Developing Early Communication, Language and Learning Skills at Home

Developing Early Communication, Language and Learning Skills at Home is full of tried-and-tested, practical activities for children developing their communication, language and learning skills including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This book provides parents, teachers and therapists with a range of playful and engaging activities to consolidate and develop children's language and communication skills at home and school. Organised into five areas, the resource includes motivating activities around the themes of outdoor activities, daily routines, messy play, games for turn-taking and games to encourage creativity and make sense of the world. Features include: . 50 activities, each with a list of equipment, instructions, top tips, key vocabulary and ideas for extending the activity next time . Symbol boards for each activity to support children's understanding and experiences . Photocopiable sheets for ease of use . Guidance on how to tailor activities to the interests and needs of the child to produce a personalised activity pack . An activity checklist to help you maximise your interactions with the child . An activity log to record children's responses and achievements With clear and easy-to-follow instructions, the activities are suitable for use with children who are non-verbal, still developing their early communication or children who are talking. This is an invaluable resource for teachers, teaching assistants or therapists to share relevant activities with parents, and can equally be used by parents as a stand-alone resource. Designed to support the transfer of learning from school to home, this book will empower anyone working with children with SEND to develop children's communication, language and learning through playful interactions.

Laura Osman is a teacher at a preschool for children with severe, complex and profound learning difficulties and autism with responsibility for assessment and curriculum development. She is also a speech and language therapist and advanced sensory integration practitioner with an independent caseload working with primary school children with a range of communication, language and learning difficulties. Laura previously worked as a paediatric speech and language therapist for the NHS. Heidi Manouchehri is a teacher at a school for children with severe autism and additional learning needs. She is also a qualified speech and language therapist with experience working with children and parents in special needs settings and mainstream schools for the NHS. Heidi is completing her MA in SEN at the University of East London.

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Explore Outdoors: 10 playful activities to engage in outdoors 3. Daily Routines: 10 playful activities to enjoy during daily routines 4. Messy Play: 10 playful activities that use everyday items 5. Games: 10 playful activities to develop turn-taking and friendships 6. Understanding the World: 10 playful activities to help children make sense of the world and develop their creativity