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Tips for Tutoring Students with SEN

Tutoring students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) means understanding their challenges and strengths. Every student has different aspects that make it hard or easy for them to learn. This could be how they think, communicate, feel, or move around.

As a tutor, it’s important to understand that each student has different needs. By adjusting our teaching methods to fit each student’s learning style, we can help them feel better about themselves and improve their grades. Students with special needs have unique qualities and talents, and by recognising this, tutors can help them reach their full potential and have a better learning experience.

Understanding Different Types of SEN

Special Educational Needs are different ways of seeing the world that might make typical learning harder in a classroom for some students. For example;

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) makes it hard for students to focus attention, control their actions, and sit still. This can make it tough for them to learn in a regular classroom. Sometimes students also have anxiety, which means they worry a lot or feel scared. This can make it hard for them to join in class or finish their work.

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) affects how some people communicate, interact with others, and act. Students on the spectrum can be very sensitive to sensory input. This means they might need special ways of learning. Dyslexia is also common (around 10 % of the population) and can make it hard to process text, to read and to write. Students with dyslexia need different methods to help them understand written words better. Sometimes approaching content in other ways can be helpful e.g. a good verbal story or a video clip.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is when someone gets highly anxious when demands are placed upon them, and is also a spectrum. PDA is usually seen within the autism spectrum. Tutors need to understand this so they can find new ways to help students with PDA learn and feel comfortable in class. This usually means introducing tasks indirectly and in an easy going manner.

When students feel anxious, it can make it hard for them to learn and take part in school. As tutors, we need to know how to tell if a student is feeling anxious. Some signs might be feeling restless, having a fast heartbeat, or not wanting to do activities they used to like. Dr Bruce Perry has done some good work on this.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health issue where you can’t stop thinking about how your body looks. You might feel upset and have trouble doing things because of this. You might also think there’s something wrong with certain parts of your body, even if other people don’t see it. This can make you feel bad about yourself, make it hard to be around others, and affect how well you do in school.

Dyscalculia is a problem that makes it hard for people to understand numbers and maths. This can make it difficult for students to do things like add and subtract, tell time, or figure out how much of something there is. It does not mean they are not smart, it just means they think about things differently and may need extra help in maths class.

Dysgraphia can lead to students having a hard time with spelling, handwriting, and organising their thoughts on paper. Students with dysgraphia may have trouble holding a pen or pencil the right way, making their writing messy and slow. This problem can also make it hard for them to type on a computer, which is important in today’s world of technology.

Dyspraxia, also called DCD (Developmental co-ordination disorder), is when a student has trouble with their coordination and moving their body. This can make it hard for them to do things like write neatly, play sports, or do activities that need movement. It can be frustrating and make them feel less confident in school and with friends. It can also present challenges with organisation and executive functioning.

Some students have problems with how they think about food and their bodies. This can make them very sick and affect how they do in school. There are different types of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. Each one has its way of making someone eat too much or not enough. It’s important to get help if you or someone you know has an eating disorder.

When someone feels like their gender is different from what others expect them to be, it can make it hard for them to learn and feel good about themselves. This can happen when someone’s gender doesn’t match the body they were born with. It can make them feel lonely, worried, and sad, which might make it hard for them to do well in school and talk to other people.

Sometimes, students who have trouble with their feelings or mental health may have a harder time doing well in school. They may act out, feel upset often, or have trouble making friends and getting along with teachers. Tutors need to be able to spot these signs and help these students. Some signs include changing moods a lot, not wanting to be around others, or causing problems in class. This usually comes under SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs.

Strategies for Supporting Students with SEN

Helping students with special needs learn may need a different way of teaching than usual. Here are some ways that tutors can teach and help different types of special needs students:

When teaching, try using different ways for students to learn. This can mean things like looking at pictures, listening to sounds, and touching objects. It helps students understand the material better.
If students have trouble paying attention, it can help to break down instructions into smaller steps. This will make it easier for students to focus and finish their work without feeling overwhelmed.
Using pictures, charts, and videos can help students who have a hard time reading or have dyslexia. These things can make it easier for them to understand and remember information.
Some students with PDA may not like to learn in a regular classroom. It's important to make a safe learning place where they can go at their own speed, be self-led and introduced to tasks indirectly.
It can be helpful for students with dyspraxia and ADHD to take short breaks and also have movement breaks.
Instead of just saying when students make mistakes, it's also important to tell them when they do something good. This will help them feel proud and want to keep working hard. Positive feedback is a powerful tool for students who have often heard negative comments about their own learning.
When you're a tutor, it's important to be patient and understanding. Some students need more time to understand things or finish their work, so don't rush them. Be supportive and give them the time they need.
Tutors, parents, and teachers need to talk to each other. This can help students with special needs do better in school. When we all work together, we can make a plan that helps the student learn in the best way possible.
Providing a positive space for students to be at ease, be heard and acknowledged is very important. This is central to Bright Heart’s approach .

