EYFS: Communication and language
Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to:
- Experience a rich language environment
- Develop confidence and skills in expressing themselves
- Speak and listen in a range of situations
The levels children are expected to have reached by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage are:
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.
Understanding
- Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.
- They answer 'how' and 'why' questions about their experiences and in response to stories and events.
Speaking
- Children express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners' needs.
- They use past, present and future tenses 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.
Find out how each impairment affects children's achievement in early years and how you can help.
Where relevant, use these tips for any disabled children:
- Follow the same routines for key parts of the day, for example carpet time after taking coats off, washing hands before snack time.
- Create a communication passport that can help others understand and work effectively with the child.
- Read up on total communication for more ideas.
- Liaise with a speech and language therapist for specific advice.
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