Table of Contents

Acknowledgements. Part 1. Theoretical and practical background. 1. Introduction: Developing a therapeutic imagination. 2. Communication well-being. 3. Play as a therapeutic tool for communication. 4. Structuring the emotional environment. 5. Working in different settings. Part 2. Activities and games. 6. Beyond the beanbag! 7. Big space activities and games. 8. Being creative with paper and pencil activities. 9. Role play, story-telling and guided imagery. 10. Conversation games. 11. Thinking skills activities. 12. Construction activities. 13. Parachute games. 14. Music and movement activities. Appendix. Keeping it all going: The transfer and maintenance of skills. Activities index. References.

About the Author

Deborah M. Plummer is a speech and language therapist and imagework practitioner with over 20 years' experience of facilitating groups and working individually with both children and adults. Formerly a clinical lead therapist working within the NHS, she now lectures at De Montfort University, Leicester and runs workshops and short courses on the uses of imagery and story-telling and issues of self-esteem. Deborah is author of several titles, including Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety: A Photocopiable Activities Book, Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Activities Book, 2nd edition, Self-Esteem Games for Children, Social Skills Games for Children, Helping Adolescents and Adults to Build Self-Esteem: A Photocopiable Resource Book and Anger Management Games for Children, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Deborah's website can be found at www.deborahplummer.co.uk.

Reviews

Deborah M. Plummer's "Helping Children to Improve Their Communication Skills: Therapeutic Activities for Teachers, Parents and Therapists" (9781843109594, $32.95) Packs in fun ideas to help kid ages 4-11 with a speech or language disorder to develop communication skills. Activities, games and techniques for helping kids develop specific skills accompany tips for customizing the activities and a theory section covering how play can be a therapeutic tool for enhancing communication. It's a fine activity book packed with working ideas to use with either groups or individuals and includes resources for speech and language therapists, students, teachers, parents and any working with kids. -- The Midwest Book Review
This is a comprehensive and thorough book for anyone working with children or young people with speech, language or communication difficulties... Throughout the book it is obvious to see he writer's total empathy with the children, her understanding that humour can assist in the learning process, and that so much can be learned from play and the need for constant genuine praise. Not only a useful book but a thoughtful, provoking land inspiring read too! -- Speaking English
The range of activities is excellent... I feel this book would be of good value as a departmental resource, particularly if you work in group settings and can integrate therapy into classroom settings. -- Speech & Language Therapy in Practice
This book encourages all those working with children with speech, language and communication needs to develop their creativity within a model of child centred reflective practice, acknowledging that our interaction with children has an effect at many different levels. Therapists, teachers, teaching assistants and parents will find a wealth of practical suggestions and a solid foundation of research within these pages. -- Mary Hampton, Chair, Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP), UK