Reception Child

Child 1 struggles with speech, language and communication, he is following speech targets set from an NHS speech and language therapist. We previously followed another talk programme which he was taking part in at least 3 times a week. He struggles to control tongue movements, speaks very quietly and rushes words/sentences.

He has taken part in the talk stars programme for approx. 7 weeks, this takes approx. 10 mins per session, this has been happening every week and most days.

His baseline assessment showed he was significantly below his age range for speech, language and communication. Since taking part in the Talk stars programme he has shown great improvement in all areas, moving up by 23 marks and into the next age bracket.

He thoroughly enjoys using the Talks stars programme and will ask daily is it time to do speech intervention, he enjoys quality 1.1 time with an adult. He has shown great improvement with volume, pronunciation, fluency and using connective words in sentences. He looks forward to the recoding part of the programme trying independently to repeat sometimes needing the adult to say it again and then repeat. The praise throughout the programme really gives him a boost in confidence this is shown by him often smiling when praised and looking forward to the 3 stars review at the end, he knows to look at the end photo and continue to describe what is seen.

The impact for him using the talks stars programme in a short period of time I feel has had significant impact, this is something he will continue into the next academic year to help continue on the speech and language journey.

EAL Child

Child 2 uses English as a second language, Cantonese is the language spoken at home. She has taken part in a previous speech and language programme we followed using this approx. 3x a week. She was quite a reluctant talker, appeared to have limited understanding, would often replace words with others e.g. to would be d or de, spoke softly and often relied on twin brother to speak for her.

She is still awaiting speech and language involvement.

She has taken part in the talk stars programme every week and most days for approx. 7 weeks. When initially starting she would be quiet and join in with little enthusiasm, as time has progressed so has her confidence. She looks forward to using the Talk stars programme.

The impact this has had on her, increased volume, slowing self-down when speaking, the recording part of the sessions was really powerful for her development, watching and listening to self-back helped greatly with this.

She has now started to add in more connective words into sentences creating more fluency and better understanding for others when communicating. She loves the signing part of the prgramme always using this alongside the talking/singing.

The Talk stars programme has really helped her to think about communication when in the environment, she will often use English and Cantonese to communicate with children. Her confidence has increased so much that they will often try to teach the adults Cantonese too. Talks stars will follow her into the new academic year to continue with the progress.