Early Learning Goals
Communication and Language

Early Learning Goals Hands-On Education Activity
CL 1 - Listening, Attention and Understanding
    CL/1.1 listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions
    CL/1.2 make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding
    CL/1.3 hold conversation when engaged in back-and-forth exchanges with their teacher and peers
    CL 2 - Speaking
      CL/2.1 participate in small group, class and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary
      CL/2.2 offer explanations for why things might happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems when appropriate
      CL/2.3 express their ideas and feelings about their experiences using full sentences, including use of past, present and future tenses and making use of conjunctions, with modelling and support from their teacher

      Effective Strategies for Building Children's Language Skills

      To build children's language skills, try commenting on their interests and activities and repeating what they say while introducing new vocabulary. Additionally, read to children frequently and actively engage them in stories, non-fiction, rhymes, and poems. To reinforce their learning, offer ample opportunities for children to use and practice new words in a variety of contexts. By doing so, children will have the chance to thrive and develop their language abilities.

      Encouraging Language Development in Children through Conversation, Story-telling and Role Play

      By engaging in conversation, story-telling and role play under the guidance of a teacher, children are encouraged to share their ideas while receiving support and constructive feedback. Sensitive questioning is utilized to encourage elaboration and to expand their vocabulary and language structure skills. This process helps children feel more comfortable and confident when using language.

      This approach to building children's language skills not only helps them to communicate effectively, but also fosters their creativity and imagination. It allows them to express themselves more clearly and confidently, and to understand and appreciate the nuances of language. Furthermore, by providing children with a rich and varied vocabulary, practitioners are equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in later life, both academically and professionally. Ultimately, investing in children's language development is an investment in their future, and one that will pay dividends for years to come.

      Effective Strategies for Building Children's Language Skills

      • Comment on children's interests and activities to enhance their language skills
      • Engage children actively in reading, stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems
      • Provide opportunities for children to use and embed new words in various contextsEncourage conversation, story-telling and role play to develop language skills
      • Use sensitive questioning to invite children to elaborate on their ideas
      • Foster creativity and imagination through language development
      • Help children express themselves more clearly and confidently
      • Equip children with a rich and varied vocabulary to succeed academically and professionally
      • Investing in children's language development is an investment in their future, and one that will pay dividends for years to come.

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