Communication and Language

Hello Colleague

In this remarkable conversation with Rachel Higginson - Clio Brown, National Director of Early Years and Early Reading for E-ACT, sets out the importance of early communication and language.

It underpins all seven areas of learning and development, and Clio makes the case that it should be treated both intentionally and with a lightness of touch.

I’m conscious of the fact that I use ‘beautiful’ and ‘gorgeous’ a lot when I’m talking about the curriculum and resources. I think we need to be asking whether they are good enough for the job. It’s great to see that Clio uses this language as enthusiastically as I do!

Here are some takeaways for me:

• The need to use a wide range of examples of communication when considering what a child is capable of

• Focus on light touch adaptations in the moment. Too often cumbersome interventions might look good on paper but they’re not as powerful as making judgements and acting on them at the point of need

• Just because I’ve said something, it doesn’t mean my pupils have necessarily ‘got’ it and to consider how else information or instructions might be communicated. For example, pupils might have been taught the words, but do they know the meaning in a sentence?

• The boon of waiting for responses, not rushing for immediate answers

• The power of light touch, in the moment professional development

• ‘Stop putting a ceiling on the children and they will stop touching that ceiling!’

I’m not an early years’ specialist, but I learnt masses from Clio. This is an important point – we can all learn from different parts of the sector. In particular, let’s capture some of Clio’s energy and deep excitement for our work.

You can watch Clio and Rachel discussing ‘Communication and Language’ here and also listen on the app!

Until next time

Mary