iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🗣️ Monday Methods: Language Samples Every chat tells a story! 💬 Researchers learn about children's language development by recording conversations, storytelling activities, play sessions, and word-learning games. Sometimes, the best way to understand language is simply to listen. #ChildDevelopment

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

👨‍👩‍👧 Monday Methods: Parent-Child Interaction Studies Sometimes the best way to understand child development is to observe children and their caregivers spending time together. Many families tell us these studies feel just like everyday play! #MondayMethods #ChildDevelopment

020

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

(LATE) ✨Friday Fact✨ Did you know that researchers, including our own Professor Anna Theakston, use parent questionnaires to learn more about children's vocabulary and communication skills? Parents' responses help researchers build a picture of how language develops across hundreds of children.

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

🧩 Monday Methods: Questionnaires 📝 Researchers ask parents, caregivers, or children questions about: 🗣️ Language 🎮 Play 😊 Behaviour 📚 Learning

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

(Late) ✨Friday Fact✨ Research at the Child Study Centre often takes the form of fun, play-based activities. In a recent study, Dr Alissa Ferry and Dr Katherine Twomey used a game involving towers and stickers to explore how children understand words like bigger and smaller.

032

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

🧩 Monday Methods: Behavioural Tasks Many child development studies use games and activities to learn about how children think, learn, remember, and solve problems. #MondayMethods #BehaviouralTasks #ChildDevelopment #ResearchMethods #ChildStudyCentre #DevelopmentalScience

011

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Dr Katie Twomey @k2mey.eurosky.social · 29/06/2026

This looks great! @childstudycentre.bsky.social

141

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Dr Katie Twomey @k2mey.eurosky.social · 09/07/2026

Plug for the excellent seminar series run by my research group, LCD-PSYC at University of Manchester, in collaboration with LuCID. All your language development interests catered for! www.youtube.com/playlist?lis... @childstudycentre.bsky.social

youtube.com

LCD-PSYC in collaboration with LuCid Seminar Series (2025-2026) - YouTube

Welcome to the official playlist for the Seminar Series presented by The Centre for Language, Communication and Developmental Psychology (LCD-PSYC) at the Un...

1115

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

🌟Tuesday Tip 🌟 Face-to-face time matters! Your baby learns so much just by looking at your face. When they can see your expressions, eye contact and mouth movements, they're building the foundations for communication while strengthening their bond with you.

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

NEW Blog Post: Why do children start talking at different ages?And how do we know what’s “typical”? (2/2) @lancasteruni.bsky.social

051

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

NEW Blog Post: Why do children start talking at different ages?And how do we know what’s “typical”? Our latest blog explores how parents across the UK are helping us build a more accurate picture of early language development and why UK-specific research really matters. Find out more www.lucid.ac.uk

020

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

✨Tuesday Tip ✨ Executive function and self‑regulation are key skills for learning, wellbeing, and life. They grow best when children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to practise little by little #ChildDevelopment #ExecutiveFunction #SelfRegulation #EarlyYears #ParentSupport #LearningThroughPlay

101

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

✨Tuesday Tip✨ Mathematics ➗: Early maths is built through everyday play. Counting, sorting, talking about shapes and sizes all help children make sense of their world and build confidence. 🧠 Those little moments of play and conversation really do matter. #eyfs #preschool #earlyyears #development

000

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

sounds-project.bsky.social @sounds-project.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

We’re inviting adults to take part in a research study exploring language and communication. This study is not just for students — anyone over 18 who meets the criteria can take part! Sign up using this link: redcap-2.bath.ac.uk/surveys/?s=Y...

102

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

🌍 Earth Day 🌍 Today we’re celebrating Earth Day and taking a little extra time to care for our beautiful planet. We’ve shared a few simple activity ideas for you and your little ones to enjoy together as you celebrate our special home. #earthday #ourplanet #toddleractivities

022

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Dr Katie Twomey @k2mey.eurosky.social · 12/04/2026

Re. my last post, my research group host monthly seminars about language and broader cognitive development and they're hybrid. Everyone is welcome. Recordings of past talks also here! Awoooga etc! More details: www.lucid.ac.uk/category/eve.... See also @childstudycentre.bsky.social

lucid.ac.uk

Events Archives

032

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

✨ New blog post! ✨ Ever wondered why young children all seem to make the same language mistakes? In our latest post, Professor Ben Ambridge explores how children learn language. Head to: www.lucid.ac.uk/category/blog 🐟 #languagelearning #research #languagedevelopment #childdevelopment

