Key Word Kids 2: Out & About

Key Word Kids 2: Out and About is an educational therapy program app supporting children’s language development by increasing their comprehension through Key Words, along with
the introduction of enriched vocabulary, and more complex sentence types. As the child explores the various thematic scenes, they must listen, retain information from increasingly complex sentences and follow these instructions to complete language tasks. Join Key Word Kids Steffy and James and their friends exploring fun scenarios through spoken instructions, with optional text for reading comprehension, a 'level check’ feature that provides a recommended starting level, 5 fun ‘take a break’ mini games, and a fun expressive mode where children can practice their new vocabulary and sentence structures. 

The app has been designed by a Speech Pathologist & Special Educator / Play Therapist for children aged 2-8+ years with language disorders or delays and learners of English as a second language. It is ideally used as a therapy tool with a therapist, parent or carer but can also be used just for fun. Key Word Kids apps are loved by all young language learners.

Key Word Kids 2: Out and About can be used in multiple ways. The ‘Level Check’ is often used to determine a child’s general/ expected starting word level. The child can then progress through key word levels (Word Level Select) that gradually increase in complexity. Children will learn to listen to a sentence, retain information and follow directions using the ‘on-screen’ items in different and engaging scenes. Reading Comprehension can also be practised by switching audio to text only in the settings menu. Parents and therapists can also choose the Theme Select or Sentence Select to target specific themes or language structures, or for the more adept/ proficient user, Sentence Shuffle progresses the user through a random selection of themes and levels. A selection of short mini games can be scheduled to reward users between sentences which helps increase a child’s attention and interest in the program, giving a short break from language processing. The Expression mode allows children to practice words and sentences they have learnt. It has the capacity to record a brief sentence or instruction, or to practice naming. The concept of Key Information Carrying Words (Key Words) was first introduced and used in the Derbyshire Language Scheme (Knowles, W. and Masidlover, M. (1982). The Derbershire Language Scheme Workshop training is available in the UK and Australia.

To attend a Derbyshire Language Scheme Training Course in Brisbane, Australia (or online) or for any feedback or questions please email: langlearnsteps@optusnet.com.au