Case study 6

Peter is working towards Stage 1 outcomes in most key learning areas. He is experiencing difficulty acquiring the knowledge, skills and understanding for Stage 1 in the Working Mathematically, Patterns and Algebra, Measurement, and Space and Geometry Strands. Peter is working towards Early Stage 1 outcomes in the Number and Data Strands.

Peter demonstrates his capability with practical activities, including the practical aspects of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education key learning area and the Science and Technology key learning area. He has difficulty remembering and following instructions, and staying on task. Peter is slow to begin tasks, and his classwork is often incomplete. He also experiences difficulty transitioning between activities. The teacher has observed that Peter uses his peers as models to commence and carry out classwork. He experiences difficulty with reading and writing. Peter is working towards becoming a more fluent reader.

Adjustments to be trialled
The teacher has used a number of teaching strategies to address Peter’s difficulties. In discussion with Peter, the teacher has determined that the following adjustments will be trialled to support Peter’s learning across the key learning areas:

• instructional language will be simplified
• scaffolds of instructional steps will be recorded on an MP3 player. Peter will be prompted to use the scaffolds as a reference.
• text presented to Peter will be paired with pictures or icons representing key words
• key vocabulary will be pre-taught and recorded
• Peter will use PowerPoint slides or cue cards to write and present information. The MP3 player will also be used as an alternative writing tool.
• the teacher will group Peter with appropriate peer models
• opportunities for paired reading activities will be provided to Peter.