Strong language skills help children to do well at school, to form and maintain friendships, and effectively share their thoughts, ideas and experiences. They also lay down the foundations for later literacy development.
We run a range of 'Chitter Chatter' groups suitable for all pre-school children and their parents or carers. The groups aim to encourage children to become confident and skilled communicators and all link closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
Benefits of the groups include:
- Small group sizes so that your child receives more personal attention (Chris and Hilary jointly lead all groups and there are a maximum of 10 children per group).
- Opportunities within the groups for you to find out more about language development and effective ways to support this.
- Activity ideas for you and your child to enjoy at home.
- Age specific groups so that activities are tailored to your child’s stage of language development.
- Most importantly all of the groups are great fun for your child and you!
Three groups are available:
Chitter Chatter Babies focuses on encouraging early communication skills through baby-signing, music and play. Chris and Hilary are both accredited Makaton baby-signing trainers. In addition to baby-signing they also demonstrate strategies during the groups that help your child communicate. The groups are suitable for babies from 6 months onwards.
Chitter Chatter Toddlers uses a combination of games, music and play to have fun and encourage children’s language and listening skills. The group is suitable for toddlers from around 14 months onwards.
Chitter Chatter Children is for pre-schoolers who enjoy listening to stories and imaginative play. They are structured groups that encourage children’s ‘narrative’ (storytelling) and listening skills through carefully planned activities including stories, singing and music, listening games and craft.
We are also able to provide all our Chitter Chatter groups as 'hands-on' training packages for pre-schools and nurseries.
Please contact us for further details about any of the groups.
Chitter Chatter groups are suitable for all pre-school children do not constitute speech and language therapy. No assessment or therapy activities are undertaken during Chitter Chatter groups. If you are concerned about your child’s speech or language development please see our therapy page for further information.
