideas and tell students to ask for help if they are confused.