Reading

As children settle into school life they will be learning more about how words are formed. They will be learning how to read and spell.

You can support this learning at home by listening to them read and by pointing out words when you are out and about. They may bring books home from school that you can share together. Look for words on the sides of buses, shop windows, road signs or in supermarkets.

Children still really enjoy and learn from being read to. Keep story time special – you may well find books that you both look forward to reading the next chapter of together.

Mealtimes

Family routines and technology free mealtimes, give a great opportunity to spend quality time together.

• Practice simple words like 'yes', 'no, 'please' or 'thankyou'
• Listen to each others day
• Ask questions.

Sometimes there may be squabbles and arguments across the table. Learning how to manage these is a life skill and family time can be a ‘safe space’ to do this.

• Make a family plan about how you can be respectful and make sure everyone gets the chance to say how they feel, and hear how the other person feels.
• Make sure grown ups in the family set a good example and manage their disagreements in a healthy way.
• Grown ups in the family can set a good example by listening and talking through disagreements together to find the answer. Learning to compromise is an important communication skill.
• When it all ‘goes wrong’ and feelings are hurt - make sure children and young people know the importance of saying sorry and forgiving one another.

Screen Time

Using tablet’s, game consoles, smartphones and computers is a part of modern life. Used with care, children can learn some communication skills from them.

Some parents worry about how to get a healthy balance between technology and spending quality face-to-face time together.

• Set a good example – make sure your child always knows you prefer talking to them than being on your devices.
• Use technology together – using apps and games together means you can talk through what you see and make the most of the learning opportunity.
• If your child loves a certain type of game look for something in the ‘real world’ that is similar. If they like football games take them to see local teams play at the park. Get them active joining a team.
• Help them understand how to keep safe online and have family rules about how long and when your child uses technology.

If You Are Worried

Firstly remember that each child will develop at their own pace. Spend as much time as you can playing and talking with your child without distractions – even 5 minutes here and there adds up and can make a big difference.

If your child attends a school or setting, talk to them about your worries – they will be able to work with you to build your child’s skills and advise on any next steps needed.

You can also contact our Just One Number team on the details below to talk through your concerns. The team may ask about your child's hearing and vision to be sure this is not getting in the way of their communication skill development.