012

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

🌷As March draws to a close and International Women’s Month comes to an end, we’re celebrating just a few of the incredible women who make the Child Study Centre what it is. Their curiosity, compassion, and commitment to research inspire us every day. 💜 #EmpoweringWomenEmpowerWomen #WomenInResearch

011

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

📝NEW RESEARCH📝How diverse characters help young readers thrive. What happens when children see characters who look like them in the books they read? A new study by Dr. Nicola Lester (2026) reveals something powerful. 🌟 #RepresentationMatters #DiverseBooks #ChildDevelopment #ReadingForJoy

020

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Dr Katie Twomey @k2mey.eurosky.social · 16/03/2026

Study participation advert: "What we want: how can Speech & Language Therapy best meet the needs of autistic children? We are looking for autistic children & young people (9 - 17 years 11 months old) to take part in an adapted interview about their priorities and preferences in Speech & Language Therapy. We hope our findings will support the development of services in this area. In the first part of this study, we are looking for children & young people who are verbally-able, so likely in mainstream schools accessing a mainstream curriculum. A formal autism diagnosis is important and should follow national clinical guidance on best practice. Please get in touch to ask about eligibility or find out more: NDSpeech-LanguageTherapy@manchester.ac.uk. Our team includes experienced & DBS checked autistic researchers & Speech & Language Therapists. The interviews will be adapted to meet individual needs. If your child has more significant language support needs, we will be recruiting these children to a related but different study. Please do ask for details.”

The study is a collaboration between the University of Manchester, University of Sheffield and the NHS Manchester University foundation trust. The study is funder by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.

2913

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

It's British Science Week! We've been in the museum today and are there again tomorrow, meeting lots of young minds and telling them all about what we do. We are also asking the question 'What makes us human?' What do you think? #britishscienceweek #askingbigquestions #childdevelopment #psychology

010

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

✨TUESDAY TIP ✨ 👫Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Secure, supportive relationships are at the heart of children’s personal, social and emotional development. When children feel connected to caring adults, they learn to understand their feelings, build confidence, set goals and keep trying.

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

9th-15th February - Children's Mental Health Week This year's theme is 'This is my place'. 🧍‍♂️ We all want to feel like we belong. A sense of belonging plays a vital role in our mental health and wellbeing and is especially important for children. @place2becharity.bsky.social

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Looking for ideas on how to help your child's development? The EYFS Framework covers the 7 areas of learning and development. First, we take a look at how to help your child with their Communication and Language. #eyfs #eyfsframework #childdevelopment #communication #languagedevelopment

000

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Jodrell Bank @jodrellbank.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

🌙 One step closer to the moon! In a milestone for NASA’s upcoming lunar missions, the Artemis II rocket reached its launch pad this weekend. Read more: www.nasa.gov/blogs/missio... 📸: NASA/Keegan Barber #Artemis #ArtemisII

NASA’s Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft are seen illuminated by lights at Launch Complex 39B, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

1202

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Cardiff Babylab @cardiffbabylab.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

📄 New research paper out! Children usually understand more words than they can say – but in Williams syndrome, this gap is smaller. Using computational models, we explore why. 🔗 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... #LanguageDevelopment #Neurodiversity #DevelopmentalScience

032

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

A bit late - Our Fun Friday Fact about Child Development! Ever wondered why babies just stare and sometimes seem unable stop? Find out more at BBC Tiny Happy People: www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-p... #childdevelopment #babiesstare #babydevelopment #research

022

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

In 1950, in the very building that now houses the Child Study Centre, Alan Turing asked a question that changed the world: ‘Can machines think?’ His Manchester paper introduced the Turing Test, laying the foundations of artificial intelligence. #artificialintelligence #STEM #manchesterhistory

010

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

🌍 Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! This day reminds us that inclusion matters. Every child deserves opportunities to learn, play, and thrive—regardless of ability. ✅ Let’s break barriers. #IDPD #InclusionMatters #ChildDevelopment #AccessibilityForAll #UniversityOfManchester

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Currently recruiting 3 year olds and 4&5 year olds for two fun studies investigating child development. Contact childstudycentre@manchester.ac.uk to take part. 🧠

010

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

2/2 1/2 🔉LISTEN to this new podcast from @storiesofimpactseries with our own @bahar_kym, as she discusses her research around how children learn to think together. 👧👦 www.storiesofimpact.org/dr-bahar-koy... This research was funded by Templeton World Charity Foundation. @storiesofimpact.bsky.social

010

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

1/2 🔉LISTEN to this new podcast from @storiesofimpactseries with our own @bahar_kym, as she discusses her research around how children learn to think together. 👧👦 www.storiesofimpact.org/dr-bahar-koy... This research was funded by Templeton World Charity Foundation.

