We hope that you will find the following links and information useful:
29.06.2020
We are now also aiming to upload requested Signalong sign videos to the school website in order to support the use of signs alongside language both at school and at home. Please click this link to view the signs we have already uploaded:
If you do have any particular sign requests or if you would like to attend a parent/carer signing workshop please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note I am due to go on maternity leave on Thursday 23rd July 2020 and will return in May 2021. We will update the website soon with contact details to be used during this time.
Speech and Language Therapy support at home
Updated 21.04.2020
The Speech and Language Therapy Team at Woodside have put together some ideas to try during this time at home. We will continue to update this page with extra strategies and resources so please come back and check again.
Visual supports
At this time, when usual routines and structures have changed, visual supports can help to provide structure and routine, encourage independence and help to reduce anxiety. We have put together some examples and advice sheets below:
21.04.2020 Visual Timetable advice sheet
21.04.2020 Visual Support - timetable symbols
21.04.2020 Visual Support - timetable template
21.04.2020 Morning Routine Timetable advice sheet
21.04.2020 Visual Support - Morning Routine
The timetable symbols can also be used as part of a ‘Now and Next’ Board:
21.04.2020 Now and Next advice sheet
We have also made a song choice board that could be used when washing hands. There is one board with nursery rhymes on and a blank one for you to add your own songs on to as nursery rhymes won’t be for everyone! You don’t need to use symbols; you or your child could draw the pictures of short songs or the chorus to a song they like.
21.04.2020 Hand Washing - song choice board
The National Autistic Society provide more information on ways visual supports can be used: https://www.autism.org.uk/about/strategies/visual-supports.aspx
Widgit is the symbol software we use at school. They are currently offering one month free if you would like to create some of your own symbols:
https://www.widgit.com/about-symbols/parents.htm and use the code: WIDGIT30
Widgit have also made some ready to print symbols to help support understanding and communication around Coronavirus:
https://www.widgit.com/resources/popular-topics/coronavirus/coronavirus-widgit-symbols.pdf
Aided Language Boards
Aided language boards allow visual language to be displayed alongside verbal language. This consistent use of picture information alongside verbal can allow children with ASD/language needs to use their visual strengths to support their use of language. Please see the attached ‘Introduction to Aided Language Boards’ sheet for further detail. We have created an ‘Arts and Crafts’ board which could be used within art activities at home. As well as a ‘Pop-Up Pirates’ and ‘Guess Who’ board to use if you play these games at home. Along with the ‘Guess Who’ board, there is a pack of question cards to help players think of a question to ask if this is something they find a bit tricky.
21.04.2020 Introduction to Aided Language Boards
21.04.2020 Aided Language Board - Arts and Crafts
21.04.2020 Aided Language Board - Pop Up Pirate
21.04.2020 Aided Language Board - Guess Who
21.04.2020 Guess Who - visual question cards
Attention Autism
Try out running an Attention Autism session with your child/family
Please see attached the short guide to all 4 stages of the Attention Autism Approach.
21.04.2020 Attention Autism information sheet
Find some virtual Attention Autism videos, strategies and ideas by Gina Davies, who created the approach at her Facebook site: ‘Gina Davies Autism Centre’.
Lego ‘Six Bricks’ Resource
Lego have made a fun hands-on tool full of short activities. Children can practice different language skills whilst they play, for example: using different describing words and giving instructions. It also provides an opportunity to work on social skills when working together – sharing materials and taking turns.
https://www.legofoundation.com/en/learn-how/knowledge-base/six-bricks/
Word Finding Difficulties:
Children with word finding difficulties have knowledge of the words they want to say but have difficulties accessing them from memory. We have all experienced that “tip of the tongue moment” when you know the word you want but can’t quite reach it. Please see the attached sheet for some strategies and activities to help your child when they are having difficulties thinking of their word.
21.04.2020 Word Finding advice sheet
Suggested Apps to use at home
Please see the attached ‘Suggested Apps’ document for some options of Apps to download and try with your child to support their Speech and Language development. Next to each app is a short description to help you choose which to try out.
21.04.2020 Speech and Language Therapy - suggested apps
Signalong
Signalong is the key word signing system we use at school. It is always used with spoken language and helps to give children and young people visual clues to support their understanding of speech. It works alongside all the other clues we use when communicating, such as facial expression, tone of voice and natural gestures. Signalong have some free resources on their website, including posters for ‘People Who Can Help’ and ‘Get Moving’ sports signs.
They also have a discussion picture: At Breakfast. ‘At Breakfast’ is a picture scene with 12 signs attached to it. This resource can be used to introduce the signs in context and promote social awareness e.g. talking about what we have for breakfast, sharing what we like to eat, if it is the same or different as the people in the pictures etc.
http://www.signalong.org.uk/free-resources
The Bexley Early Autism Services (BEAS) Team strategies and activities
The BEAS Team provide support for young children recognised to be on the Autism Specturm. They have developed the below booklets with strategies and ideas for simple structured tasks, visual supports and activities:
21.04.2020 'BEAS' EYFS handout
Signposting to other Speech and Language Resources
Speech and Language Therapy Services around the country are posting a variety of useful online resources and activities for home, for both younger and older children:
Worcester Health and Care NHS Trust:
https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/childrens-speech-and-language-resources/
The Leeds Toolkit:
The Leeds Toolkit contains some lovely resources for social skills and interaction for older children, as well as a range of other activities for all ages.
https://www.solent.nhs.uk/our-services/services-listings/childrens-therapy-service/
Resources and strategies to help children to understand Coronavirus and social distancing:
Social distancing social story:
21.04.2020 My Social Distancing Story - Covid 19
PrAACtical AAC share many free downloadable resources and visual supports they have found, including:
A visual hand washing sequence:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hand-Washing-Poster-FREE-5321036
An aided language board: ‘Covid 19 – chat board’:
https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/praactical-resources-dealing-with-the-covid-19-pandemic/
Please contact us if you would like any further information or to discuss your child's communication skills - please call the Single Point of Access (SPA), Specialist Children's Service, on Tel: 0203 004 0092 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
With best wishes,
The Speech and Language Therapy Team
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