
Speech sound skills: How children develop speech sounds for talking and literacy
Our “going-further” module Speech sound skills: How children develop speech sounds for talking and literacy explores what speech sounds are, and how they typically develop. It also gives information about speech sound challenges and how to identify children who need extra support.
Intended audience
Staff working with children and young people in:
- early years, including nurseries and childminders;
- primary schools.
Course structure
This module is part of our ‘going further’ series of modules: Speech and language challenges in the classroom. All of the modules in this series can be completed as stand-alone modules based on your own CPD needs.
This module explores what speech sounds are, and how they typically develop. It also gives information about speech sound challenges and how to identify children who need extra support. We recommend that after this module, you complete the module Speech sound skills: Supporting children to speak clearly and develop pre-literacy skills. That module will equip you with practical ideas to support children with speech sound challenges in the classroom.
This module explores what speech sounds are, and how they typically develop. It also gives information about speech sound challenges and how to identify children who need extra support. We recommend that after this module, you complete the module Speech sound skills: Supporting children to speak clearly and develop pre-literacy skills. That module will equip you with practical ideas to support children with speech sound challenges in the classroom.
Time commitments
The module will take approximately one hour to complete. You can complete the module at your own pace and in your own time.
Pre-requisite Knowledge
This module is part of our 'going further' series. It is assumed that professionals have either completed the Introduction to speech, language and communication course on the Speech and Language UK Learning Centre, or have equivalent knowledge and skills gained through other formal or informal learning, and/or relevant experience working with children.
Who is the course for?
What level is it?
This module is part of our “going further” series. It is assumed that professionals have either completed the Introduction to speech, language and communication course on the Speech and Language UK Learning Centre, or have equivalent knowledge and skills gained through other formal or informal learning, and/or relevant experience working with children.
What will I learn?
How long will it take?
How will it help me at work?
The module will help you recognise when children are developing their speech sounds typically and when they may need additional support. You’ll learn how to listen for the different types of mistakes that children can make with their speech sounds. The module will also help you to understand the relationship between speech sounds and development of literacy skills.

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Speech and Language UK
Unit A The Cube Building
17-21 Wenlock Road
London
N1 7GT
Unit A The Cube Building
17-21 Wenlock Road
London
N1 7GT
General enquiries
020 7843 2510
info@speechandlanguage.org.uk
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Speech and Language UK is the operating name of I CAN Charity, a registered charity in England and Wales (210031) and Scotland (SC039947), which is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (00099629). Registered address: Unit A The Cube Building 17-21 Wenlock Road London N1 7GT

With thanks to our late patron the late Queen Elizabeth II