Articles by Yin Collighan

February 26, 2026

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...

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January 30, 2026

What’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...

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September 5, 2025

Starting 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...

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May 15, 2025

Inclusive 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,...

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May 7, 2025

Issue 30, Page 4-5: How signing can support spoken language

What is signing? Signing is a way to support an individual with SLCN. It is a no-tech alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) approach widely used with...

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January 10, 2025

Why 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...

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November 4, 2024

Top Toys for Talking

Speech and language therapists are often known for their arrival at a school, carrying an unwieldy bag full of assessments and resources. With this magical...

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October 16, 2024

The Speech and Language Building Blocks of Oracy

Oracy has become a hot topic in education recently, especially with Prime Minister Keir Starmer bringing it into focus during pre-election discussion. Concern regarding the...

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August 8, 2024

“When we provide the right care and the right environment, they will flourish”

Stress, Shame and Sapless Succulents My garden, which is typically a neglected mess and truly overrun with weeds, got a big overhaul last spring. A sorry picture...

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March 1, 2024

Harmonizing potential: Enriching speech, language, and communication through the young voices choir and inclusion strategies for children with SLCN

How much do you know about Young Voices? The world's largest school choir group, performing year on year in venues all over the world, has...

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