Helping Children to Improve Their Communication Skills

Book excerpt: `This book encourages all those working with children with speech, language and communication needs to develop their creativity within a model of child-centred reflective practice, acknowledging that our interaction with children has an effect at many different levels. Therapists, teachers, teaching assistants and parents will find a wealth of practical suggestions and a solid foundation of research within these pages.' Mary Hampton, Chair, Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP), UK For many children, the act of communication that most of us take for granted can be a struggle, and communicating with others can become something to fear rather than enjoy. This creative book is full of fun and imaginative ideas to help children aged 4-11 with a speech or language delay or disorder to develop their communication abilities and skills. It is packed with activities and games tailored to help develop abilities such as effective listening, imagination and perseverance, and to build specific skills such as formulation of questions, categorising, taking turns and understanding non-verbal communication. Tips for personalising and shaping the activities are provided. A comprehensive theory section also covers how play can be a therapeutic tool for enhancing communication, and how to structure the emotional environment. Practical advice on working with groups and individuals and in different settings is also given. This activity book is an invaluable resource not only for speech and language therapists and students, but also for parents, teachers, carers and other support staff who are looking for creative ways to promote speech and language development. Deborah M. Plummer is a speech and language therapist and imagework practitioner with over 20 years' experience of facilitating groups and working individually with both children and adults. Formerly a clinical lead therapist working within the NHS, she now lectures at De Montfort University, Leicester, and runs workshops and short courses on the uses of imagery and story-telling and issues of self-esteem. Deborah is author of several titles, including Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety: A Photocopiable Activities Book, Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Activities Book, 2nd edition, Self-Esteem Games for Children, Social Skills Games for Children, Helping Adolescents and Adults to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Resource Book, and Anger Management Games for Children, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Deborah's website can be found at www.deborahplummer.co.uk.