AnnaWestaway, Author at Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Some children use phrases that seem out of context, but they might be using it to show a link between something. If we can do ‘the detective work’, and find out where a phrase has come from, it can help us understand what a child means. Gestalt are connected to emotion or an experience...

Here are some strategies that we can use for all gestalt language processors (GLPs). You can use for them for GLP children at any stage. Affirm what your child is saying, even if you do not understand Some children might use a string of language that we cannot understand, but that seems to mean...

What is gestalt language processing? There are 2 ways that children can learn language. These are analytic language processing (ALP) and gestalt language processing (GLP). Some children use a mix of both types of language learning. We call the chunks of language that children learn “gestalts”,...

There are 6 stages of gestalt language development. This webpage looks at stage 1 and 2. Stage 1 At stage 1, children use scripts that they have copied from other people or places. These are often linked to times when they were feeling big emotions like excitement or frustration. They might echo...

There are 6 stages of gestalt language development. This webpage looks at stage 3 and 4. Stage 3 Children at stage 3 are starting to pull out single words from longer gestalts. They also start to make new 2 word combinations. This can sound like they are going backwards, because at stage 1 they...

How can we help children to learn more gestalts? We can support children who are gestalt language processors (GLPs) by modelling phrases. We can do this during play and everyday activities together. To increase the number of scripts a child knows, adults should: Model phrases that are functional....

What is joint attention? Joint attention is the sharing of a moment between two people when they both know that they are focused on the same thing.  You might also hear the terms ‘shared attention’ or ‘shared/joint engagement’. This means a child can focus their attention on the person they...

Comprehension monitoring means checking that a child has the ability to be aware of when they do not understand information or instructions given to them. Once they are aware they need to realise that they need to ask for help to be able to understand. All children can benefit from being given or...

What is intensive interaction? Intensive interaction is an approach designed to help people at the early stages of communication development. It was developed by the Intensive Interaction Institute. Intensive interaction is a fun and enjoyable way of developing your child’s communication. It is...

What are comic strip conversations? Comic strip conversations are an approach to support social understanding. Who are comic strip conversations for? Comic strip conversations were originally developed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder but are also a useful approach for supporting...

What are first and then boards? First and then boards are a type of visual support. They show two activities that take place in sequence, to help your child understand what is going to happen. Why do we use first and then boards? First and then boards are really helpful for helping children to...

Download here: Glossary of subjects you will hear in secondary school This vocabulary sheet can tell you the words for lessons at school. We have included some suggested colours if you are planning to colour-code your timetable. Art A lesson where you paint, draw and create different artwork....

What are objects of reference? Objects of reference are objects that are used alongside spoken language to represent activities, people, places, or events. These objects can support transitions from one activity or place to another. You’re probably already using some objects of reference, for...

Download here: Glossary of words you will hear in secondary school  

Moving to secondary school can be a big step for some children. It can be difficult for children to remember what to do in certain situations, especially if they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. How do we use the help cards in school? Use the ‘help’ cards to talk through these situations with...

What is a school planner? Most secondary schools provide their pupils with a planner. This helps the pupils to be organised. It is like a diary but it goes from September until July. The planner has different sections. The main part is the diary section. This is where pupils record homework they...

Visual Support When chatting with your child, referring to pictures or objects related to the conversation topic will help them to learn and remember new words. Use sign and gesture to support your spoken language.   ‘Here and Now’ Try to relate things to the ‘here and now’ and your...