http://www.connectspeech.co.uk/

Connect Speech Therapy, Thirsk (2026)

02/03/2026

🎶 Sing, Pause, Connect! 🎶

🎵 Singing with your child is a fun and powerful way to build communication. Add simple actions to the song, repeat it throughout the week, and encourage your child to join in with the movements, sounds, or words.

⏳ Once they are familiar with the song, try pausing before a key moment e.g. before you lift them up, tickle or fall down.

✨ Watch to see if your child anticipates what is going to happen or asks you to keep going - this could be by looking at you, using a sound, or doing the next action.

These little moments help your child practise turn-taking, anticipation, and early language skills — all through play. 💛🎵

16/02/2026

🌟 Creating Communication Opportunities! 🌟

Looking for easy ways to help your child’s communication? Try creating natural opportunities for them to communicate during everyday moments!

✨ It’s easy to jump in and help our children - we often know what they want and what they need help with. But next time, try this simple strategy:

✨ Pause and wait before stepping in.
Give them the chance to communicate first.

🧥 Put their coat on… but don’t zip it up straight away.
🧸 Hand them the toy box… with the lid still on.
🍎 Give them their snack… but leave the wrapper unopened.

These small pauses give your child a chance to tell you what they want and need using their words, actions or sounds - helping them build confidence and communication skills! 🗣️💬

02/02/2026

🌟 Reduce Your Questions - Let’s Talk, Not Test 🌟

💬 Instead of asking lots of questions, try talking about what your child is doing or what is happening. Avoid asking your child to name things or repeat words such as:

❌ “What’s this?”
❌ “What colour is it?”
❌ “Say ball.”

🗣️👶 Focus on modelling language by commenting on their play and the world around them. Talk about what they are doing, what they are playing with, and what’s happening nearby.

✨ “It’s a car.”
✨ “Driving the car.”
✨ “Round and round.”
✨ “Red brick.”
✨ “That’s so big.”
✨ “It’s a ball.”
✨ “Roll the ball.”
✨ “Ready, steady, go!”

By talking about what interests them, children hear useful language in a natural way. There’s no pressure to answer, just space for communication to grow 💛

03/01/2026

🌟 New Year, New Skills ! 🌟

✨ Looking to learn a new skill this year? Want to build confidence in supporting communication using signs and symbols? Start your Makaton journey with our online taster session.

💡 In this interactive session, you’ll:
✅ Learn over 40 Makaton signs and symbols
✅ Understand how Makaton supports communication and inclusion
✅ Gain practical skills you can use straight away

🗣️ Training delivered by a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

🔗 Book your place at bookwhen.com/connectspeech or get in touch for more information sophie@connectspeech.co.uk

15/09/2025

✨ Makaton Training – New Term, New Skills! ✨

💬 Are you working with children who have speech, language or communication needs? Are you looking for ways to support their understanding and communication skills?

📣 Now is the perfect time to start your Makaton journey.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, SENCO, therapist, or parent - learning Makaton can open up a world of communication for the children you support. 🌍💬

❓ What is Makaton?

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses signs and symbols alongside speech to support understanding and expression - helpful for children (and adults) with a wide range of speech, language and communication needs.

🎓 Autumn training dates now available!

👍 Makaton Taster (online) - Mon 13th Oct 9:30am -11am

👍 Level 1 (online) - Mon 17th & Mon 24th Nov 9am-1pm (both sessions must be attended)

🗣️Training delivered by a specialist speech and language therapist

📩 Get in touch for more information or book online at bookwhen.com/connectspeech

08/09/2025

🌟 We’re Back! 🌟

📚 It’s a new school year and after a break for the summer, we’re open again and ready to support you and your child with personalised speech and language therapy services.

🗣️ Whether you’re looking for an assessment and advice, therapy sessions or training - we’re here to help.

📞 Book your FREE telephone consultation today to find out how we can support you!

📅 September and October telephone consultation slots now available to book online - visit our website or get in touch to book.

