Snapdragon Speech

Snapdragon Speech Snapdragon Speech is a private practice located in the Ballarat area

Around 18 months, your toddler is soaking up so much language - here’s what they might be doing:👂 Understanding up to 50...
22/09/2025

Around 18 months, your toddler is soaking up so much language - here’s what they might be doing:
👂 Understanding up to 50 words and some short phrases
👂 Following simple instructions like “throw the ball”
👉 Pointing to familiar objects and pictures in favourite books

When it comes to talking, you may notice:
🗣 Saying 6 to 20 single words - some clearer than others, but getting more consistent
🗣 Copying lots of words and sounds they hear
🗣 Naming a few body parts
🗣 Using toys in pretend play - like holding a toy phone to their ear and saying “hello?”

Tip:
Get face-to-face with me when we communicate - it helps me see your expressions and connect what I hear with what I see!

What new words or games are your little one loving right now? Share with us!

Resource of the Week – Bean Bags!Bean bags are a fun and flexible way to support communication and language development:...
20/09/2025

Resource of the Week – Bean Bags!
Bean bags are a fun and flexible way to support communication and language development:
🗣️ Turn-taking: Passing bean bags back and forth is a simple way to practise turn-taking in play.
❓ Asking & answering questions: “Who has the bean bag?” or “What colour is it?” builds vocabulary and comprehension.
🎶 Songs & rhymes: Using bean bags in action songs adds movement and makes repetition more engaging.
📚 Storytelling & play: Bean bags can become props in imaginative play, sparking new words and ideas.
Bean bags are an easy addition to your speech and language toolkit — simple, versatile, and fun!

As Term 3 comes to a close, we’re celebrating all the amazing progress our little clients have made - from first words t...
19/09/2025

As Term 3 comes to a close, we’re celebrating all the amazing progress our little clients have made - from first words to big milestones, every step counts!

Thank you to all the families for your ongoing support, patience, and trust. We’re so proud to be part of your child’s communication journey.

Here’s to a restful break and coming back refreshed for even more growth and fun in Term 4!

Stay safe and enjoy the school holidays!

Sometimes the simplest questions give the most insightful answers. We asked Sam, Amelia, and Hannah to sum up their work...
17/09/2025

Sometimes the simplest questions give the most insightful answers. We asked Sam, Amelia, and Hannah to sum up their work in just three words – and their choices capture both the heart and the reality of working in paediatric speech therapy.

Sam:
Connection. Advocacy. Growth.

Amelia:
Fulfilling. Supportive. And at times… chaotic.

Hannah:
Supportive. Engaging. Rewarding.

Three words might not tell the whole story, but they reflect the passion, dedication, and joy our team experiences every day in helping children find their voice and reach their goals.

Around 12 months, your little one is starting to really tune in to the world of words and sounds! Here’s what they might...
15/09/2025

Around 12 months, your little one is starting to really tune in to the world of words and sounds! Here’s what they might be doing:

👂 They understand about 10 words — can you spot any?
👋 They respond when you call their name.
👋 They know greetings like “hi” and “bye-bye” (waving optional!).
👶 They recognise familiar faces and favourite things — maybe mummy, blankie, or teddy.
👀 They make lovely eye contact when you chat.

When it comes to talking, you might notice:
💬 Babbling lots of sounds and trying out new noises.
💬 Using gestures and maybe a few simple words.
💬 Copying the sounds they hear around them.

Quick tip:
When you talk to your little one, pause and wait for them to respond before you say more - this gives them time to practise their communication!

What’s your favourite word or sound your child is using right now? Share below!

Meltdowns aren’t misbehaviour.Shutdowns aren’t attention-seeking.Dysregulation isn’t something to punish — it’s a sign o...
13/09/2025

Meltdowns aren’t misbehaviour.
Shutdowns aren’t attention-seeking.
Dysregulation isn’t something to punish — it’s a sign of overwhelm.

In our sessions, if a child becomes dysregulated, we don’t push through or try to control their behaviour. Instead, we:
🧍‍♀️ Stay calm and co-regulate
🧸 Follow the child’s lead
⏳ Slow down the pace
🔁 Offer predictable routines and visuals
💛 Reassure them that they are safe, seen, and supported

All behaviour is communication — and our role is to listen before we respond.

Today is a reminder to check in with those around us -  a simple question can make a world of difference.At Snapdragon S...
10/09/2025

Today is a reminder to check in with those around us - a simple question can make a world of difference.

