Helping Children Find Their Voices

Designed to be used either independently or alongside the 'Words Together' storybooks, Helping Children Find Their Voices is a guide for parents and practitioners supporting children in the early stages of learning to talk, specifically to understand and use two-word sentences. Written in a friendly and reassuring tone, the book untangles questions and concerns that many parents and practitioners share around language development, such as whether children are reaching important milestones, whether they benefit from screen-time and dummies, and what to do if there might be a problem. Key features of this book include: . Chapters that can either be followed consecutively, offering tips on how to encourage first words and the combining of words into two-word sentences, or dipped in-and-out of according to the individual child's level of development . Practical information and advice rooted in theory, giving parents and practitioners the confidence and background knowledge to support communication . Activities that can be integrated into everyday interactions, giving children the opportunity to hear simple sentence structures that they can progress towards in their own speech. Also available as part of a set, with four colourful picture books, this guide is an ideal resource for early years practitioners, parents, and those working with children who have delayed speech and language development.

Kate Freeman is a highly experienced speech and language therapist, consultant and former charity director. She is also a mum to three grown-up sons, and a grandmother. Kate's passion is working with children and families, making a difference to their futures. Kate's career has included working with children, families, groups, local authorities, charities and commercial organisations, providing an insight into the skills of communication and how children learn to talk.

Introduction Chapter one: what we need to know about talking Chapter two: Baby steps and first words - how can I help? Chapter three: The important two-word stage Chapter four: Other things to think about Chapter five: What if things aren't going to plan? Chapter six: next steps