Speech Language Speech and Language explained Communication is

Speech & Language

Speech and Language explained

Communication is fundamental to children’s development, children need to be able to understand be understood. Communication is the foundation of relationships and is essential for learning, play and social interaction.

• It is estimated that in some parts of the UK up to 60% of children start school with some form of speech, language or communication delay or disorder (ICAN). • Most of these difficulties are due to language deprivation and with the right support can be resolved/improved.

Speech -The sounds we produce to make words. What should my child be doing now; • By 7 children should have all speech sounds. • Between 5 -7 it isn’t unusual for children to still have difficulty producing ‘r’ and ‘th’. • Sometimes children sound as if they are stammering or stuttering. They are usually trying to share their ideas quicker than their brain can keep up. This is perfectly normal, encourage your child to slow down and show you are interested in what they are trying to tell you.

Language -Our understanding (receptive) and use of words( expressive) What should my child be doing now; • • Focus on one thing for longer without being reminded. Rely less on pictures and objects to learn new words. Use their language skills in learning to read, write and spell. Learn that the same word can mean two things, such as 'orange' the fruit and 'orange' the colour. Learn that different words can mean the same thing such as ’minus’ and ‘take away’. Understand feelings and descriptive words like 'carefully', 'slowly' or 'clever'. Use language for different purposes such as asking questions or persuading. Share and discuss more complex ideas.

Things to look out for • Find it hard to learn and understand the meanings of words. • Find it hard to understand language about things in the past or future. • Struggle to understand phrases that can mean more than one thing, such as “pull your socks up. ” • Respond to just part of an instruction, usually the beginning or end. • Use short sentences, often with words missing or in the wrong order. • Find it hard to make up stories. This shows in written work as well as talking. • Not progressing at school at the same rate as others. • Struggling to make and keep friends.

How can I help with my child’s speech and language development?

• Make sure your child is looking at you when you are speaking to them. • Be specific: use the child’s name to help focus their attention. • Play games so your child develops their ability to listen to and follow simple instructions, e. g. ‘Simon Says’, musical statutes. • Tell your child when it’s time to listen. • Break down long or complex instructions into shorter ‘chunks’ of information and repeat if necessary. Give the child time to process the instruction

• Play games that encourage turn taking and sharing. • Encourage imaginative play by providing your child with dress up clothes or toys for example toy food and plates. • Watch and comment on what your child is doing. Engage in activities together. • Limit time spent looking at a screen/mobiles • Encourage your child to join in with other children and get involved in extra curricular activities. • Engage in conversations with your child and use more comments rather than questions.

• Keep instructions short and use clear and simple language. • Support children’s understanding of spoken instructions by using gesture, sign, symbols or other visual cues. • Allow processing time. • Comment on what your child is doing to help them make links between words and objects or actions. • You can also play describing games without objects to encourage children to guess what you’re talking about. For example, ‘it’s an animal. It has four legs. It has a big trunk. It’s grey’.

• Expand on what your child has said. Give them another word for one they have used. • Ask your child open questions , such as ; “what did you do at school today, ” instead of “was school good? ” • Play ‘Word storms’ – ask children to choose a setting like a forest, a house, or school and then ask them to think of all the words they can to build a picture of it. This can be great for story starters. • Create time in your day to simply talk to your child.

* • Model correct speech sounds for your child; interpret and repeat back what the child has said using the correct sounds. • Encourage other ways of communication if you cannot understand what your child is trying to tell you; can they tell you something more/show you?

Just by having good conversations with children, you are supporting their language. So, talk to them. Ask them how their day at school was and how their friends are. Try to encourage conversations rather than just you doing the talking.

Ipads/tablets/computer games • Can be educational when used correctly. • All in moderation. • Use as a reward and limit time spent on tablets- less than 1 hour per day. • Studies have shown child with increased screen time have reduced speech, language, communication and social skills. The best way to help your child learn and grow is to interact with them!

How to use technology correctly. It is recommend that parents should: • • ensure high-quality programs watch videos with their child talk with their child while watching videos connect what their child sees to their everyday experiences What children watch (i. e. the quality of the show) and how they watch it (i. e. while interacting with you vs. alone) could be even more important than how much they watch it. Try limit their use when out, about and in the company of others.

Apps to Support Learning The National Literacy Trust has developed a website that covers choosing apps and finding ones that support your child's learning and development. You can search by your children's age, the areas of learning you would like the app to support.

Language and Mental Health There is evidence to suggest that language skills and mental health are linked. One study found that 40% of 7 to 14 year olds referred to child psychiatric services had a language difficulty that had never been suspected. However, this does not mean that all children with speech, language and communication needs will have mental health difficulties.

• They may have anxiety or frustration caused by not understanding what people are saying or not being understood. • They may struggle socially and at nursery/school as their vocabulary is poor, and so may become isolated. • Consequently, they may have low self esteem • They may have difficulty with thinking things through and working out what might happen and so not really understand the implications of their actions. • Their difficulties with language and communication might not have been recognised and so they may not be getting the support they need.

What supports children's mental health and emotional wellbeing? • Secure attachment experiences - developing good relationships and bonding with key people in their lives. • Good communication skills - being able to understand what's being said, express themselves and how they are feeling, get their message across and get on with other people. • Having a belief in control - feeling that they have a say in things and can make choices. • A positive attitude. • Experience of success and achievement. This helps develop a sense of self and self esteem. • The ability to reflect - being able to look back on things, think about them and work out why something happened and if they might do or say something different in the future.

Reading The benefits: • Exposes children to new vocabulary • The more you read to your children/they read themselves the more knowledge they absorb. • Improves their ability to read and write. • Gives them a chance to use their imagination and creativity. • Your child will learn to concentrate and sit still for longer periods of time. • Most importantly allows one to one quality time with your child. There’s nothing better than cuddling up to your little one and reading a book at bedtime.

Tips: • Let your child choose books they are interested in. • Let them ask questions and also remember to ask them questions- good opportunity to talk about feelings and emotions. • Incorporate it into daily routine, e. g. bedtime. Don’t make it a menial task- make it fun and pleasant activity.

Concerned? • If you are concerned about your child's speech and/or language development, speak with your GP or health visitor. They can make a referral to the NHS Trust Speech and Language Team to have your child formally assessed. • If you are unsure where your child is with their speech and language development you can use the ICAN Progress Checker.