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If your child is not yet talking or is only using a few words, you may be wondering what you can do at home to encourage their communication. Parent's often ask me which toys to buy or if there are flash cards that I would recommend. The secret is, that most of the best opportunities to build language come from simple games involving you and your child. Speech and Language Therapists call these People Games. What are People Games? People Games are simple, repetitive games tha

Helping a toddler's language to develop doesn't need special equipment or specific time set aside. You just need a few minutes of the right kind of strategies folded into things you're already doing. Here's what I'd actually suggest. Play is where language grows Children learn words when they are attached to something they care about, in a moment when someone they trust is paying attention to the same thing. Learning is always attached to connection. So it makes sense that we

If your 2-year-old is not yet talking, you may be wondering: Should my 2-year-old be saying more words? Is this a speech delay? Have I done something wrong? Should I wait and see? Does my child need to see a speech and language therapist? These are some of the most common questions parents ask me. The first thing I want you to know is that you have not caused your child’s communication difficulties. Children develop at different rates, and there can be many reasons why a 2-ye

If you've found yourself wondering, "Should my child be saying that sound by now?" you're certainly not alone. It's one of the most common questions parents ask. The visual below provides a simple guide to when many speech sounds typically develop. It can be a helpful starting point for understanding your child's speech development. Visual of speech sound developmental norms It's important to remember that speech development is about much more than individual sounds. Speech a

When you notice your little one struggling to express themselves, it can feel overwhelming. You want to help, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. We support you to confidently build your child's skills. How SaplingSLT Supports Your Child’s Communication Journey We specialise in early intervention, which is key to helping your child reach their full potential. Our therapy uses gentle, playful techniques that encourage children to explore sounds, words and sentences

What Is Speech? Speech is how we produce sounds and use those sounds to make words. It is the physical act of talking. This includes: Pronouncing sounds clearly Putting sounds together to form words Speech Difficulties You Might Notice A child may: Say “tar” instead of “car” Leave sounds off words Sound like they are speaking their own little language Be tricky to understand What Is Language? Language is how we understand and use words to communicate meaning. Language has two

If your 3-year-old is not talking clearly, you’re not alone—this is a very common concern for parents at this age. The reassuring news is that many children are still developing their speech sounds at 3. However, if your child is difficult to understand most of the time or isn’t using many words or sentences yet, it's worth looking a little closer and getting some support. What Is Typical Speech Sound Development for a 3-Year-Old? At 3 years old, children are still learning h

SaplingSLT | Specialist Speech and Language Therapy for Children in Cheshire & Across the UK When you notice that your child is not speaking as much as other children it can be a worry. As a Mum, I know how late night googling can send us down a deep dark path. This short post covers some common concerns and sign-posts to places that can offer reliable advice. We answer common questions about speech, language and communication delays and offer practical advice on when to seek

Toddlers are busy discovering the world around them, and one of the most exciting parts of this journey is learning to communicate. You might have noticed your little one making sounds that don’t quite sound like words yet but seem to carry meaning. These are called symbolic sounds. Symbolic sounds play a crucial role in your toddler’s language development. Understanding what symbolic sounds are and why they matter can help you support your child’s speech and language skills

SaplingSLT | Specialist Speech and Language Therapy for Children in Cheshire & Across the UK Is online speech and language therapy effective for children? With long NHS wait times and growing awareness of speech and language needs in young children, many families are exploring alternatives. Online speech and language therapy is supported by evidence and can achieve the same outcomes as face-to-face therapy. As in face-to-face therapy, what matters is quality. At SaplingSLT, o