Following its launch earlier this year, I CAN and Creative Futures are pleased to unveil new resources on the Sound Communities website - an online resource supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation - which provides information on the links between early years music-making and speech, language and communication practice and practical ideas to support both.
Launched in January 2020, the Sound Communities website is a free online resource based on an action research project and CPD course run by Creative Futures in early years settings since 2015. The online learning platform aims to develop early years practitioners' understanding of the communicative aspects of children's music-making, and equip them with creative tools, approaches and methods to support all children, including those with speech, language and communication needs. Sound Communities comprises musical content created by Creative Futures, speech, language and communication-focused content from I CAN, and practical suggestions based on the learning experiences of early years practitioners providing real life examples from their settings. Included is information on the typical development of speech, language and communication skills in children, suggestions for supporting children's musical identity, and video examples of practitioners supporting and nurturing children's music making and development.
Updates in July 2020 include:
- Increased video content; examples of real-life practitioners implementing the strategies outlined on the website with children in early years settings
- Sound Stone stories; an example of a sound stone story created by Kate Comberti, Creative Producer at Creative Futures, as well as some tips for how practitioners can create their own sound stone stories
- English as an Additional Language webpage; this content will answer some frequently asked questions on this topic and will signpost to areas of the website that might be most useful for these children
To find out more, please visit: https://soundcommunities.org.uk/
We would be grateful if you can share details of the website with colleagues in the Early Years, Music Education and Speech and Language sectors. If you have any questions relating to Sound Communities, or would like further information about the project, please contact hello@creativefuturesuk.com.
Best wishes,
Julian
Julian Knight
Creative Director
Creative Futures (UK) Limited
Tel: 07980 820323
Email: julian@creativefuturesuk.com
Web: www.creativefuturesuk.com
Registered company No. 7578987
Registered charity No.1143459
