Once Upon a Personal Narrative
Narratives are the way that we tell stories. We use these in all aspects of every day in life to interact; to share what is...
Read moreWhat’s the hardest thing about supporting SLCN?
The voices of school staff are crucial… but are they heard enough? When I worked as a therapist in schools, talking to staff was a key...
Read moreStarting Strong: 5 Ways to Get Ahead with Speech and Language at School Entry
The new cohort of children has arrived in most primary schools. Tiny and wide-eyed, they pour in with their oversized backpacks and bright new uniforms...
Read moreSchool Readiness: Personal Reflections from a Speech and Language Therapist
This is a very personally relevant blog, as my baby child will be going to school in September. They are typically developing (as far as...
Read moreA Summer Opportunity: Preparing for a Smooth September Transition
As the long-awaited summer holidays begin—or have already begun for some—there’s no doubt that a collective exhale is in order. It’s time to rest, reflect,...
Read moreInclusive Play: Creating Connections for Students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
Sam sits on the bench alone in the playground. He spends most of his time staring down at his shoes, but every now and then,...
Read moreBlank Levels
“Who, what, when, where, why and how”. Learn these question words and what answer is needed, simple. But no, as with many things, questions are...
Read morePhonological Awareness, Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Phonetics – Do They All Mean the Same Thing?
Recently, I was in a meeting discussing phonological awareness (PA) skills and their importance. These skills are essential not only for laying the foundations for...
Read moreWhy it is Essential to Consider Students’ Language Skills in Year 7
Many students will start secondary school with unidentified speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) as difficulties are often missed or misidentified. The Communication Trust (‘Talk of...
Read moreWhy Baking is Great for Language Development: Practical Tips
“Ahh, not another speech and language activity where I have to cut out loads of words and pictures!” No, contrary to popular belief, speech and language...
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