Simply Speaking Speech Language Therapy

01/10/2026

What can Occupational Therapy support?
This week, Occupational Therapy at Simply Speaking SLT is highlighting what we can offer children and families.
As an Occupational Therapist, I can support children with:
Sensory processing and sensory integration
Gross motor skills
Fine motor skills
Self-care and daily living skills
One of my particular passions is sensory processing and sensory integration, focusing on goals that are meaningful to them and their family.
This might be supporting participation in play, learning, movement, self-care, emotional regulation, social participation or everyday routines family right now.

I have also previously created a Sensory Systems e-book through my private practice, Connecting Together- Occupational Therapist
While the Connecting Together website
is no longer available, I'm pleased to still be able to share this resource with families here through our social media. Want a copy, comment EBook!

If you have questions about sensory processing, sensory integration or whether Occupational Therapy could support your child, please feel free to comment below or send me a message.

30/09/2026

Commenting is simply sharing what you're noticing, thinking, feeling or experiencing during an interaction.
In this video, we're looking at how everyday comments can give children lots of opportunities to hear language connected to what is happening around them.

You can comment during play, mealtimes, getting dressed, outings, or
any of the everyday moments you already share together. There doesn't need to be any pressure to respond or repeat. Just share the moment, model useful language, and enjoy communicating
together.

Comment. Connect. Enjoy

28/09/2026

Commenting is simply sharing what you're noticing,
thinking, feeling or experiencing during an interaction.
Comments give children opportunities to hear language that is connected to what is happening around them, while keeping communication relaxed and enjoyable.

Try commenting during play, mealtimes, getting
dressed, bath time, or any of the everyday moments
you already share together.

Share what you're doing. Share what you're noticing.
Share what you're thinking. Share what is happening.
Comment. Connect. Enjoy

26/09/2026

This is awesome..coming into Term 4 for our schools in Franklin here is something to support Mental Health Awareness week.
Love this from Mai Lighthouse whom we work with..

Calling all Franklin schools! 🖍️

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme is Belonging Matters and we're inviting your kura to bring it to life through Drawn Together, a free chalk-to-pavement art event.

Choose a group of tamariki/rangatahi to create artwork that shows what belonging means to them. We'll deliver a free pavement chalk pack straight to your school, along with whānau support flyers - then we'll come along, take photos, and celebrate what your students have created.

📅 Chalk artwork happens Monday 12 – Wednesday 14 October, weather permitting
📍 Open to all Franklin schools

Scan the code or tap the link in our bio to register your school - spaces are limited, so get in quick!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/tLLaazZWkv

25/09/2026

Wondering if your child could benefit from Occupational Therapy or Speech-Language Therapy support?

We’re offering a developmental screening event during the second week of the school holidays — at a significantly reduced cost compared with a standard therapy session!

In a session of up to 30 minutes, our therapists will assess your childs current level of functioning and development, and tell you what steps may be helpful next.

Speech-Language Therapy will look at:
• Communication and language
• Speech sounds
• What support may be recommended next
• Practical tips you can use at home, daycare or school

Occupational Therapy will look at:
• Gross & fine motor skills
• Sensory processing
• Social skills
• Emotional regulation
• Developmental concerns and coordination skills
• Where to seek further support or assessment if needed

How to book:
1️⃣ Complete our quick 2 minute screening registration form via the link below.
2️⃣ Chat with Brooke, who will help determine whether OT, Speech-Language Therapy, or both would be most appropriate.
3️⃣ Brooke will then book you directly into our screening event.

Spaces are limited, so get your registration in early!

Follow the link below to register
https://form.jotform.com/262498710630863 See less

23/09/2026

One of the simplest ways we can support early language is by putting words to what children are already interested in.

In this video, we’re talking about what naming is, why it can support language development, and how you can use it naturally during play and everyday routines.
No testing. No pressure to repeat. Just notice, name and connect.....

23/09/2026

Occupational Pukekohe ..our wait time is only 4-6 weeks
Supporting Gross motor skills, Fine Motor, Sensory Processing, Self-cares skills (Feeding, Toileting and more) and Social emotional development ...

22/09/2026

Common Occupational Therapy questions asked ..

21/09/2026

One of the simplest ways to support language development is to talk about what your child is already interested in.

Naming means putting words to the people, objects, actions and experiences your child is noticing.
You don't need to ask lots of questions or ask your child to repeat you. Instead, notice what has caught their attention
and give them the words to go with it.
“Car!”
“Big bubbles!”
“Dog running!”
“Crunchy apple!”

And remember, we do not need to expect kids to say anything back. Looking, pointing, gesturing, signing, using AAC, making sounds, moving towards something or responding in another way are all meaningful ways to communicate.

This week, try: Notice → Name → Repeat.
Save this post to come back to when you need a simple language strategy to try at home

21/09/2026

10 Weeks of early language strategies....
Over the next 10 weeks, we’re going back to the basics and sharing some of
our favourite evidence-informed language facilitation strategies that can
be used during everyday interactions with young children.
Every Tuesday, we’ll share a carousel with practical examples you can save
and come back to.
We’ll share a short video explaining one strategy, including what it is, why we use it, and how you can put it into practice.

Then, every Thursday, we’ll share a short video explaining one strategy, including what it is, why we use it, and how you can put it into practice.
We’ll be covering:
1. Naming
2. Commenting
3. Gestures and signs
4. Recasting & expanding
5. Pausing
6. Offering choices
7. Avoiding Questions
8. Following your child’s lead
9. Creating communication opportunities
10. Repetition & routines
Early language develops through meaningful interactions. We can support
this by noticing what a child is interested in, responding to their communication, modelling useful language and creating plenty of opportunities for them to participate.

So whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, early childhood educator or simply someone who spends time with young children, we hope this series gives you some simple, practical ideas that you can
naturally weave into your everyday routines.

Follow along this week as we start with “Naming”