Helping practitioners find ways to support children’s speaking, listening and understanding
Children’s speaking, listening and understanding is a core element of their learning and development, these three elements play a central role in their lives. It is important that practitioners support children in this area of development and if concerns are highlighted they are dealt with promptly.
5 ways to help support children’s speaking, listening and understanding
Creating a communication friendly environment
Creating a rich environment that is focussed on being communication friendly provides children with a range of language possibilities. It is practitioner’s job to ensure the environment is tailored to children’s individual needs. This environment should be full of rich language experiences for example the book area should be inviting with comfy cushion, a selections of books that are accessible and any other resources to support this area.
Developing a picture of the child
To help you understand the child fully it is best to gather as much information as you can from parents eg child’s experiences, interest etc. Knowing this information will help you make sense of what the child is saying enabling you to confidently communicate. Children will develop confidence if they are aware that they are being fully understood.
Find time to talk
A typical nursery day can have its busy times; however it is important to find that quality time to talk to children. The value of talking to children holds so many important contributing factors to children’s learning and development. Talking to children should be spontaneous as well as planned, why not follow up on children’s questions or join in their play to be included in the conversations. Don’t forget to encourage volunteers or students to talk to the children as these are another effective source of communication.
Role model good listening
It is important to understand that listening is just as important as speaking, therefore adults should role model good listening. If possible give children quality time and show them that you are giving them your attention. If you can’t listen to the children at that particular moment explain this to them and return back to them later.
Emphasise the importance of listening
During group activities such as circle time, talk to children about listening to others when they are speaking. By Emphasising this it shows children that listening is important and helps children acquire those listening skills.
It is important to fully understand the adult’s role in supporting children’s speaking, listening and understanding as adults are seen to be the people to help scaffold children’s learning and development.