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Top Talking Tips

Speech, language and communication resources

We know that babies are born communicating, and that speech, language, and communication skills are central to their development.

This resource clarifies some of the key facts around this important area of early childhood development, all backed up by early years professionals in the Bradford district and beyond. There will be many things you already know, while other things might surprise you.

It was originally developed by Better Start Bradford in response to the 2022 Baby Week Bradford theme, Bradford Babies TALKING, with lots of help from local Bradford organisations and individuals involved in early years.

Download the booklet and wallchart

Top Talking Tips booklet (PDF)

Download the Top Talking Tips booklet here

Top Talking Tips wallchart (PDF)

Download the Top Talking Tips Wallchart here

Explore some of our other favourite early years speech, language and communication resources

Big Little Moments

A series of animated videos featuring everyday Big Little Moments you can share with your babies and toddlers to build their brains. The little moments you share every day make a big difference.

BBC Tiny Happy People

Tiny Happy People is there to help you develop your child's language skills. Explore their simple activities and play ideas and find out about babies and toddlers' amazing early development.

Talking Bradford

Talking Bradford is a step-by-step guide to help parents and carers support their young children with speech, language and communication development.

50 Things to Do Before You're Five

50 Things to do Before You’re Five have lots of exciting, ideas for play for children aged 0-4, which can all help your child's speech, language and communication too. Discover your favourites together!

Moments that Matter

A series of videos made by parents for parents, developed by Little Minds Matter. Watch parents and carers sharing precious little moments which will help little ones' brains grow and develop.

Serve and Return

Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child explores 'serve and return' theory. When caregivers are responsive to baby's signals and needs, neural connections are built and strengthen baby's developing brain.

You Are Your Baby's Best Toy

Everything you do together helps your baby’s brain develop. It’s never too early to start - from bump, to babies to toddlers. Your baby even recognises family voices before they are born.

Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk Webinar

In this thought-provoking webinar 'Seeing the World through Babies' Eyes' Dr Suzanne Zeedyk passionately explores the importance of connections and belonging for a baby, and how babies are born connected.

National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust provides evidence-based resources, research, training, programmes and National Literacy Trust membership to make your literacy provision highly effective.

Brazelton Centre UK

Brazelton Centre's library of resources on baby behaviour which can be used to support parents in getting to know their new baby and in helping to promote an understanding of newborns’ communication.

NSPCC - Look, Say, Sing, Play.

Look, Say, Sing, Play is NSPCC's baby brain-building campaign, which provides parents with ideas of how they can communicate with their babies to encourage healthy brain development.

Ready to Relate

Ready to Relate helps you understand your amazing baby, and knowing more about your baby can help you build a satisfying and enjoyable relationship together.

Early Years Alliance

Early Years Alliance's Family Corner is packed full of helpful articles on all aspects of child development including health, behaviour, communication and fun activities. And it is all written by experts.

Speech and Language UK

Speech and Language (was ICAN) UK's team of speech & language therapists have written the I CAN Help Factsheets, based on their most frequently asked questions from parents, carers and practitioners.

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