The Edmark Reading Programme in the AEN/SEN context (Face-to-face in Laois Ed Centre) 2.10.24

This face-to-face course in Laois Education Support Centre will provide an overview of the Edmark Reading Programme, which is designed to support literacy development for children with additional needs. This programme is particularly suited to children with Autism or those with a strong visual memory. There is evidence that Edmark can be helpful for Gestalt Language Processors and those with potential for hyperlexia. This is an updated version of courses previously offered by Laois and Kildare Education Centres. The course will cover the resources and teaching approaches of Edmark, as well as assessment, planning, and how Edmark can be used in an AEN/SEN setting. Course participants will be given an opportunity to examine the content of the Edmark kit and will receive access to a bank of interactive online games linked directly to the word lists for Edmark level 1. The course will also provide a brief overview of Gestalt Language Processing and its potential role in literacy development, particularly in the context of scientific research into how reading develops in the brain. Please note that research into literacy development in Gestalt Language Processors is currently limited so the information provided is based on anecdotal evidence in the education and speech and language communities.

Course attendees will be enabled to:

• Describe the rationale and benefits of the Edmark Reading programme
• Identify students who might benefit from the Edmark Programme
• Become familiar with with the materials and teaching methods of the Edmark Programme
• Develop strategies for implementing the Edmark Programme in an AEN/SET setting
• Explain the main features of Gestalt Language Processing

Facilitator Nicola O’Lone has had many years experience in SET at various class levels throughout her 2 decades of teaching and is currently in her second year teaching in an autism class in Scoil na Naomh Uilig. She has used Edmark extensively in recent years and supported colleagues in its use. Nicola is passionate about inclusive, neurodiversity affirming practice and has done extensive professional development in the areas of literacy and AEN, which she has brought to her own teaching practice.