early communication Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

What are actions? Actions are movements with your hands, and can include gestures and signs. They give extra information to the words you say, like when you wave bye. Children often start to copy and use actions before they start to say words. Why use signs and gestures? Using signs and gestures...

Ready, steady, go games: Play with cars down a ramp Bubbles A tickling game Remember to pause before you say go to see if your child says ‘go’ or reaches or looks at you to ask for more. Enjoy playing this game with your child. If your child gets bored, stop and try again another…...

Chatting to your child can be one of the most effective ways for them to improve their speech and language. In this YouTube series, Weekend Words, our Speech and Language Therapy team will demonstrate key language strategies for you to try at home. View this video for ideas on how you can help your...

Chatting to your child can be one of the most effective ways for them to improve their speech and language. In this YouTube series, Weekend Words, our Speech and Language Therapy team will demonstrate key language strategies for you to try at home. View this video for ideas on how you can help your...

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...

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 people games? People games are physical games you play with your child without any toys, for example, tickling and chasing. Why are people games so great for communication and interaction? There are lots of opportunities for your child to take a turn as they are repetitive and predictable....