Teacher’s Handbook: Communication, Pre-literacy and Social Skills

The Foundation Level Communication Skills Handbook supports teachers working with learners who have complex disabilities. It is aligned to Kenya’s CBE Stage-Based Pathway at Foundation Level. The handbook focuses on helping learners develop basic communication skills that support interaction, participation and belonging. Communication is presented as a daily and meaningful process that happens through touch, movement, sound, objects, gestures and simple signs. Teachers are guided to recognize and respond to all forms of communication, including body movements, facial expressions, vocal sounds and behaviour. The handbook also explains how communication skills fit within the curriculum, including learning outcomes, strands, values, core competencies and simple ways to observe progress.

The handbook provides clear and practical activities that help learners express needs, make choices and interact with others. It includes step by step guidance on creating supportive communication environments that are calm, predictable and safe. Teaching approaches focus on routine, repetition, modelling, hand-under-hand support, play and real life interactions. The handbook includes lesson examples, IEP tools, observation checklists and assessment forms to support planning and monitoring. Teachers are encouraged to work closely with parents, caregivers, therapists and teacher-aides so communication is supported at home, school and in the community. The handbook is built on the belief that every learner can communicate and be understood when given the right support and opportunities.