At Snapdragon Speech, we believe that communication is more than words; it’s about truly listening and being present. Whether it’s a child learning to express themselves or a friend needing support, asking “Are you OK?” can open the door to connection and understanding.

Take a moment today to reach out, listen, and show you care. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there can mean everything.

If you or someone you know needs support, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals.

Resource of the Week – Alphabet Blocks!Alphabet blocks aren’t just fun—they’re a fantastic tool for supporting children’...
10/09/2025

Resource of the Week – Alphabet Blocks!
Alphabet blocks aren’t just fun—they’re a fantastic tool for supporting children’s communication and literacy development:
🔠 Letter recognition & sound awareness: Exploring letters through play helps children make connections between sounds and symbols, laying foundations for reading and spelling.
🗣️ Vocabulary & language skills: Naming letters, words, and objects during block play encourages vocabulary growth and sentence expansion.
👥 Interaction & communication: Taking turns, asking questions, and commenting about blocks provides natural opportunities for conversation and social communication practice.
Alphabet blocks are an easy, low-prep way to make speech and language practice part of everyday play.

Minimal pairsMinimal pairs is a therapy approach using pairs of words that differ by just one sound, such as “tea” and “...
08/09/2025

Minimal pairs

Minimal pairs is a therapy approach using pairs of words that differ by just one sound, such as “tea” and “key” or “bat” and “pat”. Practising these helps children learn to hear and produce speech sounds more accurately.

It’s often used when a child swaps one sound for another or leaves sounds out. By highlighting the difference between the words, children become more aware of how changing a sound changes the meaning.

Happy Father’s Day! 👨‍👧‍👦💙Today we celebrate all the amazing dads, granddads, uncles, and father figures who support, en...
06/09/2025

Happy Father’s Day! 👨‍👧‍👦💙

Today we celebrate all the amazing dads, granddads, uncles, and father figures who support, encourage, and cheer on the little voices finding their way.

Your love and patience make such a difference in a child’s journey - whether it’s celebrating first words, practising sounds, or sharing stories together.

Thank you for being their biggest fans every step of the way!

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with love and laughter.

Every speech pathologist’s journey is unique, shaped by experiences, passions, and the people who’ve inspired them along...
06/09/2025

Every speech pathologist’s journey is unique, shaped by experiences, passions, and the people who’ve inspired them along the way. We asked Sam, Amelia, and Hannah to share what led them to focus on working with children – and their answers show just how personal and meaningful their paths have been.

Sam:
I actually fell into paediatrics! When I finished uni, I was open to working with either adults or kids, so I started in a private practice where I could see both. Over time, I realised how much I loved working with children and their families. There’s something really special about seeing progress unfold and being able to celebrate those small wins together.

Amelia:
Communication is so important to me, and I believe everyone has the right to communicate! I have a deep appreciation for language and the way it allows us to connect and share our ideas with others. Working in paediatric speech allows me to combine this appreciation with my passion for helping children. I love seeing kids grow in confidence and communication, and working in paediatric speech allows me to do this in a creative and playful way!

Hannah:
I previously worked as a Primary School Teacher, where I enjoyed helping students develop their developmental and language skills. It was only when a couple of my students saw a visiting speech pathologist at school that I was inspired by what they do. Frequent conversations with the speech pathologist, and others throughout my teaching career, sparked my interest. Five years later, I decided to take a leap of faith, start working alongside a speech therapist, and begin studying Speech Pathology.

Whether it’s a career that started unexpectedly, grew from a lifelong passion for communication, or evolved from a background in education, each of our team members brings their own unique story and drive to supporting children and families.

Resource of the Week – Stickers!Stickers are a versatile and beneficial tool for developmental learning:🖍️ Fine motor sk...
04/09/2025

Resource of the Week – Stickers!

Stickers are a versatile and beneficial tool for developmental learning:
🖍️ Fine motor skills: Peeling and sticking stickers help strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination.
🌈 Creativity: Designing scenes with stickers fosters imagination and artistic expression.
🗣️ Communication: Discussing stickers enhances conversation and vocabulary, encouraging language development.

Incorporate stickers into your playtime for a fun, engaging activity that boosts fine motor skills and communication!

Address

15 Dawson Street South
Ballarat Central, VIC
3350

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Website

https://events.humanitix.com/speechie-library-talks-2024-ballarat-library

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