10/06/2025

💡 Did You Know? 💡

We offer training for both parents and professionals — because the people in a child’s everyday life are the ones who can make the biggest difference. 💛

I love sharing my knowledge on speech, language, and communication, and I’m proud to offer training on the follow topics:

🗣️ Speech, Language & Communication Development
🔍 Identifying Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN)
👦 Supporting Early Communication Skills
🤚 Makaton Training — delivered by a qualified Makaton Tutor

💡 All our trainings can be adapted to meet your needs - so you get the most relevant, practical support for your setting because when the adults around a child feel empowered, children truly thrive. 🌱

📩 Get in touch to find out how we can support you or your team.

02/06/2025

💡TOP TIP for Supporting Your Child’s Communication Skills 💬👶

✨ JOIN IN! ✨

Spend time with your child by joining them in their choice of play activity. 🧩🎨🚂🛝

✅ Reduce distractions - turn the t.v. off, put your phone away

✅ Get down to their level and join them where they have chosen to play

✅ Follow their lead - watch what they are doing and then copy their actions and sounds.

It’s a simple, powerful way to connect with them through play which then helps build communication skills. 🫶

14/05/2025

📢 Worried About Your Child’s Speech, Language, or Communication? 🤔💬🗣️

Are you concerned about your child's communication? 🤷‍♂️👧 Do they have difficulties with speech sounds, understanding or using language, or interacting with others? You're not alone—we're here to help! 🤝

✨ Get expert advice and guidance on how to support your child's speech and language development. ✨

✅ Whether you need reassurance, a detailed assessment, or ongoing support, we're here to help!

⏳ No waiting lists—just friendly, professional support when you need it!

📞 Book a FREE telephone consultation today!

12/05/2025

⏸️ Pause and Wait — Supporting Your Child's Communication! 🗣️✨

Did you know that pausing can actually help your child communicate more?

Next time you're playing with your child try this:

👉 Pause. Wait. Watch.

Before you do a fun action — blowing more bubbles, tickling them or throwing the ball — Pause, Wait and Watch.

Give your child a moment to respond. They might look at you, reach, make a sound, or say a word.

That short pause gives them a chance to take a turn — and every turn helps build communication skills.

💡 It’s not about doing more — it’s about giving your child space to take a turn.

✨ Get in touch today for expert advice and guidance on how to support your child's speech and language development. ✨

22/02/2025

📢 Worried About Your Child’s Speech, Language, or Communication? 🤔💬🗣️

Are you concerned about your child's communication? 🤷‍♂️👧 Do they have difficulties with speech sounds, understanding or using language, or interacting with others? You're not alone—we're here to help! 🤝

✨ Get expert advice and guidance on how to support your child's speech and language development. ✨

✅ Whether you need reassurance, a detailed assessment, or ongoing support, we're here to help!

⏳ No waiting lists—just friendly, professional support when you need it!

📞 Book a FREE telephone consultation today!

17/02/2025

🗣️ Does My Child Need Speech & Language Therapy? 🤔

Are you wondering if your child’s communication is on track? Are you looking for ways to support your child's speech, language and communication development?

Every child develops at their own pace, but here are some signs that speech and language therapy might help:

🔹 Limited spoken words 🗣️
🔹 Difficulty forming sentences 🗨️
🔹Hard to understand what they are saying 🤔
🔹 Difficulty following instructions or answering questions ❓
🔹 Frustration when trying to communicate 😔
🔹Finds it difficult to interact with other people
🤝

✅ Early support can make a BIG difference! If you’re unsure, a professional assessment can provide clarity and guidance.

📩 Get in touch today to arrange an assessment of your child's speech, language and communication skills and learn how you can support your child.

Connect Speech Therapy

02/03/2026

16/02/2026

02/02/2026

03/01/2026

15/09/2025

08/09/2025

10/06/2025

02/06/2025

14/05/2025

12/05/2025

22/02/2025

17/02/2025

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