Special needs · Developmental language disorder (DLD)

Lessons where language is slowed down, shown and repeated

Pencil Spaces helps therapists and teachers support students with developmental language disorder (DLD) online, with words shown as well as said, pictures and recaps.

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Area

Communication and interaction

Who it helps

Students with DLD, speech and language therapists, speech-language pathologists, teachers, tutors and families

Also called

DLD · language disorder · expressive or receptive language disorder · specific language impairment, SLI (an older term)

What lessons need

Short sentences, visual supports, new words taught on purpose, repetition, time to respond

In Pencil Spaces

7 features available today

Part of

Special needs, need by need

What do students with DLD need from an online lesson?

Students with DLD have trouble understanding and using spoken language, though many hide it well. They need language slowed down, shown on screen and repeated.

Said and shownText · AvailableType the key words and each instruction on the board, so language stays visible after it’s been said.
A picture for every new wordImages & Video · AvailablePut a picture beside each new word on the board, so meaning doesn’t depend on language alone.
Voices come through clearlyNoise Cancellation · AvailableAI noise cancellation and echo reduction filter out background sound, so a student isn’t decoding speech through noise.
A face to watchVideo Layouts · AvailableA large view of the speaker’s face gives a student lip patterns and expression to help with meaning.
Time to plan an answerSticky Notes · AvailableA student writes an answer on a sticky note first, which gives them time to find the words.
A second listenSession Recording · AvailableLessons are recorded to the cloud, so a student can hear the same explanation again in Pencil Spaces.
Words of the week sent homeLesson Summaries · AvailableA recap after each lesson, with a version for parents, lists the words to practice.

The features behind it

Why can online lessons be hard for students with DLD?

Fast talk, long instructions and new vocabulary leave students with DLD behind. They may nod along and miss most of it.

Online, audio glitches and people talking over each other make it harder still.

What does a lesson look like in Pencil Spaces?

The teacher types today’s three key words on the board, each with a picture. She gives one short instruction, then waits.

The student plans an answer on a sticky note and reads it out. The words and pictures are still on the board next week.

How do therapists use Pencil Spaces with students with DLD?

Speech-language pathologists and speech and language therapists work on vocabulary, sentence building and storytelling 1:1 or in small groups. Word maps, sentence strips and story sequences stay on the student’s board.

Place Students on Boards gives each student their own targets in a group. Lesson Summaries give families the words of the week.

Tips for teaching students with DLD online

Use short sentences, and say one thing at a time.
Teach new words on purpose, with a picture and an example.
Wait longer than feels natural for an answer.
Check understanding by asking the student to show you.
Repeat key language across several lessons.

Good to know

Pencil Spaces doesn’t assess or diagnose language disorders. Live Captions are coming soon.

Questions people ask

What is developmental language disorder?

DLD is a lifelong difficulty with understanding or using spoken language that isn’t explained by another condition. It’s common, and it’s often missed because students work hard to hide it.

Can language therapy for DLD happen online?

Many therapists deliver it by teletherapy. It relies on clear sound and good visual supports. In Pencil Spaces, words and pictures stay on the board, and noise cancellation keeps voices clear.

How can teachers help a student with DLD online?

Slow down, shorten instructions and show as well as say. Type key words on the board with pictures. Give extra time to answer, and let students plan what to say on a sticky note first.

Can students replay what was said?

Yes. Session Recording lets students watch a lesson again, pausing and rewinding. English-language recorded lessons also come with a time-stamped transcript.