Abstract
Ann Sullivan's Phonics for Pupils with Special Educational Needs, is a comprehensive set of seven books enabling teachers and other key stakeholders, to deliver a systematic and linguistic approach of phonics to pupils with specific learning difficulties including; Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Moderate Learning Disabilities and other complex needs. This seven-part resource strips phonics down into manageable key concepts; from introducing sound to symbol relationships and from spoken word to print. This book encompasses a number of engaging resources, packed full of differentiated worksheets, resources and numerous hands-on activities. Sullivan offers teachers a variety of techniques to deliver the teaching of phonics, through a multisensory approach, which is based upon Sullivan's belief of implementing an evidence based teaching pedagogy, influenced by peer-reviewed academic research.
With reference to Book 1 Building Basics; Introducing Sounds and Letters, Sullivan strips phonics back to the core foundation, explaining the theory and rationale behind the delivery of phonics to those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), beginning with an overview of written language which is clear and accessible for practitioners to follow. This aims to secure the teacher's understanding behind this systematic approach, as well as building their confidence of the subject knowledge, enabling teachers to master the skills of phonics through the delivery of their teaching. This includes informative guidance, which can be easily adapted, of how to structure teaching sessions as well as plan, promote and monitor progress.
Sullivan includes a rationale in all of the books, informing practitioners of key concepts and skills which the book focuses on. There are several approaches for teaching activities, progress tracking templates, application of teaching materials and detailed yet simple instructions of planning and delivery. The structure of this resource is easily accessible for all practitioners. Each book contains simple instructions for teachers to follow when delivering activities, including individualised learning objectives. Sullivan stresses the importance of embedding a multi-sensory approach when delivering the activities, promoting a fully inclusive learning environment. Furthermore, all of the resources are accompanied by lesson plans, including purpose and rationale to enable the best delivery and teaching of phonics, offering the flexibility to adapt in several ways; whether your differentiation is by activity or by outcome. Sullivan also provides teachers with notes on how to address common misconceptions, reinforcing the importance of addressing these at the earliest stage before progressing to the next objective.
There are many other multisensory activities which offer teachers a wide range to choose from. Sullivan also emphasises how these activities can be adapted to meet the needs of individual pupils, allowing flexibility to manipulate the resources in a way the teacher sees fit for purpose to maximise pupil progress. There are several engaging activities, such as games, including sequencing, matching, and sorting which can be delivered as 1:1, in pairs or in a small group setting.
Sullivan effectively establishes a link throughout the set of books, indicating the progression of how the content taught corresponds to the next ability level and vice versa. This helps teachers to track and monitor progress and compare data. It also enables teachers to identify exactly where a pupil is in terms of their development.
To conclude, these books provide a wealth of resources encompassing all aspects of phonics, which offers practitioners an innovative and easy to follow approach to the teaching and delivery of phonics aimed at pupils with SEN, including those with complex profiles. It is well presented and easily accessible, as the languag and structure is broken down into manageable concepts, providing a fully inclusive understanding and awareness of the key components of reading and spelling.