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The Word Aware Concepts Assessment (WACA) is an informal assessment for Early Years concepts such as 'between.' Beautifully illustrated and easy to use it will suit teachers and SaLT. Co-authored with @lang4think.bsky.social and Sarah Smith. www.routledge.com/Word-Aware-C...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 3h

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) awareness day is on Friday. When left unsupported DLD has serious impacts on learning, relationships & mental health. That all changes, when needs are identified and small adjustments made. 7.6% of people have DLD so everyone needs to know about it! #DevLangDis

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

The common view is that parents cause their child's speech and language challenge. As a result many families carry a lot of guilt. We need to change the narrative. Parents do not cause Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). #DLDday #DevLangDis

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Developmental Language Disorder is more common than autism but because awareness is low most people with DLD don't know they have it. And the impact of unrecognised and unsupported DLD is significant on education and mental health #DLDday is on Friday. Join in and make a difference. #DevLangDis

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

And support such as talking therapies is all language based. A real barrier for young people with DLD who have difficulties with talking! #DevLangDis #DLDday

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

@radld.bsky.social's Dorothy Bishop lecture is now happening with Chantal Desmarais. This slide highlights young people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) experiences #DevLangDis #DLDday

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I've added @radld.bsky.social's virtual background so when I'm on a zoom call I'm raising awareness of DLD. You can too. radld.org/dld-awarenes... #DevLangDis

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

DLD is a difference and not a delay. Professionals need to think hard before using 'language delay.' It may be well intentioned but it can also be misinterpreted by families indicating that children can catch up. #DevLangDis

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Is there some sort of gobbledygook award I can nominate this Microsoft update to? Plain English version would be: 'our systems broken. We're working on it. We think we're making progress'. Instead we get 'service telemetry'.

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We're launching this year's @radld.bsky.social #DLDday#D poster tonight. It's going to take DLD to a wider audience. We'll be on at 7pm. Join us. Facebook: www.facebook.com/radld.page YouTube: www.youtube.com/RADLD Instagram: www.instagram.com/radldcam/

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

There are lots and lots of children in every school who are struggling with learning, literacy and mental health because their language needs have not been identified. DLD needs far greater awareness. Be part of the change. Learn about Developmental Language Disorder at radld.org #DevLangDis

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

DLD is common and has real life consequences. It needs those who know about it to make some noise to build a better world for those with DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) #DevLangDis. And #DLDday is coming up on October 16th so join in and make a difference. @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Tesco this morning. 75% off. I thought it's a bit harsh.

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Concept Cat is a feasible, fun and effective whole class approach for developing EY children's spoken language and maths. Get planning now for implementing Concept Cat next year. thinkingtalking.co.uk/concept-cat/

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

A reminder at today's @naplic.bsky.social journal club of the useful 'Communication Support Classroom Observation Tool' that can be used to develop practice in EY and KS1. drive.google.com/file/d/1o-Av...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

I have a new favourite book: 'Magpie and the Sparkling Words' by SaLT Lucy Rowland and Craig Shuttlewood. It's written in rhyme and engagingly illustrated. And all about vocabulary of course! www.amazon.co.uk/Magpie-Spark...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Concept Cat is a whole class approach for Early Years that has been found to impact on language and maths. It's feasible to implement, fun and effective. And whole class = no extra staff required educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and... thinkingtalking.co.uk/concept-cat/

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

I had the great pleasure of listening to @susiedentwords.bsky.social today. So many fun facts about words, but a stand out for me was 'cacklefarts and bags of mystery.' Any guesses what the words refer to?

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

To celebrate the launch of the 'Word Aware Concepts Assessment' (WACA) we have a competition. Prizes include the assessment or Concept Cat training. Competition: forms.gle/eeBvafgFWYu4... Book details: www.routledge.com/Word-Aware-C...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

If you use our approach 'Language for Behaviour and Emotions' and wish to measure its impact, we are running a free lunchtime seminar on March 19th. Process developed with @vjoffe.bsky.social & Judy Clegg. thinkingtalking.co.uk/finding-a-wo... @lang4think.bsky.social @melaniespeechie.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

To take your mind off the news we have a competition to celebrate the publication of the 'Word Aware Concepts Assessment'. If you work with children in Early Years then this is for you! Book details: www.routledge.com/Word-Aware-C... Competition: forms.gle/oJQiAL8vks7g... @lang4think.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

The Language and Literacy in Young People is an amazing resource. Thanks to @suze-freogirl.bsky.social @me-boyo.bsky.social and team for creating such valuable and practical work. Loads of free evidence based downloads. languageandliteracyinyoungpeople.com/resources/fr... #DevLangDis

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

If your school is serious about improving children's vocabulary then we have the solution. Evidence based, effective, manageable and fun! General details of Word Aware: thinkingtalking.co.uk/word-aware/ Our next Word Aware course is next week. thinkingtalking.co.uk/finding-a-wo...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

