- Ash
- Newsletter
As April comes to a close, we’re proud of the progress our clients have made this term. Thank you to all the families for your continued commitment and support.
In this month’s newsletter, we’ll explore how a gym ball can be used to boost speech and language skills through movement, breath control, and engagement. It’s a fun and effective tool we’ve loved using in sessions!
Our Resource of the Month ‘Jenga Quake‘ will bring plenty of excitement and great opportunities for language development—especially with turn-taking, describing, and problem-solving.
We’ll also celebrate Christy in our ‘Therapist Spotlight‘. Christy loves connecting with clients and tailoring her approach to suit each child’s needs. We’re grateful to have her on our team!
Looking ahead to Term 2, we’re excited to keep the momentum going. If you have questions or want to check in about goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all the best for the term ahead!
Use a Gym Ball to Help Improve your Speech
Did you know that a simple gym ball can be a powerful tool for developing speech and language skills? Playtime can easily become learning time with these fun and interactive activities!
1. Requesting (e.g., “more” / “ball” / “again”)
Hold the ball and wait for your child to ask for it using words, signs, or gestures. Model words like “more” or “ball” and encourage them to repeat!
2. Waiting (e.g., “stop” / “go”)
Roll or bounce the ball, then pause dramatically and say, “Stop!” Encourage your child to say “Go!” to continue the game.
3. Transitioning (e.g., “one more and then done”)
Help your child prepare for the end of an activity by saying, “One more bounce, then we’re all done!” This technique supports smoother transitions.
***Curious how a gym ball can boost communication skills? Do read our article: How to Enhance Speech and Language with a Gym Ball?
Resource of the Month: Jenga Quake
Looking for a fun and exciting way to support your child’s speech and language development at home? This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Jenga Quake – a high-energy twist on the classic Jenga game where the tower shakes and wobbles like an earthquake! It’s not just entertaining – it’s packed with opportunities for learning and growth.
How Jenga Quake Supports Communication Skills
Playing Jenga Quake introduces kids to a variety of descriptive and thematic words:
- Natural Disasters: volcano, lava, earthquake, rumble
- Describing Words: wobbly, unstable, slippery, tall, short
- Action Words: pull, push, stack, fall, balance
Reinforce articulation goals through repeated use of target sounds in fun contexts:
- /v/ – volcano, lava, move
- /sh/ – shake, shift, shaky
- /r/ – rock, rumble, red
- /t/ – top, out, put
Great for group play, Jenga Quake encourages essential social communication:
- Practicing turns: “My turn” / “Your turn”
- Learning to wait: “Let’s wait for the earthquake to stop”
- Managing emotions: “Great game” / “Let’s play again”
Spark imagination and language development through play:
- “Imagine we’re in a city during an earthquake – what happens next?”
- “What do you think will happen if I pull this block?”
- Practice full sentences: “The tower is…” (tall, wobbly, about to fall)
Meet out new team member: Christy
Christy is a compassionate Speech Pathologist who works with both children and adults across a range of communication needs, including speech, language, literacy, and fluency. She values family-centred, evidence-based practice and is passionate about helping clients reach their personal goals through collaboration.
With experience across public health, schools, private practice, and telehealth, Christy has supported individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and ADHD. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) from The University of Sydney and has completed additional training in PROMPT®, DIR®/Floortime™, the Lidcombe Program, and gestalt language development, among others.
Christy is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and is experienced in working with culturally and linguistically diverse families.
Eastside Speech is a vibrant private speech therapy practice centrally located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
Operating since 2001, our team of dedicated speech pathologists are passionate about helping the world to communicate better.
The practice is an approved NDIS service provider. We are registered with Medicare and are able to see clients using the Chronic Disease Management referral scheme. All our therapists are PROMPT trained.
