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
Here are the links to the specific resources mentioned in the booklet:
- Big Little Moments
- TED Talk from Annie Murphy Paul: What we learn before we’re born
- Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University: serve and return ‘how to’ video
- CBeebies Parenting: bilingual babies: your questions answered by a speech and language therapist
Here are links to the specific resources mentioned in the wallchart:
Explore some of our other favourite early years speech, language and communication resources
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.
CBeebies Parenting 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 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 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!
A series of videos made by parents for parents, developed by our Little Minds Matter project. See how parents and carers can share precious little moments which will help their little ones' brains grow and develop.
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.
A downloadable booklet for families, showing how everything they do together helps your baby’s brain develop. It’s never too early to start - from bump, to babies to toddlers...
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.
The National Literacy Trust provides evidence-based resources, research, training, programmes and National Literacy Trust membership to make your literacy provision highly effective.
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 helps you understand your amazing baby, and knowing more about your baby can help you build a satisfying and enjoyable relationship together.
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.
You may also like to see...
Eight low-cost / no-cost activities for early years settings to use to help families start healthy habits early, from creating 'foody faces' to simple yoga poses.
A downloadable booklet showing how getting outdoors has lots of benefits for families with young children. It's the perfect place to be physically active, ignite little imaginations, explore and learn.
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