Author Archives: Mrs Boyd

Before The Talking Starts – The Importance of Play in Building Pre-Verbal Skills

 

Building Pre-Verbal Skills

There are a number of building blocks that have to be in place before young children begin to  talk and use language.   That  doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to say – we just have to look a bit closer and listen a bit better to the  ‘Pre-Verbal’ messages that children are  attempting to communicatie!   Play can be really important to support the development of pre-verbal skills and learn about how specific children communicate their messages non-verbally.  Some children, with the right support, can do this really successfully.  With the current  Social Distancing measures and our increased use of gesture  and expression to communicate, maybe our little ones can teach us a thing or two!!!

Home Teaching – Building a new virtual home together

 

Given the current situation with Covid 19 and Social Distancing, we are currently reviewing our services to ensure we can continue to offer the best possible support to the children and families we work with.

We would appreciate if you could take a few minutes to advise us on what services would be useful for your child and family in the future. If you have any other suggestion on how we could adapt or change to best meet your child/families needs – we would love to hear them!!!

https://surveyhero.com/c/3bd04567

Sensory Calming Ideas for the Early Years

 

 

 

Sensory Calming Ideas

Getting to know and understand your family’s sensory needs and preferences can help you to identify calming activities that can provide sensory input and security: reducing anxiety and distressed behaviours.

If you or your child is in need of some ‘Head Space’ check out our Sensory Calming Ideas, Create Calm Environments, Listen to calming sounds and  try some Yoga stretches.

 

Using music and rhymes to support early learning at home

Check out some Early Learning tips to support your child to get the most from everyday music and rhymes at home. Early Years Music Ideas

If you would like you to take part in music sessions socially – The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) are currently offering ‘Mini Music Makers’ Sessions on Zoom.  A four week block of music sessions cost £10.  If this is something you might be interested in but financially this is challenging time, take a look at their Website booking options to explore financial support available. https://www.nycos.co.uk/choirs/mini-music-makers-online/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzeOSoKy-6QIVOYBQBh3wnAq4EAAYASAAEgLJGfD_BwE

If joining an online group is not for you at this time and you would rather take things at your child’s pace: Gordon, Beatlie School’s Music Teacher, has posted a large number of music sessions and activities that can be accessed at Beatlie’s blog and enjoyed at home: https://beatlieschool.westlothian.org.uk/article/16406/School-Blog

 If you have not yet had the opportunity the explore Beatlie Schools Blog – It is well worth taking a look at both the blog and website which has a wealth of useful information for families who care for a child with a disability, additional support need or developmental delay: https://beatlieschool.westlothian.org.uk

Our Eight Senses – Fun activities to help with your child’s sensory development

I’m sure being in lockdown has meant you can’t avoid noticing some behaviours in your child that you don’t understand or can’t seem to distract them from e.g. They are always on the move and can’t seem to sit still; they are always throwing things; they can’t stop climbing; hate being on the swings at the park etc.

Take a look at Our EIGHT senses guide to see how your child’s senses might be affecting their behaviour and try some activities that might help The Proprioception System The vestibular system!…or just have a bit of fun with the activities!

Here is a little starter to share with your little!

 

‘Cause and Effect’ Play Ideas

 

Cause and Effect Play

‘Cause and Effect’ Play helps children to recognise that they have some control over their world.  Children need to learn that they can make things happen for themselves by the actions they take or the things that they do!

When children understand they can make things happen for themselves their curiosity grows, along with a desire to find ways to interact and engage with others to communicate their needs and choices.

Click on the link for a few play ideas to get you started, then take a look about the house and see what other activities you can find!