‘I Spy’ is a great way to develop your child’s language and comprehension skills, as it encourages them to look carefully at an image, think about what they can see and then talk about it too.
For younger children, a great way to play ‘I Spy’ is to describe something from the picture, rather than using the initial sound. For example, ‘I Spy with my little eye…something that is pink and makes an oink! sound’ – ‘A Pig!’
Choose one of the ‘I Spy’ games below and let us know what you think!
One of the main areas in the EYFS curriculum is to support children in their ability to listen and participate in conversations. Listening is a skill that needs to be taught to young children, so that they are able to consider the views of others’, listen to stories and share their own thoughts and ideas too.
The development of listening and attention skills is essential to promote a child’s understanding and use of language. Listening and attention skills also help a child to function properly in society as they aid their social development, Literacy and comprehension skills as well as their communication and language development.
Why not try some of these games to develop your child’s listening and attention skills?
Support your child’s speech and language development by talking about what is wrong in the classroom.
One of the best ways to support young children with their organisation and time management is to create a visual timetable, so that they know exactly what their morning, afternoon or day looks like. We use visual timetables in school to organise the structure of our day and they are particularly useful in supporting children with SEND; as children then now exactly what is expected of them.
Here are some examples of visual timetables. You could also draw pictures of your morning/ afternoon/ evening and then remove each activity as you complete it.
Nursery rhymes provide bite-sized learning opportunities for young children to develop key developmental skills and can often be the trigger for hours of creative and open-ended play. They are a powerful learning source in early literacy and enable children to become interested in the rhythm and patterns of language.
“Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old, they’re usually among the best readers by the time they’re eight. -”
Mem Fox, Reading Magic.
Below is a booklet containing some classic Nursery Rhymes that you and your child can enjoy together. You can also put the names of your favourite rhymes into YouTube so you can watch and listen to them. Alternatively, Cbeebies iplayer has some great Rhymes from Mr Tumble.
Let us know your favourite Nursery Rhyme in the comment box below 🙂
Hope you all enjoy the first Bedtime Story of 2021!
Here are some ways to support your child’s speech and language development through play:
Use the picture prompt below to help develop your child’s speech skills and their understanding of language.
Can you recognise and talk about what is wrong in the picture?
Here are some fantastic ideas for supporting speech and language ideas in everyday activities.
Remote learning can be challenging for all children, particularly those learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Here are a wide range of websites and resources, aimed to support children and families with SEND.
BBC Bitesize have a specific SEND section on their website, offering lots of advice and resources to support remote learning for young people.
Special Needs Jungle offer lots of support and useful links for families.
‘ChatterPack’ is a voluntary community project, which offers free support for schools, parents and children with SEND. They have a wide range of resources including free websites, a monthly newsletter and lots of resources to support a wide range of Special Educational Needs.
To find out more, click here.
For free home learning resources, click here.
For free Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy support and resources, click here.
The Communication Trust
Top tips for supporting children with SLCN
Dyslexia Information for Parents from Nessy
Working Memory Advice and Games
If your child, or anyone in your family, is struggling to cope with the current situation, ‘Young Minds’ have a range of resources and support bases available to help.
The ‘Young Minds’ website has tips and advice on how to support your child’s mental health during the pandemic and also has links to external services, which can provide further support and information.
‘Empowering Little Minds’ provides ideas and resources for sensory and
messy play, aimed at children aged 2 – 10 years old.
‘Singing Hands’ is a YouTube channel which uses features Makaton songs and rhymes.
‘Relax Kids’ provides a free ‘Calm Pack’, which includes advice for children, parents and carers.
Remote Learning advice for specific areas of need including Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism.
South Tyneside Local Offer provides resources, advice and links to external agencies to support parents and young people with SEND.
The Government have also produced a list of online resources, aimed to support learning across the curriculum for all children. This includes links to charities to support Mental Health, Speech and Language and many other areas too.
If you would like any additional information or support, please email cedwards@marsdenprimary.org.uk.
