Abstract

For many children, the act of communication which most of us take for granted can be a struggle, and communicating with others can become something to fear rather than enjoy.

This creative book is full of fun and imaginative ideas to help children aged 4—11 with a speech or language delay or disorder to develop their communication skills. It is packed with activities and games specifically tailored to help develop skills such as articulation, vocabulary development, breath control, conversation skills and non-verbal communication. Tips for personalising and shaping the activities are also provided. A comprehensive theory section supports the ideas presented, and practical advice on working with groups and individuals and in different settings is also given.

This activity book will be an invaluable resource not only for speech and language therapists and students, but also for parents, teachers, carers and other support staff who are looking for creative ways to promote language development.

This is a comprehensive and thorough book for anyone working with children or young people with speech, language or communication difficulties... Throughout the book it is obvious to see he writer's total empathy with the children, her understanding that humour can assist in the learning process, and that so much can be learned from play and the need for constant genuine praise. Not only a useful book but a thoughtful, provoking land inspiring read too!
Speaking English
Deborah M. Plummer's "Helping Children to Improve Their Communication Skills: Therapeutic Activities for Teachers, Parents and Therapists" (9781843109594, $32.95) Packs in fun ideas to help kid ages 4-11 with a speech or language disorder to develop communication skills. Activities, games and techniques for helping kids develop specific skills accompany tips for customizing the activities and a theory section covering how play can be a therapeutic tool for enhancing communication. It's a fine activity book packed with working ideas to use with either groups or individuals and includes resources for speech and language therapists, students, teachers, parents and any working with kids.
The Midwest Book Review
This book encourages all those working with children with speech, language and communication needs to develop their creativity within a model of child centred reflective practice, acknowledging that our interaction with children has an effect at many different levels. Therapists, teachers, teaching assistants and parents will find a wealth of practical suggestions and a solid foundation of research within these pages.
Mary Hampton, Chair, Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP), UK
The range of activities is excellent... I feel this book would be of good value as a departmental resource, particularly if you work in group settings and can integrate therapy into classroom settings.
Speech & Language Therapy in Practice
Deborah M. Plummer is a speech and language therapist and imagework practitioner with over 20 years' experience of facilitating groups and working individually with both children and adults. Formerly a clinical lead therapist working within the NHS, she now lectures at De Montfort University, Leicester and runs workshops and short courses on the uses of imagery and story-telling and issues of self-esteem. Deborah is author of several titles, including Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety: A Photocopiable Activities Book, Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Activities Book, 2nd edition, Self-Esteem Games for Children, Social Skills Games for Children, Helping Adolescents and Adults to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Resource Book and Anger Management Games for Children, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Deborah's website can be found at www.deborahplummer.co.uk.