I CAN’S CHATTERBOX CHALLENGE SINGALONG FOR UNDER 5’S HAS LAUNCHED

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN AT  

WWW.CHATTERBOXCHALLENGE.ORG.UK

I CAN, the children’s communication charity, has launched their 13^th Chatterbox Challenge event, the annual singalong for children in early years settings across the UK. With sponsorship from Openreach and TTS, and the continued support of Humf from the popular children’s TV show, I CAN are calling on parents and carers to encourage their child’s early years setting to register to make this year’s event the best yet.

Chatterbox Challenge: Sounds like fun with Humf develops the communication skills of children under 5 through songs and rhymes based on sounds, noises and even silence to highlight the difficulties faced by 1.2 million children in the UK with their speech, language and communication.

Children are sponsored to perform in front of families and carers and, thanks to the support of Openreach and TTS, the funds raised will enable I CAN to help more children who struggle to communicate and express themselves.

Chatterbox Challenge Week, when the majority of events will be held, is 10-16^th February 2014. Early years groups are encouraged to register now online (www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk) to receive their free Chatterbox Challenge fundraising pack.

The activities in the pack are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and will develop a range of skills including attention and listening, one of the early learning goals.

Virginia Beardshaw, I CAN Chief Executive said, “The Chatterbox Challenge is a firm favourite in the early years calendar, when children under 5 learn nursery rhymes and take part in activities aimed at making them confident communicators. We are grateful to Openreach, TTS and Humf for their support in making this year’s event bigger than ever before.

 “The vital funds raised by children, their families and early years settings help I CAN in our work to support the 1.2 million children in the UK who have communication difficulties. We hope parents and carers will encourage their early years settings to register online and save Chatterbox Challenge Week in the diary.”

Liv Garfield, Chief Executive, Openreach, said, “Communication is at the heart of the Openreach business and we know how important it is for children to develop good communication skills to succeed in life. This is our seventh year sponsoring I CAN’s Chatterbox Challenge as part of our ‘First Mile’ programme. The Chatterbox Challenge is an engaging way for young children to develop their communication skills whilst helping raise vital funds for children who struggle with speaking and understanding. Openreach believe that by sponsoring the Chatterbox Challenge, more children will receive the help they need to get the best start in life.”

Catherine Jeffrey, Deputy MD, TTS Group Ltd said, “TTS are focused on providing quality, educational resources to early years settings. With children at the centre of everything we do, it is great to be involved with I CAN and the Chatterbox Challenge – helping children across the UK to develop their communication skills. With TTS vouchers and a nursery kit out to be won, we hope many early years groups will register and fundraise for a chance to win.”

Rebecca Harvey, Head of Marketing from Entertainment One said, “We’re delighted that Humf will once again be featured on a range of activities that will engage children on this very important issue and drive support for this year’s Challenge.”

Chatterbox Challenge: Sounds like fun with Humf activities have been written by I CAN speech and language therapists and teachers and activities are linked to the EYFS prime areas Communication and Language and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. The Challenge activities can be used with all children, including those with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

Speech, language and communication are crucial for reading, learning in school, for socialising and making friends, and for understanding and expressing emotions or feelings. 1.2 million children in the UK have long-term difficulties with their speech, language and communication and will need extra support. Chatterbox Challenge: Sounds like fun with Humf raises vital funds for I CAN’s work with children with SLCN.

Chatterbox Challenge: Sounds like fun with Humf week is 10-16^th February 2014 but groups can also hold their Challenge at any time convenient to them. Groups are encouraged to register online today at www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk.