Apr 17, 2020

My love affair with language acquisition started to hot up when I was 16. Instead of taking English Literature A’ Level I took English Language. The careers officer told me that if I was interested in journalism (I was) as a career that this would be the more relevant … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Is silence always golden? Not speaking by 2 years old - late talkers, should you be worried?

Late talkersEinstein famously didn’t start talking until he was 3 years old. Other famous late talkers include mathematical genius Ramanujan, a nobel prize winner (Gary Becker), a US talk show host (G. Gordon Liddy) and even Mussolini. Although research papers have used slightly different criteria (in terms of amount … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

A sticky subject - Glue Ear!

What is glue ear?You may have heard teachers or other professionals use the term ‘glue ear’, however unless your child has had a diagnosis, it is unlikely that anyone has spoken to you about it at length, told you the warning signs and given you information on what to … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Meltdowns? Tips for Little Talkers Tantrums

Children will get angry.Children will get upset.Children will get frustratedChildren will have tantrums!As parents, we accept these home truths about our little darlings, and ride out the storm when it occurs (www.madeformums.com has some useful advice for toddler tantrums!). But when your child doesn’t have the language skills … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Happy Families - and how to keep it that way!

After I’ve dished out a bit of first-class Speech, Language or Communication advice, parents often say to me ‘that’s great, but I’ve got 2/3/4 (+) children at home!’ It’s a very good point – balancing the demands of a busy family can leave little time for extra work on … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Bilingual baby - will it delay speech?

Some numbers around being bilingualCan you guess how many languages there are in the world? Give it a go...There are 6,900 different languages. 6,900 different sets of a combination of sounds that we use to represent the world around us!The literacy trust (2000) estimates that there are over 300 … Read More

Theory of Mind - activities for babies and young children

Babies and Toddlers

Apr 17, 2020

Theory of Mind - activities for babies and young children

A previous blog post explained all about Theory of Mind –understanding your own and others thoughts and feelings, and ‘putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.’ This is a gradual journey for your child – from a baby who is just starting to learn that other people exist and can … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Dump the Dummy – 5 tips to help you with dummy extraction to minimize meltdowns

When I speak to parents these days, they often mention their child has a dummy like it is a guilty secret... Dummies can be useful in helping children comfort themselves, settle off to sleep, and can also give parents a little piece and quiet - what's wrong with that? … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

11 Tips on how to develop communication skills at the park

The summer holidays, bank holidays, and some (hopefully) sunnier weather are great excuses to take your Speech and Language therapy practice out and about. The park is a great place to start!There’s a lot of great opportunities to practice communication skills, and no, it’s not just your child perfecting … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Why is the sky blue ? Tips for developing language through questions

Question time with your children - developing language through questionsChildren ask a lot of questions! Anyone with a toddler will have experienced the endless why questions and we know that keeping the dialogue going at these moments forms the platform for developing language.Asking questions is one thing but what … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

How to use rhyme and song for social skills and language - tips from a speech therapist

How can rhyme and song help?We know how much young children enjoy rhyme and song (especially silly ones), and it's a lovely way to bond and share time with your baby or child. But did you know you are also helping your child learn social skills, language, and even … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Squabbling siblings - AKA Sibling Mediation 101

Squabbling siblings - we've all been thereBrothers and sisters – can be best friends and worst enemies, all within the space of 5 minutes. Throw a communication difficulty into the mix, and things can become more challenging and you have squabbling siblings. Your child might not have the language … Read More

Nov 03, 2020

What can I do to help correct my child's speech? Some practical takeaways to help a speech error

How do you know what to do with a speech error?In a previous article we discussed the difference between speech and language and how to spot potential difficulties with each. It can be hard to know what do when your child makes a speech error, do you ignore … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

How was school? *silence* - sound familiar? Some speech therapist tips for conversation starters

Conversation startersEngaging children after a long day at school, finding out about their day and how they feel about certain activities can be challenging at best! However, getting the conversation started and keeping it going can make you feel closer, support their language and help them to consolidate what … Read More

Nov 03, 2020

How can speech and language therapy help my child?

How can speech and language therapy help my child?Speech and language therapy can help by providing treatment, support and care for children who have difficulties with communication.Speech and language therapists are qualified health professionals who can support children with primary speech, language and communication difficulties, such as stammering as … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Why I love lego therapy. A love letter from a speech and language therapist.

Lego therapy loveI love it when research finds that something my students love doing is also really beneficial. Lego has been one of my favourite toys since childhood (I loved my pirate island), and a key part of my therapy toolkit since I qualified. But how can I … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

The Colour Monster - A great book for emotional awareness

It is not an easy task for a small child to understand their emotions. That is why we love this book ‘The colour monster’ by Anna Llenas. The story of this cute little creature’s day aims to help our own little monsters raise their emotional awareness and make … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

6 good communication habits for the New Year

New Year good communication habitsAmongst consuming an abundance of food, opening presents, returning some of them (!) and watching Christmas movie after Christmas movie, this time of year often keeps us occupied in one other way; thinking about our new years resolutions.In fact it’s hard to get through the … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

12 YouTube Videos for Teaching Speech, Language and Communication Skills

YouTube - teaching through video in less than 5 minute ‘bites’!Free training!Video is the perfect medium to teach parents and education staff signs to use with children to help their communication development. Many of the signs we use to help can be found on YouTube:Makaton- Their YouTube channel … Read More

What on earth is tongue tie? What you need to know.

Babies and Toddlers

Apr 17, 2020

What on earth is tongue tie? What you need to know.

Let’s talk about tongues!You may have heard of tongue tie before, formally known as ankyloglossia. With around 4-11 percent of new babies being affected by tongue tie (NHS 2017), many parents will have had some experience of it or know someone who has.What is tongue tie?Tongue tie occurs when … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Hurray for Play! From 0-3 years and how it aids language development

Hurray for play!Play has been likened to a fertiliser that nourishes the brain ‘with the behavioural equivalent of miracle Gro’ (John Medina 2008). Play facilitates learning, encourages creativity and imagination, supports and develops our memory, language, social skills, problem solving ability and much more!Play is the ‘work of childhood’ … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Can toys supercharge my child's language skills?

Even as adults, toy stores are alluring. Maybe the appeal comes from the flashing lights, the beaming colours and high stacked shelves. Often we are drawn in by the manufacture’s promises and guarantees to help our children develop in EVERY possible way.There are the teethers that promise to promote … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Ask an early years teacher - speech and language in their eyes

This week we interview Eleanor, a nursery manager with over 20 years of experience working in nurseries and pre-schools. I was lucky enough to spend half an hour with her, hearing all about her experiences working with pre-school children, and learning some fresh ideas to support communication development along … Read More

Apr 17, 2020

Best 8 books for boosting your toddlers vocabulary

Brain building happens when you and your little one are interacting with each other. A baby’s brain is wired to grow from birth and during your child’s earliest years, their brain makes 1 million neural connections every single second (NSPCC, 2019). Every time you read aloud to your child … Read More

Nov 03, 2020

How to tell if your child has a speech, language or communication need

How to tell if your child has a speech, language or communication need?Children develop speech, language and communication skills at different rates, some develop quickly, while others may take longer. You are the expert in your child. You know their likes and dislikes and motivations for communicating with others. … Read More