![11447 [Speech-language-and-communication-002.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/guides/featured-images/Speech-language-and-communication-002__ScaleMaxWidthWzMyMF0.jpg)
Speech, language and communication needs
Support the learning and wellbeing of students with speech, language and communication needs across all levels of the curriculum.
On this page:
On this page:
Current page section: Speech, language & communcation needs
Go to top of current page: Speech, language & communcation needs
Go to top of current page: Speech, language & communcation needs
Go to top of current page: Speech, language & communcation needs
Understanding SLC
Learn about key definitions and indications of speech, language and communication needs, and how this can influence learning.
Dr Courtenay Norbury discusses the distinctions between speech, language and communication, and how children may have difficulties with some or all of these functions. For slides to accompany this video, see Slideshare: Speech, language and communication.
No captions or transcript
Summary of important concepts:
Strategies for action
Four key strategies to support students with speech, language and communication needs.
Identify needs and how to provide support
Work closely with the student and their whānau. Take an evidence-based, team approach to supporting learning and wellbeing. Monitor progress closely.
![5865 [IMG-students-looking-at-globe.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/IMG-students-looking-at-globe__ScaleMaxWidthWzU1OF0.jpg)
Every student with speech, language, and communication needs are different, and their needs change as they get older.
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
-
Ask the student what will help
Includes:
- Resources
-
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Organisations, programmes and resources
Includes:
- Resources
Key areas to support
Literacy, communication, and social interaction are areas students may need some specific support. Explore recommended approaches.
No captions or transcript
Three suggestions for implementing this strategy:
-
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Includes:
- Resources
-
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
Approaches that are useful for students with speech, language, and communication needs are often valuable for everyone.
![5293 [Classroom-timetable-Flickrhttps-flic.kr-p-aH3vZV.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Classroom-timetable-Flickrhttps-flic__ScaleMaxWidthWzU1OF0.kr-p-aH3vZV.png)
Develop visuals and graphics in partnership with students. Select strategies and approaches that support understanding and independence.
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
-
Support participation and confidence
Includes:
- Resources
-
Present information in different ways
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Support processing and planning
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Provide options to create, learn and share
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
Approaches that are useful for students with speech, language, and communicaiton needs are often valuable for everyone.
![7516 [infographic.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/infographic__ScaleMaxWidthWzU1OF0.png)
Consider how you can use clear, uncluttered visuals to support understanding and independence. Discuss approaches with students.
Source: CORE Education (opens in a new tab/window)
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
-
Support participation and confidence
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Present information in different ways
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Support processing and planning
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Provide options to create, learn and share
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
Key resources
How speech, language and communication needs can influence learning
A summary of the challenges students with speech, language, and communication needs experience at school, with an outline of teaching opportunities to support learning. A Ministry of Education publication.
- Download PDF (559 KB)

Speech, language and communication needs: A resource for educators
Read time: 28 min
This booklet examines how speech, language and communication needs can influence learning and provides strategies teachers can use in the classroom.
- Download PDF (2.9 MB)

Misunderstood: Supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs
Read time: 19 min
An explanatory booklet about speech, language, and communication needs.
Publisher: The Communication Trust
Supporting students with communication needs
Information about the Ministry of Education’s Communication Service, which employs speech-language therapists who support children with high communication needs in schools.
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Speech, language & communcation needs
Understand:
Strategies for action:
-
Identify needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify needs and how to provide support
-
Key areas to supportShow suggestions for Key areas to support
-
Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
-
Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13