2yr 4m mindee doesn't talk!!

[gotkidz]

I have been minding 2yr 4m boy since february, I have concerns with his speech. He still speaks gobbledy and only says about 10 words most of which he repeats or he will point at something open his mouth to say and nothing will come out, this then makes him frown or facially get angry, his shoulders then lower and he stiffens up, sometimes cry, more frequently he starts to cry.
I have started a word diary so I can assertain how many words he's saying when he comes and have spoken with his mum on numerous occasions, last week she promised to see the HV and try to get him reffered to the speech therapist.
I would like to know how I can aid him in his speech?
when i speak to him I come to his level and speak face to face so he can see my mouth moving, he can hear and understands some instuctions, but how do I deal with his frustrations?
Any advice will be gratefully recieved.

How doe his family communicate with him? My ds is 2.11 and has severe speech delay. We use a lot of makaton to communicate - really helps with his frustration. Have you seen mr tumble on cbeebies - it is a brilliant programme for learning simple signs.

Keep your language simple with him and don't ask too many questions

can he make himself understood - by pointing/getting what he needs/by facial expression and body language?

and also - what is his comprehension like - eg if you say fetch your shoes then we'll pop them on and go out, does he follow the instruction?

I would be inclined to ring my early years officer for advice as to how to best proceed

As long as he has good comprehension then not too much to worry about. Makaton is good, but remember Einstein did not talk until 3yrs old.

My son had severe speech delay (and still has probs now at 6yrs).
I wouldn't put too much pressure on his parents, they will refer him when they are ready or preschool will pick it up when he starts...I would say at 2.5 it isn't unusual to only have 10 words and be pointing and sounding....not 'normal' but not uncommon. If you make a big thing out of it, you may only make it worse.
If he points and you understand his meaning then say 'would you like a ..... name' or whatever the thing he is trying to communicate.
As long as he seems 'switched on' and can follow commands and appears to understand speech I wouldn't be too concerned.
Obviously don't know the child so you have to use your judgement on this one.

my ds was a late talker, it didnt really happen till he was 3 and his older brother went to school so he had to talk.

dont anticipate his needs, dont stress too much as sure it will all come in time.. 2.4 isnt very old..if you make it a big deal this could annoy/worry him.

Hi, hope you don't mind me posting as parent to a child with speech delay rather than CM- agree with bald about calling early years/inclusion, ideally having got the mother's agreement first. and well done for spotting this as a possible issue and speaking honestly to his mum about your concerns.

if (and I appreciate it's a big if!) you have the time to read a bit about it, useful sites are:-
www.ican.org.uk
www.hanen.org
www.teachmetotalk.com

useful books:-
baby talk by sally ward (should be in library) you make the difference by ayola manolson (unlikely to be in library, about £13).

In general - if you are concerned about his level of understanding keep instructions etc simple, use the same words each time. and back up with gestures/visual cues. and try and be responsive to any attempts to communicate, as you are doing, and to say what you think he's trying to say, so he hears the vocab.

Very interesting chat. thanks 'anotherbrickinthewall'.Im a new childminder and im sure these websites will start me on my search in this subject.

I also know a child who I discreetly want to assist, but who is just a friends child.

My son has a speech delay (he is 2.5) as he suffered from Glue Ear for a long time, he had grommets fitted in July and his speech is really coming on now. He will still need speech therapy but this is not usually started until children are 3 (in our area) as they need a certain amount of comprehension/cooperation to benefit from it.

Mr Tumble is great - you can buy a DVD or suggest the parents do?

Thank you for all your kind comments.
Yes I will definately look at those websites.
I was lucky, I spoke with my early years advisors and she said there was a speech therapist coming to one of the childminding sessions, but need parents permission. Thankfully mum said "yes". So I took him and he has been reffered. She said I was right to be concerned and gave me some sheets to read and fill in.
I don't make an issue when it comes to him not speaking, probably because i understand him anyway, but the other children keep asking him to speak properly and dont understand. kids are kids!!!
I really appreciate the response
thanx

brilliant

a perfect example of working in partnership with parents

well done indeed