FRIENDS TOGETHER (paperback version)

With a cochlear-implant wearing central character, FRIENDS TOGETHER was initially written for deaf children learning to listen and speak but is equally suited to other 3-6 year olds who need a little extra language practice as they transition from home to a school environment. This is a critical time in their developmental journey when children need to learn new language and appropriate behaviour for making friends, playing and thriving in a wider social setting.

Primary focus of the book (themes/concepts):

• Playtime / play language (asking to play, inviting to play, initiating games to play)

• Saying hello and introducing yourself and others

• Saying ‘thank you’ and responding ‘you’re welcome’

• Paying compliments and responding to compliments

• Expressing basic feelings

• Appreciating the importance of kindness and inclusivity in the playground

• Interactive reading and activities stimulating two-way communication between adult and child, which is essential for the development of fluent receptive and expressive language as well as cognitive and social skills.

Secondary focus of the book (themes/concepts):

• Learning that different words can have the same or similar meanings (synonyms)

• Sequential time concepts: earlier…now / first…then / now…next

• Learning left and right

• Answering ‘Why?’ questions with ‘Because…’

• Recognising and understanding basic emotions in yourself and others

• Recognising basic personality traits in yourself and others

• Recognising and accepting that different individuals have different preferences/quirks/likes and dislikes

• Understanding that the things that make us different are the things that make us interesting

• Basic theory of mind - recognising that actions/events have consequences (‘I am sad because…’)

• Strengthening auditory memory by asking questions about particular characters in the story at the end

[Paperback version]