Talkable Plus+ LIVE

Early Language Development Course

Live support from a speech pathologist with other parents just like you.

Are you concerned about your child's speech or language development and wondering what you can do to help?

Talkable Plus+ LIVE combines the flexibility of the Talkable online course with the connection and support of three live virtual sessions led by a paediatric speech pathologist.

You'll learn practical, evidence-informed strategies that you can use during everyday activities and routines, then have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and build your confidence in putting those strategies into practice.

Small groups of no more than 8 families.

Join the next group

Child sits at table and draws with textas.

You don't have to wait to start supporting your child's communication

It can be frustrating when you're worried about your child's communication but don't know what to do — particularly if you're waiting for a speech pathology appointment.

Talkable was created to give parents practical strategies they can start using straight away.

You don't need to turn your home into a therapy room. The Talkable approach is about finding opportunities for communication in the things you already do together — playing, reading, eating, getting dressed, going out and simply spending time together.

And with the live group sessions, you don't have to work it all out on your own.

Talkable Plus+ LIVE is an online parent education program created by Karen Nitsche, paediatric speech pathologist, to help parents understand how young children develop communication and, most importantly, what they can do to support it.

With this program, you'll receive:

The Talkable online course - Work through the course at your own pace and learn practical strategies for supporting your child's communication.
Three live virtual group sessions - Join Karen online for three interactive sessions where you can ask questions, discuss your experiences and explore how to put the Talkable strategies into practice.
A small-group experience - Each group is limited to 8 families, creating an opportunity to participate, ask questions and learn from other parents.
Practical resources - You'll have access to the Talkable workbook and resources to help you put what you're learning into practice.

What is Talkable Plus+ LIVE?

Three live sessions. Support along the way.

The live sessions are designed to complement the online course. You'll have time to learn, try the strategies at home and then come back to the group to ask questions and discuss your experiences.

Understand your child's communication and learn where to begin.
We'll explore some of the key principles behind Talkable and look at practical ways you can create more opportunities for communication during your everyday routines.
You'll also have an opportunity to share your questions and experiences with the group.
By this stage, you'll have had an opportunity to use some of the Talkable strategies at home.
We'll talk about what you've noticed, answer questions and explore practical ways to adapt the strategies to your child's interests, communication style and everyday routines.
Reflect on what you've learned and plan how to keep going.
We'll revisit the strategies, discuss your experiences and answer your questions.
You'll leave with practical ideas for continuing to support your child's communication beyond the program.

Toddler holds book upside down while reading.

Talkable is designed to help you feel more confident about supporting your child's communication in everyday life.

You'll learn practical ways to:

create more opportunities for your child to communicate
encourage your child to interact and participate
support the development of vocabulary and language
respond to your child's communication attempts
encourage your child to use words, gestures, sounds and other forms of communication
build communication opportunities into everyday routines
make communication fun and engaging
support your child's communication without making everyday activities feel like therapy
recognise and build on the skills your child is already developing.

What will you learn?

Is Talkable Plus+ LIVE right for you?

Talkable is designed for parents and caregivers of young children who want practical ideas and support to help their child's communication development.

It may be particularly helpful if:

you're concerned that your child isn't talking as much as expected
your child is a late talker
you're waiting for a speech pathology assessment
you've recently been told your child may need support with their communication
you want to know what you can do at home while you're waiting for professional support
you would like practical strategies rather than just information about speech and language development
your child communicates using gestures, sounds or a small number of words
you want to feel more confident supporting your child's communication

Talkable can also complement the support your child receives from other health professionals.

Mother with baby and toddler in field as sun is setting.

Meet your instructor

Speech Pathologist, Karen Nitsche, carrying a young girl in a backpack carrier on a narrow outdoor bridge with metal railings and a wooden structure overhead.

Karen Nitsche is a certified practising paediatric speech pathologist with over 20 years experience. She is passionate about best-practice in the area of early language development and created this course to help anyone who cares for kids.

Karen understands the important role that parents and early childhood educators have to play in fostering language learning and strives to support them on this journey.

She is also the mum of two gorgeous, and very chatty, girls - Ella and Chloe.

Why learn in a small group?

There is something really valuable about learning alongside other parents who are asking similar questions.

With a maximum of 8 families, the sessions are small enough for you to participate and ask questions, while also giving you the opportunity to hear what other families are experiencing.

You may find that another parent's question is exactly what you were wondering too.

You won't be expected to have all the answers. You don't need to have completed everything perfectly. Just come along, learn, ask questions and give things a try.

Parent sits on floor with child in her lap.

How Talkable Plus+ LIVE works

1. Sign up

Join the next Talkable Plus+ LIVE program.

2. Join your first live session

Meet Karen and the other families in your small virtual group.

3. Start learning

Work through the Talkable online course at your own pace.

4. Try the strategies

Put what you've learned into practice during your everyday routines.

5. Come back and ask questions

Use virtual sessions 2 and 3 to discuss your experiences, ask questions and build your confidence.

6. Plan next steps

Work with Karen to plan next steps for your little one.

What's included?

Talkable online course
Access the complete Talkable online course and learn at your own pace.
3 live virtual group sessions
Three interactive sessions with Karen, a paediatric speech pathologist.
Maximum 8 families
A small-group environment where you can participate, ask questions and learn from other parents.
Talkable workbook and resources
Practical resources to help you put the strategies into action.
Videos and demonstrations
See how strategies can be incorporated into everyday interactions and routines.