Early Years Language
Email this pageLanguage development is an important part of child development. Speech and language development includes the ability to listen, understand and communicate verbally and non-verbally. There are many ways in which this skillset is beneficial to children:
It supports your child’s ability to communicate and:-
- It enables children to communicate their needs better (and therefore reduces frustration)
- think and learn and solve problems
- develop and maintain relationships.
- It helps children make sense of the world around them
- it helps build confidence
Learning to understand, use and enjoy language is the first step in literacy, and the basis for learning to read and write.
A child's speech, language and communication skills may be monitored in following four areas:-
- Receptive language: understanding the meaning of words, sentences and conversations;
- Expressive language: conveying meaning using words and sentences;
- Pragmatic language: learning how to use language socially, for example learning to take
turns in conversation; - Speech production: the ability to say speech sounds and words correctly so that they can
be understood by others.
Speech, language and communication skills are closely linked to educational attainment and the ability to play a full role in society; and form lasting friendships and relationships.
Further information
Ambitious about Autism Toolkit
This practical toolkit contains a wealth of straightforward information in one place to guide parents and carers through their child’s journey in the early years.
Early Language
from Early Years Matters
Good Beginnings Course
A face to face course for parents and carers of children aged 5 or under, who have autism or social communication needs
Learning to Talk
from NHS
Talk, Listen & Cuddle
TLC is an Essex campaign helping parents, carers and families give their young children the best start to life, developing their communication skills through playful learning at home.
Using Tiny Happy People to help with speech and language targets
from BBC
Words for Life
from the National Literacy Trust
Also in this section:
The Early Years Foundation Stage
The Early Years Foundation Stage explained
Early Years Settings and Applying
Types of early years settings and how to reserve a space
Early Years Support
Early years providers should consider how best to use their resources to support the progress of children with SEN.
SEN Funding in Early Years
Information on Free Early Years Entitlement, SENIF, Early Years Pupil Premium and Disability Access Funding
How can I defer my child starting school?
Information on Early Year Deferral and Summer Borne Children
Early Years Transition
Settling into nursery or moving to primary school
Toileting Tips
Toileting tips and Support