010

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

2/2 🏛️ Museum settings boost decontextualised talk. 📦 Museum resources in classrooms increase rare words & complex sentences. 🏫 Regular classrooms? Less of both. 💬 Richer environments = richer language learning. #ChildDevelopment #LanguageResearch #EarlyYears #MuseumLearning #UoMResearch #LuCiD

011

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

🧠 New research from @OfficialUoM shows that where teachers teach affects how they talk to children — and that matters for language development. #ChildDevelopment #LanguageResearch #EarlyYears #MuseumLearning #UoMResearch #LuCiD

113

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

🌍 World Nature Conservation Day 🌿 Nature isn’t just beautiful, it’s essential for child development. Outdoor play boosts creativity, language, resilience, and physical health. 🌱 Protect nature. Support children. Grow futures. #NaturePlay #ChildDevelopment #WorldNatureConservationDay #ProtectNature

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Looking for something to do in the school holidays? Our team at the University of Manchester is investigating how 4.5-5.5-year-old children learn to understand English sentences in different orders. Interested in this ONLINE study? Please email shijie.zhang@manchester.ac.uk.

001

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Are you a parent, family member or educator of children aged 2-11 years? Do you have questions about digital technology and children?📱 The Kids & Tech Questions project @education.ox.ac.uk need your views on digital technology and young children! See tinyurl.com/yy8ujpr6 to take part in the survey!

020

Reposted by University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics @mpi-nl.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Constructing language: A framework for explaining acquisition. New paper published by @carorowland.bsky.social‬ et al. doi.org/10.1016/j.ti....

doi.org

Redirecting

056

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

We just need a few more participants for this fun, ONLINE, Zoom study! 💻If you are interested in child development and have a 4 year old, your little scientist could take part in this research from the comfort of your own home 🧠🏠 #transgression #children #childdevelopment #psychology #research

000

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

We've got quite a few different studies going on at the Child Study Centre at the minute! Here's two of our studies. If you want to get involved send us a message or email childstudycentre@manchester.ac.uk :)

011

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

The CSC is excited to learn about dyslexia in monolingual and bilingual children from Prof. Manon Jones at out LuCiD seminar this morning! Find out more about our seminar series here: www.lucid.ac.uk/seminars-new...

lucid.ac.uk

Seminar Series

011

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

The UoM Child Study Centre is looking for Mandarin-English bilingual adults to participate in an eye-tracking sentence comprehension study. Details are provided in the attached ad. If you're interested or have any questions, please email us at shijie.zhang@manchester.ac.uk. ✨

010

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Is your child 3- to 4.5-years-old? Take part in our study to help our understanding of language development! This 30-minute study will use a fun, game-based activity using stickers and blocks. To find out more information, please email: dania.elayan@student.manchester.ac.uk.

A advert for a University of Manchester Child study Centre study! Join our study! Is your child between the ages of 3 to 4.5 years? Get involved in our study investigating child development! This 30 minute study involves a fun, game-based activity using stickers and blocks!

023

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

We are the University of Manchester Child Study Centre! We are a team of researchers who study mostly infants and children (and sometimes adults and sometimes chimpanzees) to figure out how humans learn language, make friends, and interact with each other!

132

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

We had a lovely visit today from @ludoserratrice.bsky.social as part of our LuCiD seminar series! It turns out that syntactic priming in bilingual children is complicated and it gave us a lot to think about!

010

University of Manchester Child Study Centre @childstudycentre.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

We are looking for a new part-time Lab Coordinator for our Child Study Centre! The application closes soon (Dec 8) so apply soon if you are interested! The job advert is: tinyurl.com/39d6mm4k

tinyurl.com

Child Study Centre Coordinator :Oxford Road

033