Speech, Language and Communication

1. Speech, Language and Communication

2. Aim To understand Speech, Language and Communication. Outcomes Understand the development stages of communication Comprehend the meaning of speech, language and communication Examine the effects of positive support for SLC Analyse SLC needs Evaluate the effectiveness of early identification of SLC needs

3. Speech • Verbal communication • The act of speaking • The articulation of words to express thoughts, feelings or ideas

4. Speech • Speech is the process of vocalising language. It is produced by muscle actions that occur in the head, neck, chest and abdomen. When learning to speak, children are discovering how to regulate and co-ordinate muscles to produce a number of sounds, which when combined result in words that others can understand. There are more than 40 sounds to master in the English language.

5. Language • A recognised system of gestures, signs and symbols used to communicate

6. Language • Language is a symbolic communication system. The symbols can be spoken out loud, written down or signed. There are rules about the way these symbols are used, but once they are understood, the rules allow people to say anything they want within the limitations of their vocabulary. Each of the symbols in a language system have meaning, but these are often abstract, which makes them complex to learn.

7. Communication • The transmission of thoughts, feelings or information via body language, signals, speech or writing. An umbrella term that refers the way in which people send messages or signals to one another.

8. Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) • Children with SLCN have difficulties in communicating with others, it may be they cannot express themselves effectively or they may have difficulties in understanding what is being said to them.

9. Speech and Language and Communication skills support areas of development such as: • Learning • Emotional • Behavioural • Social Discuss in groups how SLC skills support the above.

10. In small groups discuss ideas on the ways adults can effectively support and extend speech, language and communication development and the positive effects this may have for children and carers

11. Now continue your discussion to methods you may use to provide support in your setting for different • Age group • Specific needs/abilities • Home language • Interests

12. Children may have difficulties across one or many of the different elements of speech, language and communication resulting in a breakdown in communication. • SCLN is often known as the ‘hidden disability’ the knock on effect to development is considerable. If children don’t receive adequate support there is the risk of long term problems developing

13. Early identification of SLC delays and disorders enable children to get the professional support they need as soon as possible, limiting the effect on their development. • Once a SLC has been detected the parents, GP or health visitor will become involved. A test will be carried out and the child referred to speech and language, all will work as a multi-agency team.