Introduce
Even whilst they are in the womb, a baby can begin to build a bond with the people who love them. From about 16 weeks babies can hear their mum’s voice, and by about 20 weeks they start to get to know other familiar voices too.
The following tips are developed by GMCA to help parents reflect on how they can support communication from pre-birth and into the early years.
In the following video, we hear from health visitor Anne and psychologist Sue, who explain how parents can learn to interpret what their babies might be communicating. New mums Tara and Emily share how they are learning to understand and respond to their babies.
Develop
A communication-supportive environment is designed to nurture and enhance children’s speech, language and communication skills. There is the need to focus on the following 3 elements:
- The physical environment: creating spaces that encourage interaction, play and creativity
- Adult strategies: adults who intentionally engage with babies and young children through approaches such as active listening, modelling, asking open ended questions, providing visual supports and encouraging turn-taking
- Opportunities for practice: as children get older they need activities and social interactions which will help develop their communication
The following checklist helps you to think about settings might create spaces that support communication & language development from the earliest opportunities:
Further resources:
- You can find more information about the key communication and language milestones on the Speech and Language UK website here.
- The following NHS resource, supports parents with tips and advice to help develop their baby’s communication journey: Help your baby learn to talk – NHS.
- You can also find activities for parents to try with their baby or child on the Words for Life website.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: The following questions encourage you to reflect on your own interactions with children and families to identify ways to develop support strategies as well as considering their home environment:
– Reflect on how you engage with children during play or daily routines. Are you intentionally using daily interactions to support communication and language development? Are you missing any opportunities?
– How might the home environment influence a child’s communication and language development?
– Are there any additional resources or training which could strengthen your ability to understand and support this area of development?
Optional
The following document is taken from www.birthto5matters.org.uk and can help you think about how to support children in developing their communication and language skills.