Working with a non-verbal learner

[everychildmatters]

I'm starting 1-1 tuition with two EHCP children next week after 20 years of primary teaching. Excited but nervous!
One of the children is 4.5 years and non-verbal. I have a wealth of experience with SEND children, but not as much with non-verbal learners.
Any ideas for "getting to know you" activities I can do with them for our first week together ? 😀

This will very much depend on the individual child. You should read the child’s EHCPs and speak to the parents. There won’t be one way that works for all. For example, for some, it is best to get involved (or for some play in parallel) in something they are already going, e.g. playing with Lego/duplo/trains. For some, something like painting, a board game or a game on a switch would work. For some, it will need to be completely child led. For some, you will have to initially do something like baking on your own while the child plays in the background in the same room. For some, you will need to be outside or they will need to be taking part in activities that meet their sensory needs at the same time. For some, it will literally be 5 mins saying hello… What works for one could be absolutely disastrous for another.