ABSTRACT

This revised and updated second edition of Working with Children’s Language has been created to support practitioners who work with young children with delayed language acquisition.

Rooted in a developmental theory of language learning, it covers topics such as attention control and listening, the role of play, verbal comprehension and the acquisition of spoken expressive language. Each chapter offers a straightforward overview of current research relating to the specific language skill before introducing a wealth of targeted games and activities that can help support the development of those skills.

Key features include:

• A structured approach to language learning that can be followed as a programme or adapted for informal use by individual practitioners.

• Accessible activities, games and ideas suitable for small group or individual intervention, linked to specific aims based on developmental norms.

• Photocopiable and downloadable resources, including a record sheet to track progress in each skill against aims and outcomes for individual children.

Clearly linking theory and practice in an engaging and easy-to-follow format, this is an invaluable resource to support children in early years settings and Key Stage 1 whose language is delayed, but who are otherwise developing normally. It is a must-have book for early years practitioners, teachers, SEND professionals and speech and language therapists with varying levels of experience.

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|31 pages

Early communication skills

chapter 2|51 pages

Attention and listening skills

chapter 3|36 pages

The role of play

chapter 4|71 pages

The development of verbal comprehension

chapter 5|67 pages

The acquisition of expressive language