Learning in Steps

27/10/2025

🌱 What is a Developmental Language Delay?

Some children take a little longer to develop their language skills — this is known as a developmental language delay. It means a child’s understanding and/or use of language is behind what’s expected for their age.

💬 Common signs might include:
• Limited vocabulary for their age
• Difficulty putting words together into sentences
• Trouble following instructions
• Frustration when trying to communicate

👂 Early support makes a big difference! Speech pathologists can help your child build the skills they need to understand and express themselves confidently.

✨ Every child’s journey is unique — progress at their own pace is still progress.

26/10/2025

21/10/2025

🗣️ Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a motor speech disorder that makes it hard for children to plan and coordinate the muscle movements needed for clear speech.

💬 Children with CAS may:
• Know what they want to say but can’t get the words out
• Have inconsistent speech errors (words sound different each time)
• Struggle with longer or more complex words
• Use fewer words or sounds for their age

🌟 How therapy helps:
Speech therapy for CAS focuses on repetition, movement practice, and visual or tactile cues to help your child’s brain and mouth work together.

With consistent support and practice, progress is possible ❤️

👩‍⚕️ Speak to a speech pathologist if you notice your child having difficulty coordinating speech movements or making consistent sounds.

16/10/2025

🗣️ What are WH Questions & Why Are They Important?

WH questions are the ones that start with words like:
❓ Who – asks about a person
❓ What – asks about a thing or action
❓ Where – asks about a place
❓ When – asks about time
❓ Why – asks about a reason
❓ How – asks about a process or way something happens

These questions help children:
💬 Build their understanding and expression of language
🧠 Develop thinking and reasoning skills
👫 Take part in conversations and social interactions
📚 Strengthen comprehension for stories and everyday situations

🌟 Supporting your child to answer and ask WH questions helps them become confident communicators!

14/10/2025

📚 Signs your child may need literacy support

Literacy skills are the foundation for learning — but sometimes, children need a little extra help to build them. Here are some signs your child may benefit from support from a Speech Pathologist:

✨ Difficulty recognising letters or sounds
✨ Trouble blending sounds to make words
✨ Avoids reading or writing activities
✨ Struggles to spell simple words
✨ Has a limited sight word vocabulary
✨ Finds it hard to understand what they read

Speech Pathologists can help develop the skills needed for confident reading, writing, and comprehension. 🌟

👩‍🏫 Early support makes a big difference!

14/10/2025

✨ How Sensory Tools Support Speech Therapy ✨
Sensory tools aren’t just for play — they can make speech therapy more effective and engaging! 💬🖐️

🎨 Why they help:
• 🧠 Regulate attention: Fidgets or weighted items help kids stay calm and focused.
• 👄 Support speech sounds: Tools like chewies or bubbles can strengthen oral muscles.
• 🤝 Encourage participation: Sensory play builds comfort and confidence during sessions.
• 🎯 Boost engagement: Hands-on activities make learning fun and meaningful!

💡 Every child’s sensory needs are different — the right tools can make a big difference in their communication journey.

10/10/2025

🗣️ October is AAC Awareness Month! 💬
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication — and it helps people of all ages communicate when speaking is difficult.

AAC can be:
🧩 Pictures or symbols
💻 Speech-generating devices
👐 Gestures or sign language
📱 Communication apps

AAC gives children and adults a voice — helping them express their thoughts, needs, and feelings. 💛

Let’s spread awareness, break down barriers, and celebrate all the amazing communicators who use AAC every day! 🌟

06/10/2025

📚 Why is Literacy Important?

Literacy is more than just reading and writing — it’s the foundation for all learning!
When children develop strong literacy skills, they can:
✨ Understand and express ideas
🧠 Build vocabulary and language skills
💬 Communicate more effectively
🌏 Learn about the world around them

Early literacy experiences — like reading books, storytelling, and playing with sounds — set kids up for lifelong success in school and beyond!

👶 Start early. Read often. Make it fun!

05/10/2025

🎤 When Do Speech Sounds Develop?
Every child develops speech sounds at their own pace — but here’s a general guide to when certain sounds typically emerge:

👶 Ages 2–3:
✅ p, b, m, n, h, w

👧 Ages 3–4:
✅ k, g, t, d, f, y

🧒 Ages 4–5:
✅ l, v, s, z, sh, ch, j

👦 Ages 5–7:
✅ r, th (voiced & voiceless)

💬 Remember:
It’s normal for speech to develop gradually! But if your child is having difficulty being understood by family or friends, a speech pathologist can help.

02/10/2025

✨ Facial expressions = Communication ✨
Before children use words, they often communicate with their face. A frown, a smile, wide eyes, or scrunched-up nose all send messages to parents and caregivers.

😊 A smile might mean “I like this!”
😟 A frown could mean “I don’t want that.”
😲 Wide eyes may say “That surprised me!”

Recognising and responding to these early facial expressions is an important step in building communication skills. When adults label these expressions (“You look happy!” “Oh, you’re sad”) children learn the link between feelings, faces, and words.

💡 Tip: Notice your child’s expressions today and try putting words to their feelings. This helps them feel understood and builds the foundation for future language.