Communication milestones you would expect your child to be reaching at around 18 months and when you should be concerned. Like our Facebook page to see more updates! facebook.com/talkinglab

Information and advice about the effects of oral sucking habits (dummies, thumb and finger sucking) on speech and communication

- Research around the impact of screens on communication development is very limited - It is not possible for children to learn FUNCTIONAL communication skills from screens - Screen time especially for young children should be treated with caution and restricted in a similar way to chocolate in a diet - Cutting down or eliminating screen time is recommended for ALL children with communication difficulties - Having screens on in the background, allowing unrestricted screen access and screens during mealtimes are all best avoided - Video calls are OK!

Happy SLT DIY Wednesday! Today we are talking about signing and Silver is going to showcase her signing skills. Signing is super fun and easy once you get going, remember your signs do not have to be 'official', as long as you are consistent it's fine to make them up. There are loads of fab free resources like this sign dictionary from BSL https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.signbsl.signbsl&hl=en_GB For Southampton locals with littlies I highly recommend Little Bear Baby Signing (we're loving their new online classes).https://www.littlebearbabysigning.com/ and we would love to hear your recommendations for other great signing classes. Stay safe and happy signing!

It's SLT DIY Wednesday! Today we're talking about using books to adapt your communication depending on your child's language level. Remember to repeat key words lots of times as children need to hear and understand some words around 500 times before they can start using it for themselves! We would love to see what your little ones dressed up as for world book day!

This is a super easy and fun technique to use every day to support your little one's developing language! The benefits of using choices are: - the child is an active participant in the process which reduces resisting behaviours - the child learns the names for the different items and experiences hearing the words lots of times - you find out more about what your child likes and dislikes! (Silver loves a cosy knit!) Have a go with your little one and tell us about how it went!

Choices part 2! It's SLT DIY Wednesday and we've got even more choices for you! It's so fun and easy to turn every interaction with your small person into a choice activity. Choices are not just for babies! 2-4 year olds: Use choices to practise saying phrases and sentences e.g. shall we play with the yellow truck or the purple motorbike? Do you want to walk to the shop or ride your bike? School age: Use choices to take the sting out of unpleasant activities. Shall we use the red pen or blue pen? Shall we start with maths or english? Do you want to sit in the lounge or dining room? Shall we start with question 1 or question 6? Before you know it the homework will be done!

How to substitute pronouns for meaningful words in order to support children's developing language