It's all talk in Year R

Speech and Language is something that in school, allows children to feel confident with so many of the experiences that they encounter. There are many ways in which we can all help our children learn and develop this skill.

There really are many things that make a big difference, both at school and in the home.When these are understood and put into practice the children are the ones to benefit.

• When your child starts a conversation, give your full attention whenever possible.
• Make sure that you have your child's attention before you speak by checking that they are looking at you.
• Acknowledge, encourage, and praise all attempts to speak. Show that you understand your child by fulfilling their request, if appropriate.
• Pause after speaking. This gives your child a chance to think and continue the conversation.

when you listen to us it makes us very happy !!

• Continue to build vocabulary. Introduce a new word and offer its definition, or use it in a context that is easily understood. This may be done in an exaggerated, humorous manner. "I think I will drive the vehicle to the store. I am too tired to walk."
• Talk about spatial relationships (first, middle, and last; right and left) and opposites (up and down; on and off).
• Offer a description or clues, and have your child identify what you are describing: "We use it to sweep the floor" (a broom). "It is cold, sweet, and good for dessert. I like strawberry" (ice cream).
•  Identify the thing that does not belong in a group of similar objects: "A shoe does not belong with an apple and an orange because you can't eat it; it is not round; it is not a fruit."

Introducing them to new vocabulary when exploring what mini beasts have moved  into our bug hotels

• Help your child follow two- and three-step directions: "Go to your room, and bring me your book."
• Encourage your child to give directions. Follow his or her directions as he or she explains how to build a tower of blocks.
• Play games with your child such as "house." Exchange roles in the family, with your pretending to be the child. Talk about the different rooms and furnishings in the house.
• The television also can serve as a valuable tool. Talk about what the child is watching. Have him or her guess what might happen next. Talk about the characters. Are they happy or sad? Ask your child to tell you what has happened in the story. Act out a scene together, and make up a different ending.
• Take advantage of daily activities. For example, while in the kitchen, encourage your child to name the utensils needed. Discuss the foods on the menu, their colour, texture, and taste. Where does the food come from? Which foods do you like? Which do you dislike? Who will clean up? Emphasize the use of prepositions by asking him or her to put the napkin on the table, in your lap, or under the spoon. Identify who the napkin belongs to: "It is my napkin." "It is Daddy's." "It is John's."
• While shopping for groceries, discuss what you will buy, how many you need, and what you will make. Discuss the size (large or small), shape (long, round, square), and weight (heavy or light) of the packages.

As adults we ask children a ton of questions have you as a parent thought about the right way to do this?  Didn’t know there was a right way? Well there definitely is – it’s the difference between making your little ones feel like they’re on the spot and making them feel like they’re really being heard.  This is important stuff when they’re small and becomes absolutely critical as they get older.

 Although questions can be a great way to find out about our children, it’s crucial that we don’t just ask about what our children know. Of course all of us want our children to know a lot, but getting to know our children through the right questions allows us to follow their lead, tap into their interests, and help them pursue their passions.

Think about the following, 

Don’t ask your child too many questions.

Help your child to make and build connections.

Encourage your child to think and talk about their own ideas.

As always if you have any questions for us please comment below.We really do love to read them.