Every Child a talker
At Ketton Early Birds, we have been lucky enough to be chosen to participate in the first year of a three year programme of ECAT (Every child a talker).
ECAT aims to raise children’s achievement in early language, raise practitioner’s skills and knowledge and increase parental understanding and involvement in children’s language development. As a setting, Ketton Early Birds will benefit from extra training and support to develop the very best early language provision.
There are many key people and places that make up a child’s language learning environment – home, parents/carers/extended family/local area/mother and toddler groups.
Playing and talking
Play helps children to learn about themselves and the world around them and is an important way to develop early communication and social skills. Make time for regular play – in the bath, park or in the shops. Speak slowly and repeat names of people and objects. Give children time to respond. Praise and encourage. When play is fun, learning happens naturally.
It’s never too young to start reading
- Reading a story is the easiest way to ‘talk’ to a baby before they have any language of their own.
- Reading aloud creates the perfect bond between parent and baby – it’s cosy, comforting and fun.
- Listening to stories provides children with new ‘friends’ – characters whom they learn to love.
- Listening to stories has a strong influence on personal and social growth as it gives children the chance to experience things beyond their own world.
Songs and rhymes
Singing songs and nursery rhymes are really good as the rhythm and repetition make it easier for babies to learn language skills.
Useful websites
www.talkingpoint.org.ukwww.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby