How do I know if my child's speech is on track?

We provide a general milestone reference as a guide, though every child develops at their own pace. If you have specific concerns, this workshop can complement but should not replace an assessment from a speech and language therapist.

My child prefers pointing and gesturing to talking. Is that covered?

Yes, we discuss the stages children move through before spoken language and how gestures and pointing are an important part of that process, along with ways to gently encourage spoken words alongside them.

Does screen time affect speech and language development?

We touch on this briefly, though it is covered in more depth in our screen-time workshop. In general, interactive, back-and-forth communication supports language far more than passive screen viewing.

What if my child is bilingual or being raised with more than one language?

We cover general principles that apply well to bilingual households, and reassure parents that being raised with more than one language does not cause speech delay. If you have specific questions about your family's situation, a one-to-one session can go into more detail.

Is this suitable for a child who has already been referred for speech therapy?

Yes, many parents attend while also working with a speech and language therapist, using this session as a complement for everyday strategies at home rather than a replacement for that professional support.

For parents

Supporting Speech and Language Through Everyday Play

You do not need flashcards or formal exercises to support your child's speech and language, the richest opportunities are already built into everyday play. This workshop looks at how conversation, books, songs, turn-taking games and pretend play all build language skills naturally. You will leave with simple ways to bring more of this into your existing routines, without adding pressure to either of you.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Parents and carers of children aged one to five who want practical, everyday ways to support speech and language development through play rather than structured exercises.

What we cover in the hour

How everyday conversation, narrated aloud, builds vocabulary and understanding.
Choosing books and reading in a way that encourages back-and-forth interaction.
Using songs and rhymes to support sound awareness and rhythm.
Turn-taking games that build the foundations of conversation.
How pretend play develops vocabulary, sequencing and storytelling ability.
Realistic expectations for speech and language milestones by age.

What you'll leave with

Five conversation techniques you can use during ordinary daily routines.
A short list of interactive reading strategies.
Two turn-taking games suitable for different ages.
A rough guide to typical speech and language milestones.
A take-home booklet with song and rhyme suggestions by age.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes interactive reading tips, a milestone reference guide, and a list of songs, rhymes and turn-taking games organised by age.

This workshop is grounded in the Aistear theme of Communicating, which highlights the many everyday ways children develop language, from conversation and story to song and pretend play.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Supporting Speech and Language Through Everyday Play
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

How do I know if my child's speech is on track?: We provide a general milestone reference as a guide, though every child develops at their own pace. If you have specific concerns, this workshop can complement but should not replace an assessment from a speech and language therapist.
My child prefers pointing and gesturing to talking. Is that covered?: Yes, we discuss the stages children move through before spoken language and how gestures and pointing are an important part of that process, along with ways to gently encourage spoken words alongside them.
Does screen time affect speech and language development?: We touch on this briefly, though it is covered in more depth in our screen-time workshop. In general, interactive, back-and-forth communication supports language far more than passive screen viewing.
What if my child is bilingual or being raised with more than one language?: We cover general principles that apply well to bilingual households, and reassure parents that being raised with more than one language does not cause speech delay. If you have specific questions about your family's situation, a one-to-one session can go into more detail.
Is this suitable for a child who has already been referred for speech therapy?: Yes, many parents attend while also working with a speech and language therapist, using this session as a complement for everyday strategies at home rather than a replacement for that professional support.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Curriculum planning · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy