BabyTalk

Strong language skills give children a lot, and the ability to talk, listen and grasp meaning lays the groundwork for everything they will learn later. Dr Sally Ward, a language therapist, has developed BabyTalk, a programme for babies and children up to four years old. Its aims are to strengthen a child's language development, improve focus and learning, widen imaginative play, and help make the most of their intellectual potential.

The programme asks for only half an hour of play each day. Its methods are straightforward and calm, so any parent, carer or childcare worker can follow them, and they are meant to be enjoyable for the child as well.