Listen, Speak, Sign Therapies

23/09/2025

It’s international day of sign languages, so I’m sharing a post I made a while ago for sign language week.

Did you know there are an estimated 300 different sign languages used in the world today? They often spring up out of necessity to find a communication mode amongst deaf communities.

Have you heard the myth that sign language prevents spoken language development? It’s just not true! For deaf babies, sign language is more than just a nice added extra: it can be the difference in how their brain develops!

Watch this video to find out more, and share it to spread awareness today!

07/09/2025

Did you know…
there are approximately 14 million grandparents in the UK?

This grandparents day, I’m thinking about the unique contribution that grandparents give to their grandchildren’s language development. Telling stories about the past and involving them in your daily routines gives them lots of opportunities to hear high quality language modelling and to get involved in conversations.

Maybe grandparents are the child’s only source of exposure to a language of their heritage: this an invaluable opportunity to reap the benefits of bilingualism while they are still young.

Whatever your involvement in your grandchild’s life, your influence is undeniable!

Share this post to inspire the grandparents in your life today!

05/09/2025

Don't wait!

If your child is having difficulties with speech, language or communication and it is impacting their education and friendships, now is the time to get support.

Get in contact now to book your FREE consultation and find out what I can do to support your family.

Email: kathryn@listenspeaksigntherapies.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07946613950

31/08/2025

If your child is starting school this week, you need to read this.

ALL children benefit from the strategies we champion as Speech and Language Therapists. And a week like this is the time they need them most.

If your little one is starting school, there will be some big emotions involved. A new routine, a new situation. For many children, they either bottle up the big feelings, or they outburst from the overwhelm.

By giving your child the opportunity to prepare for the change, and an outlet to talk about it, you are supporting them to manage these emotions in the healthiest way possible.

You know what, these tips will work for older children going back to a new class too!

What will you do this week to get your child ready for school?

28/08/2025

Are you looking for Speech and Language Therapy for your child in Milton Keynes or online?

Send me an email at kathryn@listenspeaksigntherapies.co.uk to find out what I can offer your family.

28/08/2025

30/06/2024

I’m a little late to the party…

but I figured the last day of pride month is the perfect time to highlight that we are not just in it for the month. At Listen, Speak, Sign Therapies, we are accepting and supportive all year round, no matter your background.

Double tap this post to share the love!

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28/06/2024

Calling all parents!

It is so important to acknowledge even the smallest steps of progress along your journey. I love to hear your success stories!

Let's have a party for your kids in the comments!

25/06/2024

What do you imagine when you think of the term ‘deafblind?’

A person who is registered deafblind rarely has absolutely nothing from either sense, but both sight and hearing will be significantly impaired. This will inevitably impact how that person communicates, and they might have one preferred method of communication to express themself, and another to receive information!

What myths have you heard about deaf blindness? Let me know in the comments!

24/06/2024

Here’s how I know that a level of independent communication in the community is achievable for your young person!

I have seen most young people learn the skills through smile therapy. The target is always adapted to the individual: their communication methods, their learning needs, the situation which is most meaningful for them.

In fact, this is the most important intervention I deliver with deaf teenagers. For a young person who will not be able to acquire spoken language and who has language skills in a signed language, working on communicating in the community is the most functional and beneficial thing we do.

What do you do to encourage your child or young person’s independence and self esteem? Let me know in the comments!

22/06/2024

Imagine this…

You get the chance to talk to yourself right before you became a parent. What would you say?

Let me know in the comments!

21/06/2024

.4 ways that music supports language development

In the 10 months that I’ve been a mummy, I have sung so many nursery rhymes! But why are they such a staple in the lives of babies and toddlers?

They love music! My little one bops her head and moves closer to the speaker when there is music playing! The songs are also structured to support children with their language development. Repetitive language helps children to anticipate what will come next and to get all those word exposures they need to retain a new word. My little one has learned the words ‘wave’, ‘clap’ and ‘twist’ from a Ms Rachel song and will do the action which matches what you are singing no wonder which order you sing them in!

I’d love to demonstrate some music basic language activities here next week: comment ‘MUSIC’ if you would like to see them!