Words My Way: Teacher & SENCo Companion

Small changes in the classroom can make a big difference. 💬

Around 2 pupils in every class have Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), and many of them are bright, capable learners whose language needs can easily go unnoticed. The right everyday adjustments, such as clearer instructions, a little more thinking time and words taught before the lesson, help them show what they really know. Those same changes help the whole class too.

The Words My Way Teacher & SENCo Companion is a colourful, quick-reference guide to DLD-friendly teaching. It explains DLD in clear, positive language, then gives practical, low-cost adjustments you can start using tomorrow. It’s designed to pair with the pupil’s own Words My Way workbook, so the support you give is shaped by the pupil’s voice.

WHAT’S INSIDE (15 pages):
🌟 About This Guide – how it pairs with the pupil’s workbook and one-page profile
🧠 DLD at a Glance – what DLD is, and the strengths pupils bring
🔍 Spot It in Class – what you might see, and what’s often behind it
✅ Adjustments, Parts 1 and 2 – tick-box lists for instructions, teacher talk, questioning, vocabulary, reading, writing, group work, environment, homework and checking learning
💬 Questioning & Talk – the 10-second rule, the question ladder, and modelling language
📚 Teaching Vocabulary – choosing the right words, and a 6-layer method for teaching them
👤 Profile & Help Cards – turning the pupil’s one-page profile into action, and setting up help cards
📝 Tests & Exams – everyday assessment support, command words, and access arrangements
💗 Feelings, Friends & Confidence – supporting wellbeing and friendships
📊 Adjustment Tracker – a printable assess, plan, do, review form
🤝 Working Together – partnering with parents and speech and language therapists, plus places to get help
⭐ Top 10 for DLD-Friendly Teaching – a staffroom poster of the key ideas

HOW IT HELPS:
✔ Strengths first: positive, inclusive language throughout
✔ Practical, low-cost adjustments that help the whole class
✔ Quick to read, perfect for busy teachers and cover staff
✔ Turns pupil voice into everyday classroom action
✔ A tracker that builds evidence for SEN Support plans, EHCPs and exam access arrangements
✔ Pairs with the Words My Way workbook for children and teens

PERFECT FOR:

• SENCos and inclusion leads

• Class teachers, subject teachers and teaching assistants

• ELSAs, learning mentors and specialist teachers

• Speech and language therapists sharing strategies with schools

• Staff training sessions and CPD

WHAT YOU GET:

• 1 printable PDF file, 15 pages, A4 size

• Prints on US Letter too: just choose “Fit to page” in your print settings

• Print the tracker and Top 10 poster as many times as you like

• Instant digital download, so no physical item will be posted

PLEASE NOTE
This guide supports good classroom practice and works alongside assessment and advice from a speech and language therapist. Information about exam access arrangements is general: always check the current JCQ regulations, which are updated each academic year.
© 2026 The SEN Advocate. For personal and educational use only. Not for resale or redistribution.