Communication & Language Workshops
Rediscovering Positive Communications
"I would, without hesitation, highly recommend that any school book a 'Talk to The Hands' session.
These sessions would be particularly valuable as part of any school's PHSEE curriculum; but equally they would be just as valuable as a stand-alone session to simply inspire new communication skills, or even as a springboard into a new, cross-curricular topic based around the theme of 'communication'."
"Talk to The Hands sessions cover an increasingly vital need to help children reconnect and engage with the art of communication - with all its subtleties and nuances, and to ensure that they are able to include all members of their different communities (school, clubs, friends, home etc.) into their conversations.
The sessions encourage children to think about the many diverse audiences that they are trying to communicate with and, most importantly, how they are communicating."
Reinforcing Positive Communications
My goal is to reinject some life into COMMUNICATION, to encourage everyone to get back to BASICS and to rediscover what it is to really include everyone in a CONVERSATION. To encourage DIVERSITY, promote recognition of cues beyond the spoken word, inspire SIGN language and to give all generations POSITIVE communications. There is a need to counter our descent into a communication CRISIS, with both adults and children alike spending a significant time on electronic devices; that combined with the impact of COVID and a new “at home” mentality has led to the rapid decline of interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate individual needs and to UNDERSTAND those of others.
Social Development
In our sessions, the children work TOGETHER to break down and understand 'COMMUNICATION' in all its forms. We present the building blocks of CONVERSATION, explore different kinds of LANGUAGE including BSL (British Sign Language) and promote the LEARNING of new skills to spark INTEREST and enthusiasm.
Our workshops help children to communicate IDEAS or emotions through games and ACTIVITIES. Adaptation of language or style and showing AWARENESS of every audience will ultimately SUPPORT the personal, social and health element of their education.
The children are encouraged to interactively explore the impact of good and bad communications; they can then move forward positively and confidently.
Exploring Language
We LOVE LANGUAGE and we want to share that passion. In our course we explore all aspects of language ESSENTIAL to making a valuable CONTRIBUTION in a group, including FOREIGN languages, the SPOKEN word, NON-verbal expression, GESTURE and British SIGN Language.
No one should be left on the outside.
Our focus is inclusivity, understanding, equality and awareness. Our drive is to highlight the need for diverse communications and to inspire the learning thereof, whilst maintaining that it should be fun along the way.
About Me
My name is Martine and I am the creator of Talk to the Hands. My inspiration for the programme comes from a genuine love of all languages (spoken and sign) together with my drive to get everyone understanding how we can communicate in a more positive and people-friendly way. That is to recognise the diversity in language and the need to really work at including everyone in a conversation which extends beyond the spoken word.
Whilst my degree and work experience cemented my passion for modern languages, after the birth of my children, I discovered a new language which I have grown to love and respect a great deal. I have owned the Sing and Sign baby signing franchise locally, for nearly 12 years now and have worked to support many young families with the best possible early communications through gesture and music.
My journey continues. I am currently working through the levels of British Sign Language whilst simultaneously studying towards a Masters in Childhood and Youth Studies. Clearly I love to learn, however I am equally excited by the prospect of sharing my ideas and knowledge.
This workshop is to encourage children to listen, talk and embrace language in all its forms. I am confident that with better understanding will come the rediscovery of positive communications.
Next step: get in touch.
Feel free to pick up the phone for more information or get in touch via the contact form. Find out exactly what each session entails and its' suitability for your school or group.
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