Communicating Phonics - The Communication Trust

Communicating PhonicsSection 4 > Different types of speech, language and communication needs > Children with language delayChildren with language delayGeneral informationLanguage delay may affect what the child cansay (expressive language), and/or what the childcan understand (receptive language) and maybe accompanied by other speech, language andcommunication needs (SLCN), for example unclearspeech (phonological delay). Language is followingthe typical developmental pattern but at a slower rate.Language delay may form part of a more generaldevelopmental delay or may be an isolated delaywhere other areas of development follow the norm.There may be a variety of possible causes or linkedfactors for language delay including environmentalfactors, genetic factors and physical factors (forexample early fluctuating hearing loss).Helping to access the phonics screening checkPossible issuesChildren may not have theattention and turn taking skillsneeded to easily manage thestructure of the checkMany children with language delayprocess language slowlyChildren may not know orunderstand words like ‘before’,‘imaginary creatures’ and ‘practice’and they may confuse themand may not understand theinstructionsWays to helpAdminister the check in a roomwithout distractions and possiblyin short sections to help themconcentrateGive as long as necessary torespond - they may require longerthan 10 secondsWhen giving instructions for thecheck use short sentences andkeep language simple. Instructionsshould be accompanied by gestureand/or signing, demonstration,pointing and non-verbalreassurance and encouragementResearch shows that language delay is a significantfactor impacting on the development of literacy skills.Children with expressive languagedelay may lack the confidence torespondThe check should be administeredby an adult they know well whowill give lots of encouragement18