Helping Children to Improve their Communication Skills

Deborah M. Plummer’s “Helping Children to Improve Their Communication Skills: Therapeutic Activities for Teachers, Parents and Therapists” (9781843109594, $32.95) Packs in fun ideas to help kid ages 4-11 with a speech or language disorder to develop communication skills. Activities, games and techniques for helping kids develop specific skills accompany tips for customizing the activities and a theory section covering how play can be a therapeutic tool for enhancing communication. It’s a fine activity book packed with working ideas to use with either groups or individuals and includes resources for speech and language therapists, students, teachers, parents and any working with kids. – The Midwest Book ReviewThis is a comprehensive and thorough book for anyone working with children or young people with speech, language or communication difficulties… Throughout the book it is obvious to see he writer’s total empathy with the children, her understanding that humour can assist in the learning process, and that so much can be learned from play and the need for constant genuine praise. Not only a useful book but a thoughtful, provoking land inspiring read too! – Speaking EnglishThe range of activities is excellent… I feel this book would be of good value as a departmental resource, particularly if you work in group settings and can integrate therapy into classroom settings. – Speech & Language Therapy in PracticeThis book encourages all those working with children with speech, language and communication needs to develop their creativity within a model of child centred reflective practice, acknowledging that our interaction with children has an effect at many different levels. Therapists, teachers, teaching assistants and parents will find a wealth of practical suggestions and a solid foundation of research within these pages. – Mary Hampton, Chair, Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP), UK

Deborah M. Plummer has over 30 years’ experience of facilitating groups and working individually with both children and adults. Formerly a clinical lead therapist working within the NHS, she also has extensive experience as a senior lecturer in aspects of health psychology and counselling. She ran workshops and short courses on the uses of imagery, games and story-telling in the promotion of well-being. Deborah is now retired.