How to Support Children's Communication and Language

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Tips to support children's communication and language in their foundation years.

by Anna Lucas

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Communication and Language is a prime area of development for children and the optimum time for this to be nurtured in children's early years 0-5.

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The quote above is a starting point but we need to be acutely aware that the way we talk and respond to children can either support and nourish or hinder and limit children's language development.

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Know that children start communicating as soon as they are born and know you are key in supporting the development of this right from the start. Meet Edward at 2 hours old, already communicating.

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Edward is sticking his tongue out copying his daddy - he is communicating. We need to respond sensitively to children's communication and immerse them in a world of talk and positive body language.

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This is a great guide to understand developmental mile stones and what you can do to support children's communication and language. Go to www.ltcl.co.uk/resources to download this document.

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Always get down to the child's level, relax, follow the child's lead. Give children time to process language and respond - at least 7 seconds.

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Avoid asking closed questions such as: what is it? How many legs? What colour is it? These only result in a child speaking in 1 or 2 word answers.

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Ask open ended questions: "I wonder what Ed has got there? Oooooo a ladybird, I wonder where you found him? "

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Comment on what the child is doing -"ooo a ladybird, I hope he isn't hungry!"

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Repeat what the child has said and 'step up' your language by adding 1or 2 more words. Child says 'ladybird' you say 'yes, a red, spotty ladybird' or 'yes - a tiny, red lady bird.'

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Comment and model your thinking: 'hmmmm, I wonder where he lives!' or ' he looks a bit lonely, let's find him some friends.'

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Explain what is happening to the child: ' Be very gentle, a lady bird is small and delicate - we don't want him to get squashed.'

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Remember - too many questions will not support children's communication and language - open ended questions are great, but if we solely rely on these, we are limiting the level of language.

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Remember to repeat and 'step up' the child's language, comment on what the child is doing and explain thinking a lot more than the asking questions.

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www.elklan.co.uk would recommend 'The Rule of Thumb' 1 open ended question to 4 comments, repetitions, 'step ups' of language and explanations.

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Look at this picture with the tiger - rather than questioning a child with 'What colour is it? What sound does it make? How many legs has it got?' Stop and think: What could you say instead?

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