Teaching Tolkien to Students with Special Needs

Literacy

Most of the Tolkien texts are available on tape or CD. Some are readings (where the student gets the same text as the readers), others are dramatizations.

Language

For many people, Tolkien is the first author they have read in English. If you would like your students to be familiar first with the text in translation, Tolkien's works are available in many languages. English editions with vocabulary support in Russian and German are available.

Culture

Tolkien is read and enjoyed by people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Although some people do become anglophiles after reading Tolkien, a deep understanding of English culture isn't necessary to enjoy the books. What about the racism? What racism? Be reassured that Tolkien was not a White Supremaicist! Tolkien was born in Africa, and abhorred aparteit. This is what he said about Jewish people: alas I have not the honour .... Tolkien can be used to help students explore difficult and sensitive issues such as cultural relativism and institutional racism - some ideas are on the Citizenship sections for Key stage 1 (6-8), KS2 (9-11), [KS3 (12-14) coming soon] and KS4 (15-16).