Exciting news from our exhibitors – Wise Old Owl

1st February 2017

The Early Years Practitioner’s version of Wise Old Owl Speech Assessment app has now been released.

Most of my early years training focuses on supporting children’s language development and yet one of the most frequent questions I get asked when I am training in early years settings is “what about their speech?”

The difference between speech and language can be a tricky concept to get your head around. The two words are frequently used interchangeably as though they are one and the same thing.

How do I know if their speech sounds are developing well for their age or if we should refer to speech and language therapy?

Some younger children can be fairly unclear when they are speaking. But should they be able to use all their sounds at aged two years? Three? Or Five?

A child’s speech development refers to how they form the sounds within words. Typical development can include substituting one sound for another. It’s common for children to say “tar” for car up until the age of 3:6. Yet, 90% will have achieved a ‘K’ sound without any intervention by 4:0.

So, when does a child’s unclear speech warrant intervention?  Referring them ‘just in case’ can clog up a speech and language therapy department’s waiting list and gives parents a feeling that their child ‘needs fixing’ when their sounds might be normal for their age.

The Wise Old Owl Speech Assessment App helps you to make an informed decision. As you swipe through pictures with the child you can mark any sounds that they can’t say. You will then get an instant evaluation of the child’s speech with recommendations as to what to do next.

I will be exhibiting the app at Childcare Expo on stand C16 so come along and watch a demonstration or ask how I can help your early years setting. I look forward to meeting you!