In general this area covers: Listening, understanding and talking.

Some examples of this might include:

• being able to use conversation with one other person, in small groups and in large groups to talk with and listen to others;
• adding to their vocabulary by learning the meaning of – and being able to use – new words.
• being able to use words to describe their experiences.
• getting to know and articulate the sounds and letters that make up the words we use.
• listening to – and talking about – stories.
• having a good repertoire of songs and rhymes.
• understanding questions.
• knowing how to handle books and that they can be a source of stories and information.
• express ideas and feelings using words and sentences.
• develop pretend play

The development of children’s spoken language underpins all seven areas of learning and development.