Helping teenagers

As children become teenagers and young adults they become increasingly independent. The expectation is that they can build on their existing communication skills and adapt and develop them for different audiences and purposes. Whilst it might seem that they have all the language skills they need, teenagers will continue to develop more specialist and subject specific language as well as understanding of prediction, inference and problem solving, all of which are key to navigating and negotiating friendships, learning, managing emotions and behaviour as well as more formal situations such as interviews and work. Supporting their development of language and communication skills through daily learning experiences and interactions will help them achieve.

Take a look and click on the questions below to find out where to go for more information on sharing resources and advice with families to develop communication and language with their teenager; creating a learning environment that supports communication; learning and development opportunities; knowing what to expect and when; and ideas for resources, activities and simple, effective strategies for you to use.