KME Speech Therapy

KME Speech Therapy Independent Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy supporting children across Berkshire, Reading and Oxford

How to use a Visual TimetableVisual timetables can be a really useful way to help children understand what is happening,...
19/08/2026

How to use a Visual Timetable

Visual timetables can be a really useful way to help children understand what is happening, what is coming next and what they can expect from their day.

They use pictures, symbols, photographs or objects to show activities in sequence.

A visual timetable can help to:

🏠 Make routines more predictable
🧠 Support understanding and attention
🔄 Make transitions and changes easier
👍 Build confidence and independence
💜 Reduce anxiety by making expectations clearer

4 simple steps

1. LOOK
Look at the timetable together and talk about what is happening now and what comes next.

2. DO
Complete the activity. Refer back to the timetable when needed.

3. FINISHED
When the activity is finished, remove, turn over or move the picture to show that it is done.

4. NEXT
Look at what is coming next. This helps your child prepare for the next activity.

Tips for success

Start small — 3–5 activities is plenty.

Use photos, drawings or symbols that your child understands and keep the timetable somewhere they can easily see it.

Where possible, involve your child in choosing or creating the pictures.

And remember: every child is different. What works brilliantly one day might need adapting the next — and that's okay.

Visual supports don't have to be complicated. The aim is simply to make information clearer, more predictable and easier to understand.

KME Speech Therapy | Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy | Berkshire

www.kmespeechtherapy.co.uk

How to use a Now & Next BoardDoes your child find changes or transitions difficult?A Now & Next board is a simple visual...
17/08/2026

How to use a Now & Next Board

Does your child find changes or transitions difficult?

A Now & Next board is a simple visual support that shows your child:

What is happening now
What will happen next

This can make routines more predictable, support understanding and help children prepare for changes and transitions.

You can use a Now & Next board for:

Getting ready at home
School routines
Travelling or going out
Mealtimes
Bath and bedtime routines
Moving between activities
Getting dressed

4 simple steps

1. SHOW
Show your child the board and talk about what is happening now and what comes next.

2. DO NOW
Complete the current activity. Praise and encourage your child.

3. MOVE TO NEXT
When the activity is finished, show that it is time to move to the next activity.

4. REPEAT
Use the board throughout the day, changing the pictures or symbols as needed.

A few tips

Keep it simple to start with — one activity now and one next is plenty.

Use pictures, photos, symbols or objects that your child understands.

Try introducing the board when your child is calm and regulated, rather than waiting until they're already struggling with a transition.

And remember: every child is different. Find what works for your child and keep it positive.

If you'd like more practical ideas for supporting communication and understanding at home, follow KME Speech Therapy.

www.kmespeechtherapy.co.uk

AAC at home: simple ways to support your child’s communicationAAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) can give ...
15/08/2026

AAC at home: simple ways to support your child’s communication

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) can give children a way to communicate, connect and take part when speaking is difficult.

AAC might include signs and gestures, picture cards, communication books, communication boards, apps or speech-generating devices.

If your child uses AAC, here are 5 simple things you can do at home:

1. Model it
Use your child's AAC system yourself while you talk. Point to symbols as you speak so they can see how it works.

2. Give them time
Pause and wait. Give your child plenty of time to find what they want to communicate rather than jumping in or answering for them.

3. Respond to every attempt
Acknowledge what your child communicates, even if it's not perfect. Show them that their communication is meaningful and valued.

4. Expand
If your child selects one word or symbol, you can model one or two more. For example, if they communicate "drink", you might model "want drink" or "more drink."

5. Be consistent
Use AAC across everyday situations and with different communication partners — at home, school, out and about and during play.

And remember...

AAC does not stop children from talking. It provides a way for children to communicate while they develop their speech and language skills.

Keep their AAC system visible, accessible and available. Follow their interests, keep interactions fun and celebrate every attempt to communicate.

The most important thing is that your child has a reliable way to communicate that works for them.

KME Speech Therapy | Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy | Berkshire

www.kmespeechtherapy.co.uk

Auditory discrimination: what is it and how can I help at home?Auditory discrimination is the ability to hear and notice...
14/08/2026

Auditory discrimination: what is it and how can I help at home?

Auditory discrimination is the ability to hear and notice the difference between sounds. It plays an important role in listening, understanding speech, following instructions and developing speech and language skills.

The good news? You can practise these skills through short, simple games as part of everyday life.

Try:

“I spy” with sounds – can your child find the sound you're describing?

What’s that sound? – use everyday sounds such as a kettle, door knock or car and see if your child can identify them.

Same or different? – say two words such as cat–bat and ask whether they sound the same or different.

Rhyming games – find words that rhyme, such as cat–hat.

Clap the syllables – try names and everyday words: ba-na-na = 3 claps!

Listen for beginning sounds – can your child hear the difference between words starting with /m/, /s/ or /r/?

Play listening games – give simple instructions such as “touch your nose, then touch your toes” and gradually build up the complexity.

