Communication and Language 

Good speaking and listening skills are crucial. Children need them to do well at school and to make friendships. Much later on, good communication skills are vital for their careers, as well as their all-round wellbeing.

What do we mean by speech, language and communication?

Speech refers to:

• Speaking with a clear voice, in a way that makes speech interesting and meaningful

• Speaking without hesitating too much or without repeating words or sounds
• Being able to make sounds like ‘k’ and ‘t’ clearly so people can understand what you say

Language refers to:

• Knowing and choosing the right words to explain what you mean
• Joining words together into sentences, stories and conversations
• Making sense of what people say

Communication refers to:

• Using language or gestures in different ways, for example to have a conversation or to give someone directions
• Being able to consider other people’s point of view
• Using and understanding body language and facial expressions, such as:
  • Knowing when someone is bored
  • Being able to listen to and look at people when having a conversation
  • Knowing how to take turns and to listen as well as talk
  • Knowing how close to stand next to someone

What are speech, language and communication needs?

• Difficulty in communicating with others
• Difficulties saying what they want to
• Difficulty in understanding what is being said to them
• Difficulties understanding and using social rules

Speech, language and communication needs can occur on their own without any other developmental needs, or be part of another conditions. For many children, difficulties will resolve naturally when they experience good communication-rich environments. Others may need a little extra support or longer term speech and language therapy support.

Nottinghamshire Language for Life 

Nottinghamshire Language for Life provides advice for everyone in Nottinghamshire, so we can all help our children learn to talk and communicate to the best of their ability. LDCS recognise the importance of these skills and regularly share information and tips regarding SLC using Notts Language for Life resources.

Talking Tuesdays 

As a school we share these Talking Tuesday Tips as a regular future in our Newsletter, on whole school Dojo and we retweet them on our school Twitter page.These tips are designed to give you fun ideas for practising language skills with your little one.

Let's Talk Makaton

Learn a new word every week and be inspired to get signing. Take a look on our Twitter page to learn the Sign of the Week.

What are signs and symbols?

• A sign is an action or a gesture that you make with your hands, body and face as you speak. 
• A symbol is a picture that you use to help communicate.
• Signs and symbols do not replace talking – they are always used at the same time as you talk.

Why do we use signs and symbols?

• Signs and symbols help children’s attention and listening skills.
• They help children to understand and learn new words and concepts.
• They help children to get their message across and help children’s independence.

How do signs and symbols help?

• They last longer than spoken words, to give children more time to process and understand what has been said.
• They draw attention to important key words they hear.
• Using them with all children means all children and adults understand and use them so they can talk and communicate together.

World Nursery Rhyme Week 

We’re proud to take part in World Nursery Rhyme Week each year. This exciting initiative helps to support important literacy and language development of our young children. To download your free resources visit: www.worldnurseryrhymeweek.com

Useful Links

Useful Resources