The Communication Circle of Support

1. The Communication Circle of Support

3. You Will: • Understand the importance of adults closest to children, supporting the speech, language and communication development of children • Be aware of a range of simple approaches to support speech, language and communication development • Be aware of ways to work with parents to support their child’s speech, language and communication development • Be aware of information and resources which are useful in supporting children’s speech, language and communication development

4. Why do the Early Years Matter? • A child’s brain doubles in size in the first year and, by age three, it has reached around 80% of its adult volume (Rakic 2006) • Low vocabulary skills at school entry is associated not only with adult literacy at 34 years but also mental health and employability (Law, Rush, Parsons and Schoon, 2009 • Good quality early years education and childcare can have a positive impact on children’s vocabulary and literacy development, particularly for children from low-income families and for boys (Havnesand Mogstad 2009, Sylva et al 2010, Felfeand Lalive 2013).

5. What influences young children’s language development?

6. They understand WHY they are doing something Explain WHY its important to: Play Repeat words Keep it simple Follow the child’s lead Expand language Sing songs and Rhymes

7. They have had the right amount and type of feedback from those they are working with

8. They have had a demonstration, or have observed what they are being asked to do

9. They know what to expect from their child’s speech, language and communication skills

10. They feel that they have access to support if they need it WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN?

11. A Speech, Language and Communication Friendly Workforce

12. Have a thorough understanding of the foundation for early SLC development • Elklan Speech and Language Support 0-3s (Level 2 and 3) • ELKLAN Speech & Language Support for Under 5s • Hanen ‘Learning Language and Loving It’ • Hanen “Teacher Talk”

13. Know the Universal SLC messages and are confident about delivering these messages • Talk to your baby/child • Face to Face • Dummy awareness • Songs and Rhymes • Sharing Books • Screen time guidance

14. Embed Key messages into their practice so they are positive SLC role models • Model Adult Child Interaction (ACI) Strategies: -Observe, Wait, Listen -Follow Child’s Lead -Comment, Label and Repeat -Reduce questions -Add Language

15. Provide an optimum communication environment for the children in their care • Space/Layout/Lighting • Noise Levels- can distractions be minimised • Visual supports- pictures, photos, symbols • Daily Routines • Opportunities to interact with other children • Adults adapting their language and using strategies to aid understanding an use of language

16. Are aware of the importance of Early Identification and the process for Onward referral • Open referral system • Communicating with Children

17. I am doing some very helpful things...

18. Maybe I need to make some changes... I have the skills that can make a difference!

19. Interactions Language Input

20. Thank you for listening