‘Ensuring children have a broad vocabulary is a priority in all schools.

Language empowers and enables: opening doors to imagination, knowledge and deeper learning.

Research indicates that the ‘word gap’ that exists for many children is likely to have life-long consequences both academically and in terms of their mental wellbeing.’ 

(from ‘Making Words Work’, School Improvement Liverpool)

Why Does Talk Matter So Much?

• Vocabulary at 3 years of age is an indicator for the end of KS2 results, at 5 years of age it is an indicator of GCSE achievement, and at Year 6 it is an indicator of future income
• Two thirds of 7-14 year olds with serious behaviour issues have language impairment
• 65% of young offenders have communication problems
• 47% of employers complain about recruits’ communication skills

Speech, Language and Communication helps children to:

• Learn
• Be active
• Make friends
• Enjoy life
• Escape poverty
• Not be an offender

It is therefore evident that communication skills affect wellbeing, behaviour and employability.
At Woodlands Infant and Nursery School we endeavour to shape articulate children and empower them to be confident citizens in the world.

What Do We Do to Promote Speech, Language and Communication?

• Our key skill of COMMUNICATION permeates all subjects
• We use Talk Frames for English and Maths genres
• Children practise communicating with their Speaking and Listening Partners
• Role play, Drama and enhanced provision are regularly planned
• All classes from Reception to Year to present a Class Assembly
• Rules of a good speaker and listener are promoted in class, together with golden rules for speaking in a group
• Ideas have been utilised from Voice 21 And ELKLAN training
• Staff model appropriate language
• Resources purchased to enhance speech, language and communication.

What Can Parents and Families Do To Help?

As a child develops their language, non-verbal communication is vital. This includes all the body movements, expressions and gestures that a child uses to help decode situations.

Non-verbal communication includes: facial expressions, hand gestures, eye movements, body posture and use of voice. It can sometimes be difficult for children to pick up on these clues. Learning to listen, focus and pay attention is just as important as learning to communicate.

The amount of language a child hears affects their vocabulary size. Put simply – the more talk a child hears, the more they will know.