Speech-Language Therapist

Tips to teach conversation

by Nikki | Oct 8, 2018 | Info for Parents, Language | 0 Comments

My previous post which you can find here, outlined the different elements that are needed to have a conversation. A breakdown in any one of these skills can impact on having a conversation. Spontaneous conversation is difficult to teach, because by its very nature, it...

The art of conversation

by Nikki | Sep 25, 2018 | Info for Parents, Language | 0 Comments

Conversation relates to how we interact socially with others. Conversation is "the exchange of news and ideas between two or more people." A speech-language therapist may refer to conversational skills as pragmatics. This is the way people use language in social...

Play without Toys

by Nikki | Jul 28, 2018 | Info for Parents, Language | 0 Comments

There are so many toys that get pumped by the media as being 'necessary' because of their educational value. In an effort to do what is best for their child, many parents run off to buy the new toy only to find that their child enjoys playing with the box more than...

Life-lessons from laryngitis: What it taught me about AAC

by Nikki | Jun 6, 2018 | AAC, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Having no voice has taught me some life lessons. It has given me some perspective of what it must be like to be an AAC (augmentative, alternative communication) user.

Auditory Processing Disorder

by Nikki | Apr 15, 2018 | Auditory, Info for Parents, Language, Tips for teachers | 0 Comments

Recently, I have noticed an increase in the number of children 'diagnosed' with auditory processing disorder. Some of these children are being referred to me for further assessment. I am grateful when these children are referred to me because I can do a full...

Lively Letters making learning to read fun

by Nikki | Mar 12, 2018 | Apps, Reading | 0 Comments

Lively Letters is a reading program that turns abstract letters and sounds into lively, colorful characters. Sometimes, despite all the input, and different reading programs I use with children, they just don't get it. 😕 Lively Letters helps children develop...

Building Vocabulary: Road works & building sites

by Nikki | Feb 26, 2018 | Info for Parents, Language, Reading | 0 Comments

Vocabulary is the building block of language and a rich vocabulary is a good predictor of academic success. There are gems of opportunities to build vocabulary simply by driving from one place to another. In Johannesburg, traffic congestion is often caused by...

Little Stories for Speech, Language and Literacy

by Nikki | Jan 18, 2018 | Apps, Language, Reading, Speech, Spelling | 0 Comments

Little Stories from Little Bee Speech addresses language, language, literacy and articulation skills in their fantastic new app. Language and literacy skills impact on one another. Linking language, literacy, and phonology (sounds) builds vocabulary so that words can...