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Changing the conversation
The Changing the Conversation about Language project helps parents in disadvantaged areas learn how to give their children the best possible start in speech and language.
The project brings together three partners - Speech and Language UK, EasyPeasy and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) - combining local knowledge, speech and language expertise and the very best evidence based interventions to ensure sustainable impact for families and communities. Working both face-to-face and online allows us to be effective and wide reaching, so our message reaches as many families as possible.
We know that the route to the home learning environment is through parents and that is why this project makes use of three interventions aimed specifically at parents.
Tots Talking - Parent Intervention
A face-to-face training programme supporting parents to adapt their communication style for their children, enhancing the parent-child interaction.
Easy Peasy app
An online programme using demonstrational videos to prompt families to enhance interaction with their children.
Parent Champions
A training programme which encourages parents of babies to become speech and language ambassadors, passing on the knowledge they gain to other parents.
5 Key Messages Cards - translated into 9 languages
This card has five straight forward messages about the importance of early language experiences for children. They are research informed, accessible strategies for parents/carers of babies and young children. We have also translated the English version into 9 additional languages.
Click the links below to download the 5 key messaging cards in 10 different languages:
Multilingualism and EAL Card
- For multilingual parents/carers whose children speak English as an Additional language (EAL)
- Developed in conjunction with Cambridge University’s Bilingual Network
- it gives essential research based information on the importance of home language/s
Round table 2020
We held a round table event in January 2020 with key stakeholders from the Changing the Conversation about Language project, including representatives from the local authorities, Department for Education, Public Health England, EasyPeasy and RCSLT. The purpose of the event was to share the learning from the Changing the Conversation project and answer two questions:
- What are the key elements that have contributed to success in reaching families in areas of disadvantage and having an impact on early speech, language and communication?
- How could some of these elements be applied in your area to develop sustainable approaches to reach out to families in similar situations?
Click the link below to read the main insights from the discussion.
Highlights from the round table
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Additional resources
Ages and Stages
This series of cards is aimed at parents/carers and early years workforce. They include:
- Key information about babies’ and young children’s talking and understanding of words
- Covering a wide age range with a top tip suggestion for supporting children’s development on each one
Early Language Behaviours
- Covering the key areas of pre-linguistic development, including turn-taking, eye contact, gesture and vocalisation.
- These cards help to raise parent’s awareness of how their babies are communicating even before words develop.