Language development is a complex process. Approximately 1 in 10 children will experience some degree of speech, language, and communication needs. While the exact causes are often unclear, parents may feel a sense of responsibility for their child's challenges. Additionally, both parents and teachers may struggle to determine the most effective ways to provide support.

In England, 1 in 4 children starting primary school will be behind with their level of literacy development (language, communication and literacy skills), rising to more than 1 in 3 (42%) in some areas (Department for Education, 2019).

 Useful Websites:

www.afasic.org.uk/what-causes-slcn/

Speech and Language UK: Information and support

Communication is complex and there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are several key strategies that can be beneficial to implement. It’s important to focus on one strategy at a time and dedicate 5-10 minutes each day to practicing it through play. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Get down to their level:

This doesn’t always mean being face-to-face. If your child finds that challenging, try positioning yourself beside them. By lowering yourself to their height, you become more accessible and can better notice their communication attempts.

2. Follow their lead in play:

 This is one of the most crucial strategies. Observe what interests your child and how they engage with toys or objects. It’s not necessary to change what they are doing; instead, follow their lead without redirecting their play. This approach validates their activity, demonstrates interest, reduces pressure, and helps you become a more appealing communication partner.

3. Keep it simple:

While it’s beneficial to encourage your child’s language by talking and commenting on what you observe, adults often use complex language and long sentences. For children who struggle with language, simplicity is key. If your child is using single words, try to respond with similar or short, straightforward sentences. This approach makes the vocabulary more accessible for your child.

4. Match and add:

You can help your child expand their vocabulary and sentence structure by repeating what they say and adding an extra word. For instance, if your child says "car," you might respond with "blue car" or "fast car." This technique can also be applied when they start combining phrases.

5. Answer in a neutral manner:

 When responding, aim for a calm and neutral tone to create a supportive environment for communication.

6. Reduce questions:

Questions can place a higher demand on children's language skills, and they may not fully grasp the question words being used. Instead, offer choices, such as "orange or banana" rather than asking, "What do you want for a snack?" You can also try commenting instead of questioning. For example, instead of asking your child what something is, simply label it for them. This repetition makes it more likely that they will learn and use the word more quickly.

7. Repeat, repeat, repeat:

Children need to hear words multiple times before they can begin to use them. Be sure to repeat words frequently.

8. Use books and songs:

The repetition and engaging qualities of books and songs are excellent resources for promoting language development.

Speech or phonological delay refers to a situation where a child experiences challenges with their speech sound system, which can make their speech difficult to understand. While all children gradually refine their speech sound abilities and develop various speech sounds at different paces, they generally follow a typical developmental pattern. However, in some cases, children may not acquire specific sounds or may replace some sounds with others. If these issues persist, it may be beneficial to seek support to assist your child in enhancing their sound system and improving the clarity of their speech.

 Helpful Strategies:

1. Speak slowly:

When you talk too quickly, words can blend together, making it hard for a child to distinguish where one word ends and another begins. Focus on articulating your words and sounds clearly.

2. Ensure your child can see your face while you talk:

This allows them to observe how sounds are formed, which can aid their understanding.

3. Repeat your child's attempts at speaking:

It's essential to respond by repeating what they said clearly and accurately. You don’t need to ask them to repeat it correctly; what matters most is that they hear the proper pronunciation.