Unit 068 Support Children’s Speech, Language and Communication
Unit 068 - Support Children’s Speech, Language and Communication
Outcome 1 Understand the importance of speech, language and communication for children’s overall development
1. Explain each of the terms:
a. Speech – vocalised language is spoken through sound
b. Language – set of symbols whether in words spoken, written or signed and is understood by people (languages have rules which children need to learn)
c. Communication – this is a large area which covers language, speech, body language, facial expressions and body language.
d. Speech, language and communication needs –this is when a child has a difficulty in any or all of the above areas, this can be caused by physical or mental problems or just be delayed.

2. Explain how speech, language and communication skills support each of the following areas in children’s development:

a. Learning: speech, language and communication help children to express what they have learnt and their understanding of the lessons; also they can ask questions to aid their understanding of the world. It aides them to explain what they have seen and express their own views.

b. Emotional: speech, language and communication support emotional development by enabling a child to express their own emotions and feeling and let adults know what’s wrong. If a child is unable to do this it can lead to unwanted behaviour like hitting, kicking, screaming, biting or tantrums. As they develop their speech, language and communication they can explain situations and not have the unwanted behaviour.

c. Behaviour: speech, language and communication help children to be able to understand rules, consequences and praise. This enables the child to learn how and what is expected of them at home and at school and become a well behaved child. It also helps them explain why they have behaved in a certain manner i.e. if they have hit another child, it may look like they are the aggressor but after they have explained it may be that something was done to them first.

d. Social: speech, language and communication aid’s children to recognise how others feel and empathise with how they are feeling. It also helps them to read body language and adjust their own behaviour to ease the problem. For example if they are part of a task of sharing trains in the train set area and they snatch a train off someone else the body language of the other child should make them see they have done something not right, they can then think about it and decide to return the train to the other child.

3. Describe the potential impact of speech, language and communication difficulties on the overall development of a child, both currently and in the longer term.

It is essential that early identification of any problems are made, this will mean that help and support can be given as soon as possible, thus given the chance of the best outcome. However the lack of identification can have a devastation effect on any child, ranging from lack of ability to communicate with anyone, no progression in education, lack of relationships, frustration and anger and a life of misunderstandings, in essence in all areas of a child’s life.

In the short term the lack of speech, language and communication skills can result in a child having a problem with:

Lack of confidence – this means they will not communicate with others and usually are on their own in most areas of life, they will be quiet, lonesome and possibly nervous in new situation and people, all this will be a barrier to learning and education.
Anger – this is because they don’t understand instructions or rules and are unable to express their anger or explain why they are angry.
Being withdrawn – this might be because they struggle with relationship and the understanding of body language and the verbal language.
Friendships – are a poor area as the child cannot verbally communicate with others and even when they do play with