The joy of language 

Learning language is a lifelong journey, but the early years provide a particularly important window of opportunity. The experiences children have during this time can have a significant impact on their communication and language development. We want children to discover the joy of language, to experience the excitement of having their thoughts and ideas heard by others, and to enjoy playing with words and sounds.

For the children and families who attend baby and toddler groups, there are valuable opportunities to nurture communication and language through warm, responsive interactions and meaningful play. By creating language-rich environments, we can help families understand the importance of everyday conversations, shared experiences and positive relationships. These interactions lay the foundations for communication, language and literacy, supporting children's learning and development from the very earliest years. 

As group leaders, we have a unique opportunity to support children's communication and language development while also modelling simple, effective strategies that families can use at home. By demonstrating these approaches during everyday play and interactions during our sessions, we can help families understand their key role in how language develops from the earliest days.

When interacting with a child, get down to their level and make eye contact. Children need to feel they are active participants in conversations, not just bystanders.

Eye contact helps build connection, attention and motivation. By positioning yourself at a child's level, they can see your facial expressions, gestures and mouth movements, helping them learn how speech sounds are formed and what different expressions mean. They experience the joy of connecting with others, motivating them to continue to try.

Make time and space to respond to babies' babbles, gestures, facial expressions and attempts to communicate. This helps children learn that all communication is meaningful and valued.

Even the earliest of conversations are a two-way process. Each person listens, watches and responds to what the other is communicating. This interaction is often called 'serve and return', much like a game of tennis where the ball is passed back and forth between the players. Each exchange helps strengthen children's communication skills and their relationships with others.

Narrate and comment on what children are seeing, doing and experiencing during play and everyday activities.

When adults and children share focus and attention on the same activity, children are better able to make connections between words, objects, actions and experiences. This helps build contextual understanding of vocabulary.

Use songs, stories, sensory experiences, play and everyday conversations to introduce new words.

A rich vocabulary opens new opportunities for learning, thinking and self-expression. Children learn new words by hearing them used repeatedly in meaningful situations. As adults, we are their guides to the world of language and can take them on an exciting journey of discovery with us.

Speak slowly and clearly, and allow plenty of time for children to process what has been said and formulate a response.

Young children will often need significantly longer than adults to process language. Sometimes it may take up to ten seconds or more for them to understand what they have heard, work out what it means and decide how to respond.

As adults, we can be tempted to fill the silence by adding more words or repeating ourselves too quickly. Instead, pause and give children time. If needed, repeat the phrase or question and use gestures, facial expressions or actions to support understanding. If a child is still unsure, simplify your language and try again.

The environment plays an important role in supporting communication and language development. Baby and toddler groups are often busy, lively spaces, which can be exciting and stimulating. However, too much noise, movement and distraction can sometimes make it difficult for young children to listen, concentrate and engage in conversations.

Think about whether there are opportunities to create quieter, cosy spaces within your group where children and families can share a book, recite a rhyme or simply enjoy a conversation together. Rugs, cushions, book corners, dens or other enclosed spaces can help reduce distractions and create a sense of comfort and security.

These quieter areas can be particularly valuable for younger babies and children with additional needs who may find busy environments overwhelming. By providing spaces away from the noise and activity, children can tune into language more easily, focus their attention and feel more confident communicating, while parents and carers have opportunities to slow down, follow their child's lead and enjoy quality interactions together.

Songs, rhymes, stories and repeated phrases help children develop listening skills, learn new vocabulary and build confidence in communication.

Repetition gives children multiple opportunities to hear and practise words. Learning to speak involves coordinating the lips, tongue, cheeks and breathing, all of which require time, practice and confidence. Familiar songs and rhymes provide a fun and supportive way to develop these skills where alongside others you can be brave and have a go!

Children are more likely to engage in conversations about things that genuinely interest them.

Observe what children are drawn to, which activities they return to repeatedly and what captures their attention. Their interests provide natural opportunities for conversations and the introduction of new vocabulary. Following a child's lead helps maintain engagement and encourages sustained interaction.

Encourage families to chat, read, sing, tell stories and play together as often as they can. These simple interactions make a significant difference to children's communication and language development.

Consider sharing ideas for activities that families can easily incorporate into everyday routines such as mealtimes, bath time, shopping trips or a walk to the park. You may also wish to signpost families to local speech and language therapy services, Family Hubs, libraries and trusted organisations such as Speech and Language UK if they need additional support or advice.

Children learn language through responsive relationships. Every smile, shared look, conversation, song, story and positive interaction helps build the foundations. By modelling these approaches within our groups, we can help families understand that they are the most valuable resource for supporting their child's language development.