A 24-year-old teacher from the Isle of Man has created a children’s book aimed at supporting communication among children with special educational needs.

Anabel Thomas has been working for two years in specialist education settings in Manchester.

After studying psychology at university, Anabel completed her PGCE, which included specific training and experience within specialist education.

Her experiences working with children with additional needs inspired her to create her first book, ‘Dot’s Stop and Go’.

Anabel said one of the things that attracted her to SEN teaching was the opportunity to celebrate the small achievements that can make a significant difference to a child.

‘In specialist education, progress can sometimes look very different from what we traditionally expect. Seeing a child develop their communication, whether that is through spoken language, signing, gestures or other forms of communication, can be an incredibly significant achievement.’

The idea came towards the end of last year while Anabel was using Attention Autism bucket sessions in her teaching.

They involved repeatedly using core vocabulary, including the words ‘stop’ and ‘go’, through activities and phrases such as ‘ready, steady… GO!’

Anabel began noticing children anticipating what would happen next and joining in themselves.

‘Even pupils with minimal spoken language were beginning to anticipate the word and communicate “GO”’.

The experience encouraged her to explore how communication could be made more engaging and accessible, leading to the creation of her book.

It focuses on the two core words ‘STOP’ and ‘GO’ and is designed to be used as an interactive communication resource alongside an activity, rather than as a traditional storybook.

The book aims to encourage children to recognise, understand and use the two words while participating in an engaging activity.

It also includes a QR code providing access to a parent and teacher guide, alongside printable communication aids to support the activities.

Anabel believes there is a need for more accessible resources specifically designed with children with additional needs in mind.

‘Some traditional children’s books can be difficult for children with autism, language delays or other communication needs to access. I wanted to create something specifically designed around their needs, while also giving teachers and parents a practical resource they could use alongside communication activities.’

For Anabel, the inspiration has come from the many small moments she has experienced throughout her career.

‘There is something so special about seeing a child communicate with you for the first time – whether that is saying your name, using a sign, making a gesture or using a word independently.’

Anabel is also hoping to bring the resource back to the island.

She plans to connect with teachers and provide free copies for them to trial within SEN provisions and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings.

The former St Ninian’s pupil is particularly keen to receive honest and constructive feedback from teachers and practitioners to help develop the book series further.

‘Being from the Isle of Man myself, I have always had a strong connection and would love to give something back,’ she said.

‘If this resource can help even a small number of children develop their communication and give teachers and parents another tool to support them, that would mean a great deal to me.’