Communication and Language

One of the prime areas of learning in EYFS is Communication and Language. This is split into 3 areas: Listening and Attention Understanding Speaking

Early Learning Goal - Listening and Attention Children listen attentively in a range of situations. They listen to stories, accurately anticipating key events and respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions or actions. They give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately, while engaged in another activity.

What you can do to help: Read stories to your child and ask them questions about what is happening. Make up silly sentences with each word beginning with the same letter Play listening games – count the clap game Play ‘I spy’ Play a treasure hunt game where your child has to listen to your instructions to find the next clue.

Early Learning Goal - Understanding Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.

How you can help at home: Check your child knows position words - ask them to put their toys in specific places e.g. behind the table, next to the phone… When making lunch ask your child ‘what do I need to cut the apple?’ What do I need to pour your milk into? Ask your child about what is happening in their books – use 5ws who, what, when, why, where questions to help them to practise. Ask them why something has happened or what might happen next in a story. See if they can follow a story without looking at the pictures.

Early Learning Goal - Speaking Children express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs. They use past, present and future forms accurately when talking about events that have happened or are to happen in the future. They develop their own narratives and explanations by connecting ideas or events.

Pic of children talking together

How you can help at home: Ask your child to talk about the pictures in their books Increase their vocabulary by teaching them new words e.g. in the supermarket/ the park Help your child to use the correct tense e.g. I went to a party tomorrow. Stop in a book at new words and explain them e.g. glum