Communication

Core Word of the Week

Core Word of the Week is a communication-focused approach that helps children, especially those using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), to build their language skills by focusing on one important word each week.

🎯 What Are the Aims?

• Develop functional communication
• Encourage independence in expressing needs and ideas
• Support language growth across all settings
• Promote inclusion and understanding of AAC

🔤 How It Works

Each week, a high-frequency “core word” (like go, want, help, or more) is introduced and used in a variety of fun and meaningful ways—through play, stories, songs, and everyday routines. Everyone in the school community is encouraged to model and use the word consistently.

🌟 Why It’s Effective

Core words are powerful because they can be used in many different situations. Focusing on one word at a time helps children learn how to use language purposefully and confidently.

Attention Autism

Attention Autism is a fun and engaging teaching approach designed to help children, especially those with autism, develop attention, communication, and social interaction skills. It was created by speech and language therapist Gina Davies.

🎯 What Are the Goals?

• Build shared attention and focus
• Encourage communication and interaction
• Develop listening and turn-taking skills
• Make learning motivating and meaningful

🌀 How It Works

The programme is delivered in stages, using exciting and visually stimulating activities like bubbles, messy play, and simple experiments. These activities are designed to capture children’s attention and gradually increase their ability to focus and participate.

🌟 Why It’s Effective

Children learn best when they are having fun! Attention Autism uses curiosity and surprise to make learning irresistible, helping children feel confident and connected.

DSE

 See and Learn is a structured teaching programme designed to support the early development of speech, language, reading, and number skills in children with Down syndrome. It is based on research into how children with Down syndrome learn best—through visual learning, repetition, and clear, consistent teaching.

🎯 What Are the Aims?

• Build vocabulary and understanding
• Support speech clarity and communication
• Develop early reading and number skills
• Encourage confidence and independence

🧩 How It Works

The programme is broken into small, manageable steps using visual resources, matching activities, and spoken practice. It’s designed to be used at home and in school, helping children learn at their own pace with plenty of repetition and encouragement.

🌟 Why It’s Effective

See and Learn helps children with Down syndrome build strong foundations for learning by using methods that match their strengths—especially visual learning and structured routines.

Chatta

 Chatta is an innovative teaching approach that uses images and spoken language to help children develop communication, vocabulary, and storytelling skills. It’s especially effective for supporting early language development and children with additional needs.

🎯 What Are the Aims?

• Boost spoken language and vocabulary
• Support sentence building and storytelling
• Strengthen memory and sequencing skills
• Encourage confidence in communication

🖼️ How It Works

Chatta uses a combination of pictures and spoken sentences to help children link what they see with what they say. Teachers and pupils create visual storyboards that support learning across the curriculum, making lessons more interactive and memorable.

🌟 Why It’s Effective

By combining visual prompts with spoken language, Chatta helps children organise their thoughts, express themselves clearly, and build strong foundations for reading and writing.