Term 1 Newsletter Week 2 2026

A Warm Welcome to Our Prep Families

Welcome to our Prep families and congratulations on this exciting milestone! Starting school is a big step for children and parents alike, and these early weeks are all about helping your child feel safe, connected, and confident in their new school environment. We are so pleased to have you as part of our school community.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist working in the schools, I see firsthand how much learning happens through language and communication, especially in Prep. These foundational skills support not only academic learning, but also friendships, independence, and emotional wellbeing.

Key Language and Communication Skills in Prep

At this early stage of school, children are developing essential communication skills such as:

• Listening and attending during group times
• Following simple instructions and routines
• Using words to express needs, ideas, and feelings
• Learning new vocabulary related to the classroom and school routines
• Taking turns in conversations and play
• Beginning to retell events and talk about their day

These skills are the building blocks for later learning, and they develop gradually through everyday interactions.

How Families Can Support Language at Home

Families play a vital role in supporting their child's communication development. Some simple, effective ways to help include:

• Talk together every day: Share conversations during meals, car rides, or bedtime. Ask open-ended questions and give your child time to respond.
• Listen and model language: When your child speaks, show interest and gently model longer or clearer sentences. For example, if they say “Dog run," you might respond with “Yes, the dog is running fast!"
• Read together regularly: Reading books builds vocabulary, listening skills, and attention. Talk about the pictures, characters, and feelings, and encourage your child to predict what might happen next.
• Support routines and independence: Talking through daily routines (“First we pack your bag, then we go to school") helps children understand sequencing and builds confidence.
• Encourage social communication: Play games that involve turn-taking, sharing, and problem-solving. Talk about emotions and help your child find words to describe how they feel.
• Every Child Develops at Their Own Pace: It's important to remember that all children develop differently, especially when adjusting to a new environment like school. If you ever have questions or concerns about your child's speech, language, or communication skills, early support can make a big difference.

We look forward to working alongside families to support your child's communication and learning journey. Together, we can help make Prep a positive and successful start to school life.

Morgan Johnson

Speech-Language Pathologist at Deception Bay State School