Helping children to improve their communication skills : therapeutic activities for teachers, parents, and therapists

"For many children, the act of communication which most of us take for granted can be a struggle, and communicating with others can become something to fear rather than enjoy. This creative book is full of fun and imaginative ideas to help children aged 4-11 with a speech or language delay or disorder to develop their communication skills. It is packed with activities and games specifically tailored to help develop skills such as articulation, vocabulary development, breath control, conversation skills and non-verbal communication. Tips for personalising and shaping the activities are also provided. A comprehensive theory section supports the ideas presented, and practical advice on working with groups and individuals and in different settings is also given. This activity book will be an invaluable resource not only for speech and language therapists and students, but also for parents, teachers, carers and other support staff who are looking for creative ways to promote language development."--Publisher's description Cover......Page 1 Helping Children to Improve their Communication Skills: Therapeutic Activities for Teachers, Parents and Therapists......Page 4 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 10 Part One: Theoretical and Practical Background......Page 12 1. Introduction: Developing a Therapeutic Imagination......Page 14 2. Communication Well-Being......Page 22 3. Play as a Therapeutic Tool for Communication......Page 30 4. Structuring the Emotional Environment......Page 38 5. Working in Different Settings......Page 48 Part Two: Activities and Games......Page 54 6. Beyond the Beanbag!......Page 56 7. Big Space Activities and Games......Page 66 8. Being Creative with Paper and Pencil Activities......Page 76 9. Role Play, Storytelling and Guided Imagery......Page 104 10. Conversation Games......Page 120 11. Thinking Skills Activities......Page 130 12. Construction Activities......Page 140 13. Parachute Games......Page 148 14. Music and Movement Activities......Page 156 Appendix: Keeping it All Going: The Transfer and Maintenance of Skills......Page 166 Activities Index......Page 172 References......Page 174 Introduction : developing a therapeutic imagination Communication well-being Play as a therapeutic tool for communication Structuring the emotional environment Working in different settings Beyond the beanbag! Big space activities and games Being creative with paper and pencil activities Role play, story-telling, and guided imagery Conversation games Thinking skills activities Construction activities Parachute games Music and movement activities. Useful resources. This book is full of ideas to help children aged 4 -11 with a speech or language delay or disorder. It is packed with activities to develop skills such as articulation, vocabulary development, breath control, and non-verbal communication. Tips for personalising and shaping the activities are also provided, and a comprehensive theory section.