We've preselected "All levels" for you, but you can change your study level at any
time by choosing one of the options on this menu. Changing your study level will return
you to the beginning of the module.
For functional reasons, eg to obtain something or to have needs met,
to solve a problem, negotiate or refuse something; or
For social reasons, eg to comment on something, to share experience
or for mutual pleasure.
Do you need
language to think?
In the clip from a review meeting, Sophia's class teacher, Jess, describes Sophia's
progress and potential in communication.
If Sophia was in your class, what do you think you would need to do next to support
Sophia's communication?
Some suggestions
Some
suggestions
You might consider the following possibilities:
Make opportunities for Sophia to communicate.
Insist that she says what she wants either through signing, her Tech/Talk
or using her voice.
Help her to develop her skills further in signing, using her Tech/Talk and
speaking.
Praise her efforts to communicate.
Return
Skills
to improve communication
Q
How can professionals and parents improve children's communication skills?
Click for the answer
A
Professionals and parents need to:
Understand that language development is underpinned by earlier basic communication
skills promoted through interaction with parents, teachers and caregivers;
Observe children closely to spot signs of progress; and
Where appropriate use supportive communication systems, eg signs and symbols,
or utilise new technologies to maximise communication.
Signing
Signing systems developed for children with learning difficulties offer visual
support to help them communicate. They provide additional gestural cues for the spoken
word but do not replace speech.
There are two signing systems in common use in special schools:
Makaton, which supports the communication of key words; and
Signalong, which offers a large number of signs.
A wide range of teaching resources and computer software is available commercially
which can be used to support communication and literacy through signing.
Technology
and signing in action
Video 1
2:30
A story session using a broad range of supported
communication systems.
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Video 12:30A story session using a broad range of supported communication systems.