Parenta Magazine March 2020

As children learn words, they begin to
take over, but they do not replace other
forms of communication. In fact, the
way we communicate and the gestures
we use can reiterate what we’re saying,
emphasise it or even contradict it. For
example, my husband sometimes plays
a game with our children at the dinner
table, where he takes a mouthful of
food and makes extremely unpleasant
faces, implying that he really doesn’t
like the food, to which our children ask,
“Do you like it?” and he replies, “Yes,
it’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever
tasted!” They find this incredibly funny
and sometimes play the inverse game.
We started playing this game when
they were younger to support them to
understand the well-known phrase it’s
not what you say, it’s the way that you
say it…!
Babies are born eager to communicate.
They are hard-wired to seek out others
and interact with them. However,
just because developing language
is innate, it doesn’t mean that it’s an
automatic process. If a child had no
experience of being talked to or few
opportunities for social interaction, they
would not develop healthily and learn
to communicate. Learning language
depends upon children hearing
language in order for them develop
their own communication methods, and
using language is important to develop
their understanding. Through talk,
children are making connections and
they use talk to extend, make explicit
and reshape what they know. Talk
also enables children to play and build
relationships with others, which is vital
for their social development.
Here are some ways that we can support early communication:
• Tune in to the child’s signals and cues to engage in meaningful talk
• Make sure the babies and toddlers can see your face when you talk with
them
• Listen and respond to their language play
• Copy the facial expressions, sounds and words made by babies and
toddlers
• Play turn-taking games, sing and coo to babies, encourage sound play
and babbling
• Share pictures and objects when you talk so that a child can link objects
with words
• Use labelling techniques and games, for example show me your fingers,
nose
• Use clear speech and simple phrases, role model appropriate and
accurate language
• Use strategies such as motherese/parentese (high pitched voice &
simple words/phrases), recasting (rephrase things), expanding (add to)
and repetition to enable children to identify and decode meanings
• Use non-verbal communication alongside talk, role model facial
expression, body language, gestures and intonation
• Learn a few signs in Makaton or British Sign Language and use them
every day and value all attempts at communication
• Use expressive language which include rhythm and patterns
• Maximise opportunities to develop children’s problem solving skills
through talking whenever they arise
• Model the ‘rules’ of language – e.g. turn-taking, serve and return,
listening
• Introduce new vocabulary when appropriate
• Ask open-ended questions to stretch the child
• Set up role-play and other environments which encourage talk
• Have real, genuine and respectful conversations with children
• Read stories every day
Tamsin Grimmer
Tamsin Grimmer is an
experienced early years
consultant and trainer and
parent who is passionate about
young children’s learning and
development. She believes
that all children deserve
practitioners who are inspiring,
dynamic, reflective and
committed to improving on their
current best. Tamsin particularly
enjoys planning and delivering
training and supporting
early years practitioners and
teachers to improve outcomes
for young children.
Tamsin has written two
books - “Observing and
Developing Schematic
Behaviour in Young Children”
and “School Readiness and
the Characteristics of Effective
Learning”.
Website:
tamsingrimmer.com
Facebook:
facebook.com/earlyyears.
consultancy.5
Twitter:
@tamsingrimmer
Email:
info@tamsingrimmer.co.uk
What you are doing really makes a
difference for the children in your care
and closing the word gap won’t just
happen overnight – it is a reflection of
the support, love and attention given
to children from birth. So remember
to keep on talking because we are
supporting children to become the
skillful communicators of tomorrow.
parenta.com | March 2020 27