Supporting Children’s Language and Listening Skills

What we are covering… Role of the Adult and Key Rules Curriculum and 2 Year Old Checks Activity Ideas Understanding Language WellComm Screening

Things to remember It doesn’t matter what you are saying or where you say it, a child will respond to your tone of voice and expression.

Role of the Adult and Golden Rules Spend at least 5 minutes quiet time. Speak to them at their level. Allow time for them to respond Encourage them to respond Model good language Praise their efforts – even for just joining in with the activity.

Early Years Foundation Stage Language and Communication There are 3 aspects within the EYFS in Communication and language, these are: -Listening and Attention -Understanding -Speaking Each area has different age bands

2 year old checks and reports 2 year old checks are part of the EYFS and they have to be carried out before your child turns 3 Details the Prime areas of learning, including Communication and Language Records where the children are in relation to age and comments are made with what they have achieved within that area.

Activity Ideas Reading Stories, ask questions during and at the end of the story. If they can’t comment you pick out key events or pictures. Singing, familiar songs and action songs require children to listen, make sounds and actions. Bath Time, make bath time fun! Look at what we can see and hear – tune children into what is going on around them. If they can’t pick things out you do it and see if they can then see or hear them.

Activity Ideas continued… Pots and Pans! – Get children to create their own sounds and you can help by emphasising the noises they are making. BANG! CRASH! BOOM! Body Percussion and Instruments – Sounds children don’t normally hear and also creating sounds using their bodies. Post Box – Have a range of items in front of the child or pictures. Make a post box using a cardboard box, then ask them to post an item through the post box.

Understanding Language Questions! -Children will understand questions and point to the right answer before they can verbalise a response. All them to show you the answer ad you model it. Ask simple questions, Where? What? When? Why? Help them to develop simple concepts e.g. big and little Develop their awareness of prepositions e.g. behind, in front, on, under

WellComm Screening The WellComm Screening assesses children’s language and understanding of language. -It divided up into different ages -It’s not a test! - All done through pictures, practical activities and observations. After doing the screening it will give us prompts on what children need extra help or support with.

Remember! Talk to your child at all opportunities! Listen to your child and give them time to talk! Thankyou for coming and having good listening!