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, storytelling 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. 

The Early Years Statutory Framework 2024

Activities at Home

• Chat to, whisper and sing with your child

• Sing and nursery rhymes, action songs and rhymes

• Talk with your child at every opportunity

• Play games with your child-listening walk, memory game, listening game