Woodthorpe Church of England Primary SchoolCommunication & Language
'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. .' Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework
Below are some examples of how we provide opportunities for our children to access and explore Communication & Language here at Woodthorpe.
Language Rich Environments and High Quality Interactions
Creating an enabling environment is crucial. We strive to provide a space that encourages children to explore language through a variety of rich and stimulating activities. This includes circle time, where children can share their thoughts and feelings in a safe space; one-to-one interactions, which allow for personalised attention; and group settings that foster collaboration and collective problem-solving.
We place a strong emphasis on high quality interactions. Staff have regular training to develop these important skills. Staff model language by using clear and varied phrases that prompt children to connect ideas, ask questions, and express their thoughts. By encouraging children to use language to organise their thinking and articulate how things work or why events occur, we are helping to develop their cognitive skills alongside their communication abilities.
Additionally, we focus on facilitating opportunities for children to express themselves in various contexts. Whether chatting with a friend at playtime, discussing a story during reading time, or engaging in role-play scenarios, each interaction is a chance to practise and enhance their social phrases. Encouraging the use of connectives—like ‘but’, ‘so’, and ‘because’—helps them link their ideas and thoughts, fostering a more profound understanding of language structure.
We understand that children learn best in environments that promote active participation and support.
Gallery of children in environment.
ShREC Approach High Quality Interactions
Talk Boost
Some children might need a little extra support with their communication and language skills. This could be for lots of different reasons such as difficulties with sound production, confidence, English as an additional language, or understanding of vocabulary. Talk Boost is one of the ways we can support children's communication and language development and includes a range of interventions aimed at helping children that are having difficulties with speaking and understanding language to catch up with their peers. The interventions are differentiated by learning stage (Early Talk Boost, Talk Boost Key Stage 1, and Talk Boost Key Stage 2). Each intervention lasts between 8-10 weeks, with the children being taught specific communication skills by trained staff, in three short, focused sessions per week.
High Quality Literacy
We provide a variety of high quality texts, poems and rhymes for children to explore vocabulary, storytelling and roleplay.
Please follow the link to our EYFS Literacy page for more information.