Communication and language: Listen to this!
Jenni Clarke describes how practitioners can extend children's listening and speaking skills by tuning into their self-directed play, as part of ‘in the moment planning’.
Communication and language development
Communication and language is one of the seven areas of the early years foundation stage and is used to assess children's ability to speak, pay attention, listen and understand. Children do this in range of ways including, listening to stories, responding appropriately to what people say, by articulating and expressing their feelings and developing their own narratives and connecting ideas or events.
Below you will find a range of practical articles and expert features that cover communication and language development to help you develop these skills and overcome challenges you might encounter. For more information on the EYFS you can download latest version of the statutory framework here.
Latest Practical
How words can make all the difference to young children’s future life chances
It's important that all young children returning to school develop vocabulary through language, talk and day-to-day experiences, to put their feelings into words and share experiences. Jane Harley outlines practical strategies.
While we can’t hug…
Following on from his bestselling book The Hug, author Eoin McLaughlin has written this genuine book for our time, talking to young children about social distancing. Find out more about how to share this book!
Talking about me...
A child’s sense of self is a very precious thing and early years practitioners have an important role to play in nurturing this through quality interactions.
Maths: Creepy crawlies
Bug hunts can be a focus for indoors as well as outdoors. Tap into children's fascinations, with cues to count, categorise and respect these tiny creatures.
Literacy: On a clear day
One positive of lockdown is that the atmosphere is noticeably clearer. Make a date with Clean Air Day on 8 October to explore the importance of reducing air pollution.
Expressive arts and design: Natural rhythm
Use the book Giraffe's Can't Dance to ignite children's interest in the rhythm and sway of dance moves, giving them confidence to lose themselves in the moment.
Latest Features
Get ready for Anti-Bullying week and celebrate what makes each one of us unique
The theme for this year's Anti-Bullying Week in the UK is 'United against Bullying'. Running from 16 – 20 November, the fun kicks off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 16. Judith Harris has lots of ideas to tie in, using favourite picture books.
Explore EYE's latest practical activities...
Tune into children’s interests and extend their learning with our seasonal step-by-step practical activities.
EYFS reforms: Identifying opportunities
In the first of a three-part guide, Nicola Watson focuses on the statutory changes to the Prime areas of learning and provides advice on how to positively implement them in your practice.
Get baking!
Prepare for Easter by involving children in some simple baking activities that will also develop their maths and literacy skills.
Celebrate National Pet Month and help children to understand the importance of responsible pet ownership
National Pet Month is all about raising awareness of responsible pet ownership through education, celebrating the benefits of pets and encouraging fundraising for the nation’s needy pets.
Things to do on a rainy afternoon
A rainy day in doors doesn’t have to mean a day stuck in front of the TV or computer. There are lots of activities to keep children occupied – and still learning. Painting, baking, and other arts and crafts are just some of the great ways to boost their creativity. Here are some activities that are perfect for wet weather days.