‘She’s always mumbling,” or “He speaks to fast.” These are two reasons that parents may refer their children to me. What I commonly find is that while the child may be reasonably clear in single words or when speaking in short phrases or sentences, as they move into conversation, their speech becomes generally indistinct, with words run […]
read moreHow to lose your fear of public speaking
- 12
- November
- 2014
On Thursday 13th November from 10.30-11.00am, Clonakilty library will be hosting a talk by John Keating, Distinguished Toastmaster, on the 7 Deadly Sins of Public Speaking. Sounds like a very worthwhile and interesting talk.
read moreI am often asked about bilingualism by teachers, particularly in relation to children whose first language is not English, and it is now a topic that I always include on my summer teacher training courses at the West Cork Education Centre. Across the world, bilingualism (and multi-lingualism) is more common than monolingualism (one language). There are […]
read moreI’m just not understood!
- 17
- February
- 2014
It was proving to be quite a civilised dinner, food was being eaten and children were chatting… and listening…a model conversational meal… Our three year old said, “You and Daddy bwain.” “Playing?” I asked. “No, bwain.” “Brain?” “No bwain.” OK, so now time to pull out some more highly effective strategies. “I don’t understand you, tell […]
read moreConnected Communication newsletter
- 10
- December
- 2013
I’ve just clicked send on my first edition of ‘Connected Communication’, a free monthly newsletter about topics relating to speech, language, voice, music therapy and education. In this edition I’m covering articles relating to toys, stammering during times of excitement, and voice care. If you are interested, then sign up, and stay updated. Until 31st January 2014, […]
read moreRhythm and singing in speech recovery post stroke
- 21
- March
- 2013
Interesting research published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience highlighting how treatment using rhythm or singing both resulted in improvements in the ability to produce learned phrases in people with language difficulties post stroke (aphasia). In contrast, traditional speech and language therapy can improve the ability to produce novel phrases. The research highlights the […]
read moreWhy does music help speech?
- 15
- March
- 2013
Music and Speech An interesting post from BackMountain Music Therapy which highlights how music can really engage a range of client groups, and also provides some explanations as to why music can be so effective in encouraging speech and language.
read moreTo read my answer to this question go to the resources section of my website.
read moreEnhancing your Child’s Development and Strengthening your Relationship with your Child
- 31
- March
- 2011
On Tuesday 12th April, Clonakilty Kindergarten, Lady’s Cross, Clonakilty, have invited Eithne Ní Dhraighneáin, Play Therapist, and myself, as speech and language therapist, to present an evening entitled: ‘Enhancing your Child’s Development and Strengthening your Relationship with your Child’. Topics which will be addressed and will be of relevance to parents and caregivers from 0 – 5 years […]
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