Wood Technology and Technical Graphics

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Wood Technology and Technical Graphics – Supporting Dyslexic Students

Introduction

Wood Technology and Technical Graphics combine creative problem-solving with spatial awareness, technical accuracy, and design thinking. These subjects offer a valuable hands-on learning experience and can be particularly engaging for students with dyslexia due to their visual and practical nature.

However, students may still encounter challenges with reading and understanding technical vocabulary, following multi-step instructions, managing measurement accuracy, sequencing design processes, or completing written design reflections.

By embedding supports based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and multisensory strategies, teachers can help dyslexic students thrive in both practical and theory elements of the subject.

Key Areas to Support Learning

  • Understanding technical vocabulary: Support students with decoding, spelling, and remembering terms such as isometric, orthographic, chisel, mortise, or tensile strength.
  • Following step-by-step processes: Help students break down instructions in practical tasks and design projects.
  • Interpreting visual and spatial information: Support students in reading drawings, visualising shapes in 3D, and translating ideas between 2D and 3D formats.
  • Organising written work: Provide structure for design folios, reflections, and evaluations.
  • Applying mathematical concepts: Support measurement, scale, proportion, and spatial reasoning.
  • Sequencing and planning: Help students plan their approach to design tasks, including time and material management.
  • Recalling tool functions and safety procedures: Support accurate recall of tool names, purposes, and safety rules.

Practical Teaching Strategies

  • Pre-teach and revise technical terms: Create illustrated word banks or glossaries. Use labelled diagrams and videos to reinforce tool names, materials, and processes.
  • Break tasks into small, manageable steps:  Use flowcharts, visual checklists, and diagrams to support multi-step tasks such as constructing a project or completing an orthographic drawing.
  • Use visual and physical demonstrations: Model each step in front of the class and allow students to practise before committing to assessments or final projects.
  • Provide templates and writing frames: Structure design tasks using scaffolds for sections like Design Brief, Research, Specification, Design Ideas, Evaluation, etc.
  • Use dual coding: Pair instructions or terms with images and actions (e.g., a picture of a coping saw with a short clip showing how it’s used).
  • Reinforce safety and procedure with visuals: Display posters showing proper tool use, workshop rules, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Teach visualisation techniques: Use cardboard models, 3D printing, or software (e.g., SolidWorks, SketchUp) to build spatial understanding.
  • Use colour and layers to aid comprehension: Colour-code different views in drawings (e.g., front, side, plan) or highlight key parts of a design.
  • Incorporate technology: Use apps or software to support 3D design, generate templates, or provide step-by-step interactive tutorials.
  • Support with measurement and numeracy: Use clear, readable rulers or measuring tools with colour-coded units. Offer strategies for checking accuracy.
  • Allow oral planning and reflection:  Encourage use of voice notes or peer discussion before writing design reflections.
  • Support organisation: Use checklists and planners for project timelines, tool management, and portfolio completion.
  • Provide exemplars: Show completed project write-ups and folios, annotating strong features (e.g., clear diagrams, precise vocabulary).
  • Use repetition and retrieval:  Revisit tool names, material types, and drawing techniques through quick games, oral recall, or flashcards.
  • Use group work effectively: Assign specific roles in collaborative tasks (e.g., sketcher, measurer, presenter), helping students learn through peer interaction.

Tools & Resources

  • Oide: Guidance on Wood Technology and Graphics teaching, including inclusive strategie, graphic organiser tools
  • Scoilnet Wood Technology: Access to lesson plans, drawing activities, and technology subject resources.
  • BBC Bitesize Design & Technology:  Visual explanations of materials, tools, and design processes (UK-based but relevant).
  • Technoteachers.ie: Supports and notes for teachers and students in technology subjects.
  • BookShare Ireland: Accessible versions of textbooks (for qualified students).
  • Design and Crafts Council Ireland : Resources and case studies related to materials and product design.
  • YouTube Channels – Look for design tutorials or student project walkthroughs for Irish Junior and Leaving Cert courses.
  • SolidWorks / Onshape / Tinkercad – Software tools that support 3D drawing and CAD modelling.
  • Quizlet: Custom flashcards for scientific vocabulary, formulae, and definitions.
  • Speech to text/ Text to speech: Supports reading and writing text.
  • Colour-coded rulers and measuring tools – Assist with accuracy and reduce visual confusion for students with dyslexia.

Contact & Support

  • Use your school’s Student Support File to personalise learning goals and supports.
  • Liaise with your school’s AEN / SEN Coordinator for additional adjustments or accommodations.
  • Dyslexia Ireland:  www.dyslexia.ie 
  • National Council for Special Education (NCSE):  www.ncse.ie

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