Speech, language and communications skills are crucial to your child's overall development. Being able to speak, understand others, express ideas and interact with each other are important building blocks for your child's development.

In Nursery we model quality language, we introduce the children to new words daily in adult led activities and alongside the child whilst exploring. We read many stories, individually and in small and large groups.

We play many speech and language games which develops the child's listening and understanding skills. These games are fun and can be 1:1 or in groups. 

We use simple and more complex instructions so that the child can develop their understanding and listening and attention skills.

Supporting children in their play and how they communicate with each other is done in a subtle way so not to over power the children's interests or ideas. We do this using words, sentences and with Makaton signs to support speech.

We really take the time to listen to what the children are telling us and give them plenty of time to respond to the correct level of questioning we have asked. We include them in our planning and take their lead throughout the day.

     

 

As a way of sparking interests and developing the level of questioning the children use we created a curiosity corner. The corner includes interesting objects that the children can explore and a curiosity box.

The curiosity box is planned around our themes, containing items that will spark who, what, where, how and why questions.

           

 

 

Here are a few tips on being a good role model when communicating with your child:

• Speak clearly and calmly.
• Use age appropriate language.
• Make eye contact (get down to the child's level)
• repeat sentences back to your child, expanding on the words they have used.
• Describe and comment on what you are doing.
• Describe and comment on what your child is doing.
• Ask appropriate level of questioning.
• Listen carefully when your child is talking to you. Be patient and give them plenty of time to find their words.

 

Here are a few ideas you could do at home together with your child:

• Reading and enjoying books together is a great way to boost your child's speech and language.
• Look at items together and explore what they do, how they work and what do we use them for?
• Singing songs is particularly important. Se how many nursery rhymes you can teach your child. remember to have fun.
• Explore rhythm and rhyme together. Tap out simple beats when talking and singing.

 

       

 

If you would like any help or guidance with your child's development then please ask a member of staff.