Tips for Tutoring Students with ADHD

Before each lesson, be clear with your students exactly what you will be teaching and what are the lesson objectives. This will help them understand what they need to do during the lesson.
Having a set routine can help students with ADHD feel more comfortable. Make sure to have a plan for each tutoring session and stick to specific start and end times.
Make learning fun by doing activities or games. This will help students remember what they learned and keep them interested.
To make big tasks easier, divide them into smaller parts. This helps students not feel too stressed. They can finish one part before starting the next one.
Give praise and rewards when students do well, even if it's something small. This will make them feel good about themselves and want to keep learning.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Anxiety

Make a quiet and safe place for learning. The area should be peaceful with no distractions. Use soft lights and cosy chairs to help students feel relaxed. It's also helpful to have a set routine so students know what will happen during each tutoring session.
Make sure your students can talk to you and you have a good rapport. Ask them how they feel and let them know it's okay to be anxious. Be positive about them and help them feel better about themselves, so they can learn in a non-threatening and non-judgemental space.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Autism

It's important to have a routine and structure when teaching students with autism. This helps them feel safe and focused. Plan out each learning session with specific times for activities and changes so they know what to expect. This will help reduce their anxiety about unexpected changes.
Using visual schedules and social stories can help students understand what they need to do. Social stories also show how to act in certain situations. They can make it easier for students when things change or when they have new tasks to do. These tools can make transitions smoother and help students learn better overall.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Dyslexia

Help students learn better by using different ways for them to learn. Show them things, let them hear things, and let them do hands-on activities. This will help them remember what they are learning.
Use technology to help students learn. There are different tools like text-to-speech and audiobooks that can make it easier for students to understand the material.
Encouraging students to read every day is important. They should pick things they like to read to help them feel interested. Reading together can also help them get better at reading out loud.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Give students options to choose from. This can help them feel in charge and less stressed. They can pick what they want to learn about, do, or even the order they do things.
Change the way you teach to match how the student likes to learn. Use fun things like games, activities, and pictures to keep them interested and make learning fun.
Sometimes students may need to learn at a slower pace. When we rush or pressure them, they might feel worried and not want to do their work. It's important to give them enough time to understand the material and work through it at their speed.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Teach students to instead of just focusing on how they look, focus on learning and growing. To be proud of their school achievements, to feel good about themselves and remember that they are more than just their appearance.
Be patient and supportive with students who have BDD. They might feel worried about how they look, which can make it hard for them to learn. Let them take their time during lessons and reassure them.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Dyscalculia

Use real-life examples of maths to show how it is useful in everyday life. Show students how maths can help with things like budgeting or cooking. This will make maths more interesting and practical for them.
Take things one step at a time when solving problems. This can help students feel less worried and make it easier to learn.
For students to like maths more, celebrate when they do well. This will make them feel good and want to keep learning hard things.
Use tangible objects to help avoid abstraction; something they usually find difficult with numbers.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Dysgraphia

Provide outlines to help with writing assignments. This will give students a plan to follow and make it easier for them to organise their thoughts. It also reduces the amount of thinking they have to do about how to structure their essay.
Help students show what they know in different ways. They can draw pictures, make diagrams, or talk about it instead of writing. This can help them feel good and interested in learning more.
Do activities that help their hands and eyes work together. You can use play dough, trace things, or do drawing exercises. These will make their handwriting better over time.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Dyspraxia

Change tasks so they are easier for the student to do. Break down big activities into smaller steps so it's not too hard and they can feel positive when they complete these.
Do activities that help your body move and get better at things like catching and throwing. This can also make it easier for students to focus during lessons.
Use tools that can help you write better or do tasks easier. These tools can help you learn and show what you know without having to write so much.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Eating Disorders

Make a place where students feel safe to talk about their feelings and struggles with food and body image. No one should ever judge or criticise them. Also be very aware about what examples you use in tutoring / explaining concepts.
Make sure to talk to your students often and ask how they are feeling. Let them tell you what they think and any worries they have. Listen carefully to show that their feelings matter.
Help the student talk about things they like and are good at. This can help change focus away from a preoccupation with food.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Gender Identity Challenges

When talking about gender, be kind and open-minded. Let students talk about their feelings without worrying about being judged. This can help them feel safe and accepted when sharing their identity.
When you meet a student with any gender identity challenges, ask what name and pronouns they prefer to use, and try your best to use them all the time. This can make a big difference in how confident they feel and how much they feel accepted.
If you see someone being bullied or treated unfairly because of who they are, make sure to do something about it. Make your learning space a place where everyone feels welcome and accepted, no matter what makes them different.

Tips for Tutoring Students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH)

Be friendly with your students, but have professional boundaries. Be understanding and caring so they feel important and respected. This makes a positive learning space.
Try to do things that help students feel less worried and stressed, like being mindful or taking deep breaths. Remember to use these things when students feel overwhelmed.
Also be aware of your own feelings and what intentions you bring into the learning space.
It's important to let students talk and share their feelings without being judged. When you listen carefully, you can learn what they need and change your teaching to help them better.
Help students make friends and learn how to be social. If the opportunity presents itself, doing things in a group and having older students as mentors can help them feel more confident.

When tutoring students with different learning needs, it’s important to use a learning plan that takes into account their specific challenges and strengths. This will help create a welcoming and helpful space for them to learn and become more confident. Being patient, understanding, and communicating openly will help students do better in school and make them feel proud of who they are.

The main reason for tutoring is to help students reach their own goals in their academic environment and in life. We know that every student can do well when they have the right tools and support.

Get in Touch with Bright Heart Education

At Bright Heart Education, we know that every child is different and needs tailored help. If you are a parent or teacher who wants to help a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN), we would be happy to speak with you.

We are here to help children grow and develop their own strengths. We use a unique way of tutoring that is patient, accepting, and kind. Contact us now so we can work together to make sure your child gets the help they need.

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