Communication and Language Ideas

Here are some ideas about how you can support your child’s communication and language development whilst you are at home together.

• Follow interests - Talk about what your children are interested in. They will be more motivated to speak.
• TV Time – When your child is watching TV, watch it with them (as much as possible). This can spark conversation and provide new vocabulary.
• Quiet times - It’s really important to remember that children need quiet time where you turn off background noise and have time to focus on play.
• Use technology - Keep in touch with relatives or friends they are separated from at this time e.g. e-mail, send photos, video chat. Use it as an opportunity to ask your child what they might want to say.
• Explore photos - can your child remember the story behind the photo? See if you can find a similar photo of when you were young. Talk about the differences and similarities – this exercise is great for sharing real stories.
• Turn technology off - model putting your own devices to one side. Communication technology is part of our daily lives, but face-to-face conversations are rewarding and vital for developing speaking and listening skills.