Unlocking the Power of Communication and Language in Early Education

 

We analyse in a series of three blog posts OFSTED's Best Start in Life research. This first part focuses on Communication and Language.

In the fascinating realm of early childhood development, where every moment is a building block for a child's future, the importance of nurturing communication and language skills cannot be overstated. A recent report sheds light on this crucial aspect of early education, underlining its role in shaping a child's trajectory.

Setting the Stage for Success

This report, part of a comprehensive series of curriculum research reviews, delves into the world of early years education.

Its primary objective? To empower early years practitioners with the knowledge and tools to elevate the quality of early education.

Part 1: Establishing the Foundation

The initial section of this report explores the pivotal role that communication and language play in a child's early education journey. It emphasizes that every early education setting should prioritize the development of these essential skills.

Why Communication and Language Matter

Early interactions are the bedrock upon which a child's language development is built. The quantity and quality of these interactions significantly influence a child's language growth. Research even suggests a correlation between a communication-rich environment at 18 to 24 months and a child's literacy skills, social adjustment at age 5, and overall competence at age 7 to 9.

Moreover, early language skills wield immense power, impacting a child's performance in school, employability, and mental health. They are the keys to a bright future.

Diverse Beginnings

Children enter early years settings with a diverse range of language exposures. Some arrive from homes brimming with conversations and book-sharing experiences, while others possess less-developed language skills. Startlingly, nearly a quarter of children struggling with language at age 5 fail to reach the expected English standards by the end of primary school, compared to just 4% of their language-proficient peers.

Nurturing the Language Garden

Children showing signs of delayed language development require targeted support and careful monitoring to ensure progress. Practitioners must collaborate closely with parents and keep a watchful eye on a child's development. In some cases, specialized assistance from a speech and language therapist may be necessary.

English as an Additional Language

In a diverse landscape, where around 1 in 5 children are learning English as an additional language, proficiency in English is paramount. Encouragingly, speaking multiple languages can offer numerous advantages to children in the long run.

The Crucial Role of Early Years Settings

Early years settings shoulder the responsibility of ensuring all children, regardless of their initial language skills, develop robust communication and language abilities. Research indicates that children make significant strides in oral language when practitioners:

• Grasp how children learn and develop oral language.
• Understand specific techniques that aid oral language development.
• Bridge their knowledge of children and pedagogy to comprehend the effectiveness of these techniques.

This knowledge empowers practitioners to make informed decisions and promptly prioritize communication.

Building Bridges to Learning and Life

Communication and language serve as the foundation for all other areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. These skills pave the way for social and emotional development, enabling children to form relationships, express themselves, and navigate the world around them.

Moreover, communication and language skills are intertwined with various cognitive abilities, shaping a child's ability to understand the world, categorize objects, and develop a "theory of mind" – the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others.

Crafting the Curriculum and Pedagogy

In the intricate world of early education, curriculum and pedagogy are paramount. Young children learn to communicate long before they master reading and writing. Their journey involves understanding how other people's thoughts and feelings differ from their own, a crucial facet of effective communication.

Relationships between caregivers and children serve as the cornerstone of these early interactions, providing emotional support and shared experiences. Positive social experiences offer children both the knowledge and skills they need to learn effectively.

A Symphony of Words

Children at risk of language and learning difficulties may benefit from frequent and targeted vocabulary teaching approaches. Practitioners must consider children's existing vocabulary knowledge when allocating time for intentional vocabulary teaching.

The Magic of Storytelling

Storytelling, in various forms like songs, nursery rhymes, and poetry, emerges as a potent tool in nurturing communication and language skills. These narratives facilitate sequenced sentences, encourage discussions, and bolster children's linguistic and cognitive skills.

Shared Reading – A Treasure Trove of Learning

Books stand as essential conduits for early vocabulary learning. They expose children to a rich tapestry of language, enriching their understanding of the world. However, it's crucial to note that not all children have access to books at home, making shared reading in early years settings even more critical.

Engaging children in the content of books and fostering interactive discussions are vital components of shared reading. The more children interact during shared book reading, the greater the benefits to their communication and language.

Key Takeaways for Practitioners

• Developing communication and language skills in young children requires thoughtful curriculum planning, considering all areas of learning. Practitioners should prioritize understanding how children learn, the specific techniques that aid their language development, and the effectiveness of these techniques.
• Creating an environment that nurtures children's social and emotional well-being positively impacts their language development. Frequent interactions, storytelling, shared reading, and repeated practice in various contexts are essential components of this journey.
• In this intricate dance of words and understanding, early years practitioners hold the key to unlocking the full potential of communication and language in every child's life. It's a journey that shapes not only their educational success but also their ability to connect, express, and thrive in the world.

To read the full research please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-in-life-a-research-review-for-early-years/best-start-in-life-part-2-the-3-prime-areas-of-learning