Dyslexia-Friendly Sorting

Overview

This 10-minute lesson resource is designed to support video creators producing an engaging, accessible educational video on sorting objects and comparing quantities (up to 10) for Year 1 students. It closely follows the National Curriculum for England Maths guidance, specifically focusing on:

Number - Number and Place Value:
"Count to and across 100, forwards and backwards, beginning with 0 or 1, or from any given number. Count, read and write numbers to 100 in numerals. Given a number, identify one more and one less. Identify and represent numbers using objects and pictorial representations including the number line, and use the language of: equal to, more than, less than (fewer), most, least."
Year 1 Programme of Study – Mathematics (Number - Number and Place Value) & (Geometry - Position and Direction):
Sorting objects with up to 10 in groups and comparing quantities using appropriate mathematical language.

The resource provides a clear, dyslexia-friendly video script and detailed instructions to video creators ensuring inclusivity and maximum engagement for children with Dyslexia.

Learning Objectives (National Curriculum Aligned)

By the end of this video lesson, children will be able to:

Sort and group objects into sets of up to 10 based on one attribute (e.g., colour, shape, size).
Understand and use the vocabulary ‘equal to’, ‘most’, and ‘least’ to compare groups.
Practise counting objects accurately within each set.
Interpret pictorial representations that reinforce sorting and comparing.

Video Creator Instructions

1. Font & Visual Design

Font: Use dyslexia-friendly fonts such as OpenDyslexic, Lexend, or Comic Sans for all on-screen text, including titles and labels.
Font Size: Minimum 24pt for all key text to enhance readability.
Text Colour & Background: Use high contrast, e.g., dark navy text on a pale yellow background or white text on a dark blue background.
Line Spacing: Increase spacing between lines (~1.5x default).
Avoid: All caps (except brief titles), italics, or underlining which reduce readability.

2. Layout & Visual Support

Use large, clear images of objects (realistic or high-quality clip art).
Display groups of objects side-by-side with space between each group.
Use colour coding for each group consistently throughout the video to aid memory.
Incorporate simple, explicit symbols to indicate ‘equal to’ (=), ‘most’ (↑), and ‘least’ (↓).
Simultaneously display the numerical count visually, e.g., number cards beside object groups.

3. Multisensory Learning Approach

Audio: Clear, slow, warm narration with natural, varied intonation.
Visual: Highlight objects as they are counted or described. Use pointer animations or a hand icon.
Kinesthetic Suggestion: Encourage children to sort objects at home alongside the video (e.g., “Now you try! Pick 3 red blocks”).
Repetition: Repeat key phrases with pauses for processing and response.
Engagement: Use questions inviting predictions and answers, e.g., “Which group has the most apples?”.

4. Pacing and Engagement

Keep statements short and simple (max 10 words per sentence).
Pause for 5-7 seconds after questions or instructions to allow thinking time.
Use positive reinforcement phrases: “Well done!”, “Great job counting!”.
Change scenes or visuals every 15-20 seconds to maintain attention.
Include a countdown or visual timer for activities to structure engagement.

Sample Video Script Excerpts

Introduction (1 min)

(Text on screen: “Let’s sort and count together!”)

Narrator: Hello, friends! Today, we will sort lots of colourful objects into groups. Then, we will find out which group has the most, which has the least, and if any groups are equal. Ready? Let’s begin!

Sorting Objects (3 mins)

(Screen shows 3 groups of objects: Red balls, blue cubes, green stars)

Narrator: Here, we have some red balls. Let’s count them together. One, two, three, four. Four red balls.

Now, look at the blue cubes. Count with me. One, two, three, four, five. Five blue cubes.

Finally, the green stars. Let’s count. One, two, three. Three green stars.

Can you see which group has the most? Yes, it is the blue cubes!

Introducing ‘Equal To’, ‘Most’, and ‘Least’ (3 mins)

(Display two groups of objects: 6 yellow ducks and 6 pink fish)

Narrator: Look! We have six yellow ducks and six pink fish. Are these groups equal? Let’s count again.

(Highlight each object as counted)

Six yellow ducks... Six pink fish... Yes! These groups are equal to each other.

Now, see the red apples? There are two apples.

Which group has the least? That’s right, the red apples!

Wrap-up and Invitation to Participate (3 mins)

Narrator: You did a fantastic job sorting and counting today! Now it’s your turn. Find some toys or objects at home.

Sort them into groups and count how many are in each group.

Ask yourself, “Which group has the most? Which has the least? Are any groups equal?”

Remember, take your time. Well done!

Assessment Suggestions for Teachers (Post-Video)

Ask children to sort classroom objects into groups of up to 10.
Use visual prompts to have children identify which group has most/least or if groups are equal.
Observe use of appropriate language: “more than,” “less than,” “equal to,” “most,” and “least.”
Use simple one-on-one or small group follow-up activities to reinforce learning.

Additional Tips for Video Creators

Use simple background music with a gentle rhythm to maintain a calm learning environment.
Avoid excessive movement on screen to reduce visual stress.
Include subtitles in dyslexia-friendly font and colour for all narration.
Add interactive pause frames to encourage child participation.
Start and end the video with a friendly visual mascot or character who models enthusiasm and patience.

This resource champions dignity, accessibility, and the joy of learning math, ensuring children with Dyslexia receive an inclusive lesson experience inline with England’s National Curriculum standards.

Teaching Instructions