Speech, Language and Communication
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Updated
Support the learning and wellbeing of students with speech, language and communication needs across all levels of the curriculum.
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Go to top of current page: Speech, Language and Communication
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Understanding speech, language and communication needs
Learn about speech, language and communication needs.
Communication is part of everything we do. It is the foundation of relationships and is essential for play, social interactions and learning.
Summary of important concepts:
Strategies for action
Identify needs and how to provide support
Work closely with the student and their whānau. Take an evidence-based, team approach to supporting learning and wellbeing. Monitor progress closely.
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Every student with speech, language, and communication needs are different, and their needs change as they get older.
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Recognise needs and intervene early
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Gather information collaboratively
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Organisations, programmes and resources
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Key areas to support
Oral language, reading and writing are closely intertwined aspects of literacy that develop together over time.
Reading and writing float on a sea of talk.
James Britton, Language and Learning
Six suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Learn about stuttering and voice
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
Embed a variety of approaches that support ākonga into everyday routines. Refer to Key areas to support in this guide for more on specific supports for students with speech, language and communication needs.
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Closed Captions
Five suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Build language-rich environments
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- Video
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Support participation and confidence
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Present information in different ways
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Support processing and planning
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Provide options to create, learn and share
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- Video
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Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
Embed a variety of approaches that support ākonga into everyday routines. Refer to Key areas to support in this guide for more on specific supports for students with speech, language and communication needs.
A student using an AAC device, TouchChat, to communicate his needs and wants during class.
Five suggestions for implementing this strategy:
-
Build language-rich environments
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Support participation and build confidence
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Present information in different ways
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Support processing and planning
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
-
Provide options to create, learn and share
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
Key resources
Supporting students with communication needs
Information about the Ministry of Education’s Communication Service, which employs speech-language therapists who support children with high communication needs in schools.
Te kōrerorero, Te Whāriki Online
A resource that promotes effective teaching practices to develop oral language . It includes mana reo, oral language strategies, bilingual pathways, Pacific dual language books, mathematics, and more to support weaving this strand into your local curriculum.
He Māpuna te Tamaiti
A resource designed to support the development of children's social and emotional competence. It includes a book and a set of cards.
Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust (START)
The Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust (START) is an Aotearoa New Zealand organisation that provides specialist resources and support for people who stutter and their families and whānau.
Publisher: Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust (START)
Teaching the linguistically diverse learner in Aotearoa New Zealand
This book available for purchase is written as a resource for teachers and students who are learning how to respond to the language needs of learners from diverse language and cultural backgrounds as they teach their specific curriculum areas.
Publisher: NZCER Press
Culturally responsive evidence-based special education practice: Whaia ki te ara tika
Waikato Journal of Education, Macfarlane, S., & Macfarlane, A. (2013). This article reports on research to determine the key components of culturally responsive evidence-based special education practice for Māori.
Publisher: University of Waikato
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Speech, Language and Communication
Strategies for action:
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Identify needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify needs and how to provide support
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Key areas to supportShow suggestions for Key areas to support
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
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Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
