Sensory Impairment Service (SIS): Tips to Support Your Child's Communication in the Early Years - NNC and WNC
How to contact this service
Description
How To Make Communication Fun and Meaningful for Your Child:
• Make sure your child is wearing their hearing aids/processors (if they’ve been prescribed). Having the TV or radio off makes listening easier.
• Use short sentences with keywords, phrases, or signs (if using) that pertain to their daily routines. For example, washing, getting dressed, eating, playing, etc. Repeat words and phrases many times.
• Get your child’s attention and eye contact by saying their name or holding up a toy.
• Share simple books.
• Sing rhymes and songs.
• If your child is very young, use symbolic sounds for toys. For example, “brmm-brmm” or “quack-quack” because those sounds are easier to hear. Using a ‘sing song’ voice helps.
• If your child is older, give them a reason to communicate with you. For example, they have to ask if they want a snack because they can’t open the cupboard. Or give them a choice between two things (usually food).
• Surround your child with lots of language for what they are doing, where they are going, and what they can see.
• Give your child plenty of fun, simple games that you can all enjoy. You know your child best and what works for them.
Useful Links:
• The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) website
• NDCS YouTube channel - Supporting Communication with Deaf Babies and Toddlers
• Advanced Bionics website - The BabyBeats™ app stimulates your baby’s senses through musical activities. It can be beneficial for children with a range of hearing devices. Using the app with a vibrating speaker can make it more relevant for profoundly deaf children. Available for iPhone and Android.
• Advanced Bionics website - The VocAB Scenes app is designed to help children with hearing loss (aged 4 to 10). It teaches them common vocabulary and question forms through listening (with caregiver or therapist guidance). Available for iPad.
• Storyline Online® website - Streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Available via Storyline Online or the App Store.
• CBeebies website - Stories from CBeebies Storytime
• Super Simple Songs (Kids’ Songs) YouTube channel
• The Elizabeth Foundation: Let’s Listen and Talk - A learning programme for children aged 0-5. Along with information, the programme provides hundreds of useful games and activities that support listening and talking.
• Advanced Bionics and Phonak: The Listening Room
• Topmarks website - A range of educational resources
• Twinkl website - A range of activities and sheets
British Sign Language (BSL) Links:
• British Sign website - Useful resources
• Let's Sign website - Let's Sign BSL at DeafBooks
• ITV website - Signed Stories in BSL
• The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) website - Family Sign Lanuage
• SignStation website - Useful resources
• MED-EL YouTube channel - Rehab At Home: Ling Six Sound Test
• CID Professional Development YouTube channel - CID Quick Tips: How to Conduct the Ling Sound Test
- Locality
- Brackley Area
- Corby Area
- Daventry Area
- East Northants Area
- Kettering Area
- Northampton Area
- Towcester Area
- Wellingborough Area
- North Northamptonshire
- West Northamptonshire
- Northamptonshire
- Additional languages
- Translation and/or Interpreting Available on Request
- Age range
- Suitable for ages from 0 to 4 years
- Referral route
- No Referral Needed
- For people with
- Sensory Impairments
- Eligibility criteria
- Age Range - Early Years
- Provider category
- Targeted Services - Additional Support Needs
Address
c/o Sensory Impairment Service (SIS), North Northamptonshire Council, Municipal Offices, Bowling Green Road
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN15 7QX
United Kingdom
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Last updated 29 May 2024