Big idea for small talkers

A STAFFORDSHIRE mum is setting up language groups aimed at finding fun ways to develop speech and communication skills in pre-school youngsters.

Small Talk Language Groups are the brainchild of Libby Hill, a Uttoxeter-based speech and language therapist who was concerned that there is nothing of its kind available to local parents at a time when studies have shown our childrens’ communication skills are falling*.

The groups use things like pretend play, story-telling, puppets and magic carpets to Language Land** to help three and four-year-olds build and improve skills essential to starting school.

They are run by qualified language experts, and similar to other pre-school groups, with the emphasis on learning through fun and play, though uniquely centred on language.

“We recognised the need for such a group after one of my team with a young son had looked around in vain for a session to take him to that was language-centred,” explained Mrs Hill.

“Whilst parents have a choice of music and exercise sessions, we were amazed that none of the groups we found focus on language and communication, and the vital skills youngsters need.

“We are all hard-wired to learn language, but recent studies have shown that there are increasingly high numbers of children at school who do not have the correct levels of speech and language skills.

“When they get to school, children need to be competent at a number of things to communicate effectively, such as having good attention levels, and the ability to listen and follow instructions. Our sessions will help develop these.

“Our group is designed for all children – whether you think your child has problems, or is a wonderful communicator – they can always improve their skills, and being able to communicate well is a fantastic confidence builder.

“The sessions last around 40 minutes, and our experts use puppets, games, songs, a magic carpet, stories and pretend play to make them as much fun as possible.

“We also aim to involve parents as much as possible, and hopefully give them ideas of ways they can further help their children at home.”

Sessions are currently being held at Hixon Village Hall on Tuesday afternoons from 1.45pm, and Boley Park community hall in Lichfield on Fridays at 1.45pm, with plans to establish across Staffordshire in coming months.

First sessions are free, to give parents a feel for the group, with a charge of £3.50 for subsequent visits. To find out more, contact Mrs Hill on 01889 560888 or visit her website, www.smalltalk-ltd.co.uk.

* The recent Bercow report highlighted the fact that 7% of any class might not have the necessary spoken language skills to begin to access the curriculum. Bercow found that this figure increases to 50% in areas of social deprivation.

**Language Land has been developed over the past seven years through funding by Newcastle-Under-Lyme NHS PCT and Staffordshire LEA, to provide a complete programme to improve the speech and language skills of children in Primary and nursery education not just those with identified problems.