And it's publication day for 'Word Aware Concepts Assessment', an informal measure of Early Years children's understanding of words such as 'altogether, around, few.' And heres a discount code! Coauthored with @lang4think.bsky.social & Sarah Smith Let us know if you have questions

Discount code for Word Aware Concepts Assessment is 26SME1. Valid until June 2026

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Crazy that Australia, a country where most people have never seen snow are ahead of the UK in the medal table. Long term Aussie in the UK here, so rather enjoying this. 😄

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Word Aware is our tried and tested whole school approach for supporting vocabulary. Our training provides an understanding of the method as well as ideas to implement right away. You will leave enthused (or more enthused 😄) about words. thinkingtalking.co.uk/finding-a-wo... @lang4think.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Colour photo of monochrome London.

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

'Word Aware Concepts Assessment' is available for pre-order from today. It's an informal assessment for 150 early developing concepts e.g.: different, whole, both. Covers Nursery (3 to 4 yo) and Reception (4 to 5 yo). Useful for schools, EY settings and SaLT. www.routledge.com/Word-Aware-C...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

At London Kings Cross today. The perfect example of the inefficiencies of rail provision. Different bins for each rail company. Roll on nationalisation!

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Thank you to Laura for this Amazon review of 'Language for Behaviour and Emotions'. It has made @melaniespeechie.bsky.social @lang4think.bsky.social and my day! www.routledge.com/Language-for...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

#SLCN (speech, Language and Communication Needs) are the most common SEND, but many continue to think of them as not that serious. However in 2023-24 just 27.6% of those with SLCN achieved grades 4 and above in maths and English. This needs to change!

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Just heard that our new book, 'Word Aware Concepts Assessment' has gone to the printers. It is an informal assessment of concepts, aligned with our Concept Cat approach. They will be a very useful tool for all those who work with children aged 3 to 5. www.routledge.com/Word-Aware-C...

Covers of two books. Word Aware Concept assessment. Levels 1-3 and 4 -6.

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

#SEND need to be a little higher up the government's agenda. Time for a little activism! Read the report: speechandlanguage.org.uk/how-to-spend... Sign up to send the report to Rachel Reeves. speechandlanguage.eaction.org.uk/fight-for-or...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

One week to go until next week's Word Aware whole school vocabulary course. Suitable for teachers of all types as well as SaLT. Tried and tested, so you know it will impact on children! Online and good value. thinkingtalking.co.uk/finding-a-wo...

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Fantastic day at the EU parliament today raising awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). A step forward! Big thank you to MEP Peter Agies for hosting, ESLA for organizing and especially Chair, Sahra Ahmed. #DevLangDis #DLDday

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Concept Cat impacts on vocabulary & maths in Early Years! educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and... To make it easy to deliver we now have boxes that include cat toys, puppets, word bags & masses of symbols. All you need to get going in a Nursery class. @lang4think.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Even for people with DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) who lead ‘successful’ lives, the struggle persists. Others can’t see DLD and so don’t understand the effort required by people with DLD in things like everyday conversations #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) exists in every language, but identification requires care as it can be both over and under identified. Speaking multiple languages does not cause DLD! #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

It’s easy to focus on the negatives but people with DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) have strengths too. They just need opportunities to show them! #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

People with DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) need to work hard, and when so few know about DLD they face many barriers. All that takes a toll on mental health. More awareness would really make a difference! #DLDday #DevLangDis #WorldMentalHealthDay @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Teamwork across professions and agencies is crucial for supporting children with DLD (Developmental Language Disorder). Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, families are crucial during the school phase. #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social @shaunziegenfusz.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) is not just ‘a little thing with their speech that they will grow out of.’ If unsupported it is a serious lifelong condition that impacts on mental health, learning and life opportunities. That’s why we need awareness. #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Don’t forget #DLDday is coming on Friday October 17th. Join in, raise awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and make a difference. Find out more at radld.org. #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Even before a person’s DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) is diagnosed they usually know they are different. So rather than stand out, it’s natural to get by, by masking. Quietly nodding or creating a distraction are strategies to go unnoticed. #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

When thinking about DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) it’s easier to focus on the spoken part & forget that it also involves understanding. DLD makes understanding words and sentences hard too. Shorter sentences, simple vocabulary & pausing more all help! #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) makes spoken language harder. That does not mean that people with DLD can’t succeed. I have met lots of adults with DLD and the one attribute they share is determination. #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) is NOT a delay. It exists in adults too. In the UK there is no free-to-access pathway for assessment for adults. Without their needs identified, people with DLD struggle to access support. This needs to change #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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Word Aware @wordaware.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

OK, so DLD stands for Developmental Language DISORDER but it helps if you think of it as a difference in how the brain processes language. And whilst people with DLD can learn language, you can’t change the DLD any more than you can autism in an autistic person #DLDday #DevLangDis @radld.bsky.social

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