On average, two students in every classroom have Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Are you confident in how to support them effectively?
What Is DLD?
DLD is a common but often overlooked condition that affects around 7% of children. These students struggle to understand and use language—spoken and written—even though there’s no obvious cause.
Imagine trying to learn in a classroom where you don’t know the language well. That’s the daily reality for students with DLD. It can be frustrating, isolating, and exhausting—and it can impact their education, relationships, and mental health.
The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can make your classroom more inclusive and accessible for students with DLD—while helping every learner thrive.
11 Classroom Strategies to Support Students with DLD
1. Use Simple and Clear Language
Avoid long, complex sentences. Speak clearly and use literal language. Simplicity helps students process language more easily.
2. Keep Instructions Short
Break instructions into small, manageable chunks. This reduces overwhelm and increases understanding.
3. Chunk Information
Deliver lessons in bite-sized pieces. Instead of using one long sentence, use three shorter ones to support comprehension.
4. Give Extra Time to Process
Pause after giving instructions or asking questions. Students with DLD need more time to understand and respond.
5. Use Gestures and other Visual Cues
Reinforce spoken messages with gestures, facial expressions, and visual cues. Non-verbal communication can bridge language gaps.
6. Provide Visual Supports
Tools like visual timetables, diagrams, and symbols help students understand and retain information.
7. Break Down Tasks
Present one step at a time. Use visual checklists or numbered instructions to help students follow multi-step tasks.
8. Repeat and Rephrase Instructions
Say it again – and modify your language if necessary. Repetition and rewording help to reinforce understanding.
9. Model Language Use
Demonstrate clear spoken and written language during lessons. Model full sentences with the correct grammar and targeted vocabulary.
10. Teach Vocabulary Explicitly
Introduce and explain new vocabulary before it appears in context. Explain new words in context using first hand experience or prior knowledge where possible.
11. Seek Specialist Support
If you think a student may have DLD, speak to your SENCo who can then refer to a Speech and Language Therapist. Early intervention makes a big difference.
Final Thought
Supporting students with DLD doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your teaching style. It’s about being intentional with how you use language and structure your lessons.
Start small. Choose one or two strategies to try this week. Even small adjustments can have a positive impact.
Download our helpful checklist for teachers here. It also includes 10 signs of DLD to help you spot it in your classroom.
And for more information or training, get in touch with our team training@moorhouseinstitute.com
