Book excerpt: Written by two experienced speech language therapists, who have worked extensively alongside mainstream teachers, this book provides activities that are both teacher and child friendly. It contains a collection of graded games and activities designed to foster the speaking, listening and understanding skills of children aged from 5 to 7. The activities are divided into two main areas: Understanding Spoken Language: Following Instructions; Getting the Main Idea; Thinking Skills; Developing Vocabulary; Understanding Inference. Using Spoken Language: Narrating; Describing; Explaining; Predicting; Playing with Words. Each activity has a clear aim, simple instructions, and requires minimal equipment. Activities may be carried out by teachers, classroom assistants or volunteers. Incorporates user-friendly opportunities for assessment, target setting and evaluation. Includes photocopiable material to support the activities. "Many of the activities can be used by speech language therapists, and the book can be used as an effective part of a speech and language programme. Promotes the skills outlined in Speaking and Listening in the English National Curriculum Key Stage One.