Communication and Language
Communication and Language (C&L) in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is taught as a foundational area of learning, emphasizing the development of speaking, listening, and understanding skills. The teaching approach is designed to build confidence, interaction abilities, and vocabulary in young learners. The development of children’s spoken language underpins all seven areas of learning and development.Children’s back-and-forth interactions from an early age form the foundations for language and cognitive development. The number and quality of the conversations they have with adults and peers throughout the day in a language-rich environment is crucial. By commenting on what children are interested in or doing, and echoing back what they say with new vocabulary added, practitioners will build children’s language effectively. Reading frequently to children and engaging them actively in stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems, and then providing them with extensive opportunities to use and embed new words in a range of contexts, will give children the opportunity to thrive. Through conversation, story-telling and role play, where children share their ideas with support and modelling from their teacher, and sensitive questioning that invites them to elaborate, children become comfortable using a rich range of vocabulary and language structures.
Here's an overview of how C&L is taught in the EYFS:
Core Aspects of Communication and Language in EYFS
Listening and Attention:
Children are encouraged to listen attentively in a range of situations, such as during storytelling, circle time, or group discussions.
Activities often include songs, rhymes, and interactive stories to engage their attention and help them respond appropriately.
Understanding:
Teachers and practitioners model clear language and provide opportunities for children to follow instructions, answer questions, and engage in discussions.
Practical activities are used to enhance comprehension, such as sequencing tasks, role-play scenarios, and discussions about real-world experiences.
Speaking:
A strong emphasis is placed on encouraging children to express their ideas and feelings using complete sentences.
They are introduced to new vocabulary during play, topic-based activities, and stories, with prompts to use these words in context.
Open-ended questions are used to inspire critical thinking and detailed responses.
Strategies to Foster Communication and Language
Role-Play and Storytelling:
Children engage in imaginative play and storytelling, using props and costumes to act out scenarios.
This helps develop narrative skills and allows them to explore dialogue and self-expression.
Interactive Group Activities:
Activities like group storytelling, show-and-tell, and partner discussions encourage social interaction and turn-taking.
These sessions help children understand conversational norms, such as listening, responding, and questioning.
Adult Interaction and Scaffolding:
Practitioners model effective communication by narrating actions, expanding on children’s speech, and asking probing questions.
Support is tailored to individual needs, ensuring every child can participate and develop at their own pace.
Books and Print-Rich Environments:
Storybooks and picture books are central to the curriculum, fostering a love for language and reading.
Children are encouraged to discuss characters, predict story outcomes, and relate stories to their own experiences.
Songs and Rhymes:
Regular singing and rhyme sessions enhance phonological awareness and memory.
Action songs integrate physical activity, making language learning engaging and multisensory.
Encouraging Curiosity and Conversation:
Practitioners create opportunities for children to ask questions, share observations, and explain their thinking.
Explorative topics and thematic activities (e.g., nature walks, sensory play) stimulate conversations and language use.