Bryony Rust, aka SaLT by the Sea, is a speech and language therapist sharing her own experiences of what works with young children, learned through years of providing therapy, training practitioners and collaborating with caregivers. Bryony is also a keynote speaker and clinical supervisor, helping others navigate the surprise delights and challenges of helping young children learn to talk. Working in close partnership with families, her focus is on valuing each child's unique contribution, fostering personal agency and a sense of belonging. To find out more, visit [...]

CHAPTER 1. What this guide is and how it can help you.

What we're aiming for (Help them learn it's worth the effort)

Stop doing, start noticing (this is the hardest part)

What to expect from this book

CHAPTER 2. Expand your definition of communication.

Speech, language and communication

Talking isn't everything

Always respond

Understand why we bother

Look out for opportunities

Understand what's going on behind the scenes

CHAPTER 3. Build relationships.

Include everyone from the beginning

Aim for a flat hierarchy

Practise active listening

Avoid fix-it mode

Stay out of judgement

Regulate to communicate

Realise our shared humanity

'Celebrate with me'

CHAPTER 4. Start from strength.

Tell a story of hope

Describe what the child can do

Shift your language from disorder to difference

Consider needs, not problems

Trust in capacity

CHAPTER 5. Let the child lead.

Tune in to the child's point of interest

Give it space

Look for the invitations

Directing vs. Responding

Give attention to get attention

Solutions for when it's hard:

Allow it to look like 'nothing'

Regulate to communicate

Allow the play to look unexpected

Avoid the toy trap

CHAPTER 6. Choose your focus.

Decide what's important

A note on mindfulness

Understand where the child's at

Write goals for the adults, not the child

Write SCRUFFY goals

CHAPTER 7. A strategies list

Allow yourself to do less

Embrace the awkward silence

Reflect the child

Pay attention to the details

Play with words

Use big gestures

Make your phrases sing

Use sound effects

Give, don't quiz

Make it easy

CHAPTER 8. Keep going.

Imagine something different

We're in the business of relationships

The simple version

Share with others

Choose one thing

Stick with it

Embrace everything

It's all in the noticing

Useful links

Bibliography

Index