This week, our Speech and Language Therapist delivered a highly engaging language group session, supporting pupils to develop their communication, interaction, and understanding skills in a calm, structured, and playful environment.
During the session, pupils took part in interactive group activities, including:
- Turn-taking games
- Matching and sequencing picture cards
- Shared attention tasks using familiar objects and books
- Functional communication tasks supported by communication core boards
The activities were carefully chosen to encourage pupils to:
- Initiate communication and make choices
- Use symbols, gestures, and words to express needs and ideas
- Develop listening and attention skills
- Build confidence communicating within a small group
- Practise social interaction skills such as waiting, commenting, and responding
A key focus of the session was the use of communication core boards, which provide pupils with consistent access to high-frequency words and symbols that can be used across different activities and environments. Core boards support pupils who are developing spoken language as well as those who use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).
How families and staff can support communication using core boards
You can help reinforce communication skills by:
- Keeping the core board visible and accessible at all times
- Modelling language by pointing to symbols while speaking (e.g. “I want more”, “finished”, “help”)
- Accepting any form of communication – pointing, eye gaze, gestures, or vocalisations
- Using the core board during everyday routines such as snack time, play, or transitions
- Giving pupils time to respond without rushing or prompting too quickly
By using communication core boards consistently at school and at home, we help pupils understand that communication is meaningful, powerful, and valued.
Attached you will find the communication core boards we are using at TAPS ARP
The video below offers practical guidance on how to support your child’s communication using communication core boards.
We are proud to see our pupils engaging so positively in these sessions and continuing to grow as confident communicators.
Have a good weekend
