General tips for supporting language development

• For children who do not initiate conversation. Avoid asking questions e.g. ‘What are you doing?’. Instead play alongside them but don’t speak to them. If after a period of time there is no talking you should make a statement about something they are doing e.g. I’m building a really tall tower, I like your baby’s pink dress, you have used lots of colours in your painting. They will eventually respond to you even if it is with single words. 

• Modelling language for those that do not speak. If they show you something model a short sentence for them including key words e.g. I like your painting. Next time they show you a painting use the same key word e.g. What a lovely painting. The child will begin to pick up key words and repeat them. Make sure you use the word in a simple sentence as this is how we speak. Do not just use key words e.g. painting because the child will not learn how to use vocabulary in context. 

• Give short, precise instructions. Many of our children cannot understand more than two information carrying words in a sentence e.g. Get your coat and your book bag. Say less. Chunk what you say into shorter sentences and leave gaps. Do this when you are reading a story too and point to the exact part of the illustration that highlights what you are saying. 

Activities for supporting language development

• To move children on from just naming objects ask them to describe something. Show them a picture and question them about what they can see. Encourage use of adjectives e.g. red jumper, fluffy teddy bear, long hair. Don’t forget verbs. What is happening? What is the boy doing? 

• Listening skills. When reading a story give children items that link to the story to hold up at the correct point e.g. a bowl for Goldilocks and the three Bears. Don’t use pictures so you know if they have understood the words. 

• Show children 3 objects. Which one am I thinking about? Describe it. Can the children guess which one? 

• Matching games that make links in the brain e.g. table and chair, toothbrush and toothpaste. 

What to do if you are concerned about your child speech.

Ring or email the school office and ask to speak to the SENCo, even during lock down we are completing assessments and support can be provided virtually. It may be useful to look at this document 'Speech and Language development milestones' to learn more about typical language development.