Loving Language for Parents and Carers
Whether you are interested in getting some ideas to build your child’s language and communication at home or if your child is having some challenges that require some extra support, we hope you will find information here to give your child the best start.
Family Learning
Internationally recognised evidence shows that where parents are actively involved in a child’s learning journey, the child is more likely to achieve positive outcomes.
At Indigo, we recognise this and we also know that loving, nurturing relationships are at the heart of giving children the best start in life and that this begins before birth.
The interactions you have with your child are the building blocks of attachment and brain development from the earliest stage, helping build strong foundations for children’s health, wellbeing and learning.
At Indigo, we have worked alongside families to develop a Loving Language Family Programme which includes Stay and Play sessions for the whole family, Activity Bags, Videos, Parent/Carer Courses and an Advice service where families can access tailored advice to support their child’s speech, language and communication.
The Loving Language building blocks pyramid consists of 7 blocks, organised from top to bottom. Each block represents a key skill in early communication and language development.
Resources
We have a number of resources available. Click on each block to find out more.
Speech Sounds
Clear speech develops after all the other building blocks. By age five, children are usually understood most of the time, but they typically master all adult speech sounds around age eight.
Resources
Sound Awareness
Sound awareness is noticing syllables, rhymes, and individual sounds in words. It’s an important skill for preschool and early primary children to develop as preparation for reading and literacy.
Resources
Expressive Language
This involves using words, then moving on to phrases and sentences. It can also include sign languages such as Makaton or British Sign Language.
Understanding of Language
Through play and everyday routines, children begin to understand the meaning of words, follow instructions, and make sense of sentences.
Attention and Listening
Attention and listening mean concentrating on interactions and activities.
Resources
Interaction
Interaction is the foundation of communication and starts at birth. It’s how we bond with our baby and build relationships. By responding to their cries, expressions, gestures, or babbling, we show children that their actions matter and can send a message.
Resources
Family Learning information
Do you have a Neurodivergent child or is your child awaiting assessment? We have a number of family learning opportunities to find out more about supporting Neurodivergent children.
We have partnered with Autistically Scott to share Understanding Autistic Experience sessions and Ausome Training to deliver Cothu courses to parents of Autistic children or awaiting assessment of Autism.
Useful links
Autistically Scott
Training, mentoring and consultancy services. Helping Autistics Thrive Autistically
Cothu training program
One-of-its-kind neuro-affirming support program for parents of Autistic children and teens