Talk Talk Play! is a five week early intervention program specifically designed for the families of 2-3 year old children whose speech and language development has been slow and who are waiting for Speech Pathology services.

It was developed under the Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Plan banner in response to increasing local waiting lists and the fact that some children would not be seen for more than 12-18 months.

The program consists of:

• One parent workshop for parents/carers facilitated by a Speech Pathologist, providing information and ideas to encourage language development.
• Four playgroup sessions facilitated by a Speech Pathologist for parents/carers and children. The sessions will be a chance to try the ideas and strategies discussed in the information session to encourage language development.

Significant improvements in the language and/or communication of most children were noted by the conclusion of the program. In formal evaluation, 85% of parents felt their child’s talking had changed during the program, with most identifying use of words more frequently, an extension of vocabulary and the move from single words to sentences within the five week program. Ninety per cent of parents strongly agreed or agreed they had the skills to help develop their child’s speech after attending Talk Talk Play!

More about Talk Talk Play!

Facilitated by two Speech Pathologists trained in the Hanen approach, the program includes a 90-minute parent workshop and four 45-minute parent-child playgroup sessions. While Talk Talk Play! draws on evidence-based strategies from Hanen, it also incorporates widely used language development techniques from general speech pathology practice. A literature review and program logic were developed during its creation to ensure a sound evidence-based foundation. 

Talk Talk Play! referrals to the program typically come through Maternal and Child Health. For more information, please contact Council’s Early Years Project Officer on (03) 5832 9806.