A few tips

Keep practice short and fun — even 5–10 minutes can be useful. Follow your child's interests, repeat activities regularly and praise their effort rather than focusing on getting every answer right.

And remember, children develop at different rates. If you're concerned about your child's listening, speech or language development, consider speaking with a Speech and Language Therapist.

KME Speech Therapy | Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy | Berkshire

www.kmespeechtherapy.co.uk

#𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀

Does my child need speech therapy?If you're concerned about your child's speech, language or communication, it can be di...
13/08/2026

Does my child need speech therapy?

If you're concerned about your child's speech, language or communication, it can be difficult to know what to do next.

Here are 5 things you can check:

1. Check hearing and vision
Hearing difficulties, including things like glue ear, can affect how children hear and learn language. Speak to your GP or relevant health professional if you have concerns.

2. Talk to school or your health visitor
If your child is at nursery or school, ask their teacher or SENCO whether they've noticed any concerns. For younger children, your health visitor can also provide guidance.

3. Look at your local Speech & Language Therapy resources
Your local service may have developmental information, checklists and practical advice for parents. Some services also offer telephone or online advice.

4. Speak to your GP
Your GP can listen to your concerns, consider your child's development and advise whether a referral or further assessment may be appropriate.

5. Consider a Speech & Language Therapy assessment
If you're still unsure or concerned, an assessment can help you understand your child's strengths and needs and decide what support might be helpful. Some therapists offer an initial consultation, allowing you to discuss your concerns before committing to ongoing therapy.

Most importantly, you know your child best. If something doesn't feel right, it's reasonable to ask for advice.

Early support can help children develop communication skills, confidence and participation.

KME Speech Therapy | Berkshire
www.kmespeechtherapy.co.uk

This information is intended as general guidance and is not a substitute for an individual assessment or professional medical advice.

How can we support children’s social skills and friendships?Social skills aren't something children simply "pick up" the...
12/08/2026

How can we support children’s social skills and friendships?

Social skills aren't something children simply "pick up" they develop through everyday experiences, practice and supportive interactions.

Here are 5 simple ways you can help at home:

1. Model conversations
If you ask, “How was your day?”, try answering it yourself first. Tell your child about your day and model the kind of information they could share about theirs.

2. Play games together
Board games, UNO, Boggle Slam or Pictionary can provide great opportunities to practise turn-taking, waiting, following rules, coping with winning and losing, and chatting together.

3. Talk about feelings
Talk about your own feelings and why you're feeling that way. When you're out and about, notice and label your child's emotions and explore what might help: *“You look frustrated. I wonder if we could…?”

4. Read and talk about stories
Don't just focus on what happened. Talk about characters' choices, how they might be feeling, why they behaved that way and what happened as a result. This can help children develop perspective-taking, empathy and understanding of social situations.

5. Play together
Get down to your child's level and join in with their interests. Children develop many important communication and social skills through play — including sharing, turn-taking, cooperation, problem solving and negotiation.

Most importantly, *keep it fun and follow your child's lead. Social skills take time and plenty of opportunities to practise.

What games, books or activities does your child enjoy playing with you?

KME Speech Therapy
Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy | Berkshire
http://www.kmespeechtherapy.co.uk

#𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀

How can I help my child’s speech and language development?You don't need expensive toys or complicated activities to sup...
10/08/2026

How can I help my child’s speech and language development?

You don't need expensive toys or complicated activities to support your child's communication. Some of the most useful strategies can be built into everyday play and routines.

Here are 6 simple things you can try at home:

1. Model language – talk about what your child is interested in and add a little more language.

2. Try the Rule of 5 – aim for roughly one question for every four comments, giving your child plenty of opportunities to hear language without feeling tested.

3. Read together – talk about the pictures, characters and what is happening rather than worrying about reading every word.

4. Sing nursery rhymes and songs – repetition, rhythm and predictable phrases make language fun and memorable.

5. Try OWL – Observe, Wait, Listen – follow your child's interests, give them time to communicate and listen to all the ways they communicate.

6. Play turn-taking games – simple games provide natural opportunities to practise waiting, listening, interaction and social communication.

Most importantly, make communication enjoyable. Follow your child's interests, give them time to respond and celebrate their attempts to communicate.

What is your child's favourite game, book or song at the moment?

KME Speech Therapy
Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy | Berkshire
www.kmespeechtherapy.co.uk

More than just getting dressed.Our Magnetic Dressing Dolls are designed to support speech & language, sequencing and com...
06/08/2026

More than just getting dressed.

Our Magnetic Dressing Dolls are designed to support speech & language, sequencing and communication through play.

Practise:
• Clothing & body-part vocabulary
• Following 1, 2 & 3-step instructions
• Sequencing “first, then, next”
• Now & Next activities
• Describing and explaining
• Fine motor & dressing skills

Designed by a Highly specialist paediatric Speech & Language Therapist and NHS Physiotherapist.

Reusable, hands-on and built for therapy, home or school.

https://etsy.me/4wDTbHs

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