There is suprisingly little written on teaching art to pupils with SLD,
perhaps because the assumption has always been that it is such an accessible
subject.
In many ways this is true, as it is so open to free self expression, that
pupils of all abilities should succeed equally well.
In this useful publication, the QCA
gives guidance on planning, teaching and assessing the curriculum for pupils
with learning difficulties in art and design (QCA, 2009).
This is an interesting document that teachers will wish to refer to and is a sound basis from which to work. Teachers will be able to ensure progression by reducing direction and encouraging the formation of ideas and thought beyond the conventional.
Melanie Peter has written two chapters on art in the revised edition of
Enabling Access (Peter, 1996, 2001), and the Priory Woods School website
is also worth exploring.
There is also a resource pack entitled Understanding the Arts/Creativity which has been produced by Equals.
Peter, M. (1996) Art, in: Carpenter, B., Ashdown, R. and Bovair, K. (eds), Enabling
Access: Effective Teaching and Learning for Pupils with Learning
Difficulties, London: David Fulton.
Peter, M. (2001) Art, in: Carpenter, B., Ashdown, R. and Bovair, K. (eds), Enabling
Access: Effective Teaching and Learning for Pupils with Learning
Difficulties, Revised Edition, London:
David Fulton.
QCA (2009) Planning, teaching and assessing the curriculum for pupils with learning
difficulties: Art and design, London: Qualification and
Curriculum Authority.