Speech and Language Therapy
Date of issue: November 2023
Date reviewed: xxx
Review due: xxx
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published.
Fife Speech & Language Therapy Department The Picture Communication Symbols ©1981–2010 by MayerJohnson LLC.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Used with permission.
Take turns
Copy the child’s babble/vocalisations. Take turns
with toys and games (e.g. rolling a ball to and
fro).
Offer choices
Offer specific choices, such as “Would you like a
puzzle or a book?” rather than asking, “What do you want?”
Pay attention to the non-verbal
Accept gesture, pointing and facial expressions as a
response. Interpret what they’ve tried to tell you, even if it’s not clear.
Think about language levels
Use simple or reduced language – this is ok for younger children. Build on the number of words they are using. If the child says "car” you can say “yes big car”
Environment What is your position?
Switch the telly off! Be at their level (e.g. sit with them on the floor). Everyday objects are as good as expensive toys.
Now follow your child's lead
Go with the child's interest and choice of toys. Children like repetition, so use the same book or toy.
Think about different words
Remember to label action words (e.g. jumping) as well as objects (e.g. teddy). Talk to your child about what you are doing as you do it (e.g. shopping and washing).
Promote opportunities
Don’t anticipate what the child wants – look expectantly and wait. Use more comments than questions.
Start having fun
Short bursts See what works Give lots of praise! Well done!
Early Verbal Communication
Looking for more information, we suggest: www.talkingpoint.org or www.ican.org.uk BOTH SITES ARE THROWING UP ERRORS PLEASE CHECK
Coos or gurgles.
Cries for different wants and needs
Babbles and uses inflected (goes up and down) vocal play
Imitates your noises and uses jargon (strings of sounds that serve to mimic real speech).
Approx. 0-6 months
Starts to produce some single words (around 1-10 in total).
Uses mostly gesture with some
vocalisations to accompany this
Early words may include “mamma”,
“dada” or “doggie”
Around 12 months
All common vowel sounds
3 years
[p] pan, sheep
[b] ball, crab
[t] teddy, letter
[d] dog, bed
[m] mouse, mummy
[n] nose, banana
[w] wellies
3 years
These are the ages when 90% of children will use these sounds.
The above information is based on research by Ann Locke
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
Other pages in Patient advice
