Communication and language skills are crucial for every child’s overall development and their future into big school and beyond. The good news is, you can help build these skills with simple daily interactions.
More informally, you can do this by simply acting as a positive role model, talking with them slowly and clearly, while showing interest in everything they have to say. But we know it’s always better with play, so we prepared several activities that cover this EYFS area and don’t require too much sweating from you!
Want to see how it’s done? Click here to watch the video of our five favourite activities ⏯
The activity – Pom Pom Turn Taking Game by Onetimethrough
Communication and language area(s) of development: Turn-taking, social interaction
In a nutshell – Trap pom poms in a colander using some wooden sticks or pipe cleaners and turn it upside down. Let the children take turns to pull the sticks out (and strengthen their fine motor skills!) until all of the pom poms fall down like an avalanche!
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The activity – Paper Plate Big Alphabet Memory Game by Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls
Communication and language area(s) of development: Turn-taking, social interaction, attention & listening
In a nutshell – A kingsize variation of the good old pair matching game. Take several paper plates and markers and write some letters if you want your little ones to practice literacy or draw shapes, animals and other items if it’s time to build their vocabulary.
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The activity – Super Simple Listening Game and Crafts for Kids by Kids Activities Blog
Communication and language area(s) of development: Social interaction, attention & listening
In a nutshell – This simple, crafty telephone will engage kids for hours. All they need to do is paint some plastic cups, poke a hole in each of them, and thread string through the bottom. You can experiment with various speaking activities but we recommend the old school game of telephone where kids whisper to each other and pass the message around.
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The activity – Game of the Week: Dance Freeze by Playworks
Communication and language area(s) of development: Attention & listening
In a nutshell – Dance when the music’s on and freeze when it stops. It’s as simple as that. You might know it as some ice-breaker entertainment for a birthday party, but it’s also great for an attention and listening exercise. If you’re not sure what to play, check out this video with some lovely, cartoon characters that sing and guide their audience.
What you need –
The EYFS Activity Library: 50 EYFS Activities
The guide is packed full of EYFS inspiration for your setting. With 50 refreshed and carefully categorised EYFS activities, it could be just the thing to shake up your planning.
The activity – Homemade Story Stones by Happy Hooligans
Communication and language area(s) of development: Expressive language, vocabulary, turn-taking, attention and listening
In a nutshell – Story stones are essentially very simple prompts for narrative play. All you need to do is get some flat and smooth stones from a craft shop or a beach and decorate them with pictures of objects or animals. Choose one of the stones and start a tale based on the picture on it, then encourage your preschoolers to draw more stones and continue the story.
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The activity – Free Let’s Get Dressed Game by Teaching Talking
Communication and language area(s) of development: Vocabulary
In a nutshell – Get these neat printables to encourage your little fashionistas to use newly learnt words and phrases connected to clothes and colours while letting their creative minds go wild.
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The activity – 10 Ways to Play ‘I Spy’ by Teaching Every Day
Communication and language area(s) of development: Vocabulary, listening & attention
In a nutshell – 10 variations of the classic ‘I Spy’ game that require focus from the little ones and will help to strengthen their vocabulary. We suggest that you let the kids ask questions to encourage discussion, instead of just guessing one word at a time.
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The activity – Taboo Pack for Kids by Way to Master English
Communication and language area(s) of development: Vocabulary, expressive language, confidence & self-esteem
In a nutshell – Each card consists of a picture that players have to explain to each other without using the three words listed underneath. It’s an amazing, playful activity that takes vocabulary development to a whole new level and encourages creativity.
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The activity – 10 Nursery Rhymes to Sing With Babies by Rainy Day Mum
Communication and language area(s) of development: Vocabulary, listening & attention
In a nutshell – These ten all-time classics are not only amazing for connecting with the little ones but also teaching them new vocabulary and expressions in the most enjoyable way.
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The activity – World Book Day: 11 Books from Around the World by Famly
Communication and language area(s) of development: Vocabulary, listening & attention
In a nutshell – Books can be used in so many ways to develop language and early literacy skills. Toss The Very Hungry Caterpillar aside for a moment and check out this list of classics from all around the globe.
What you need –
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Guidance from the Danish Health Ministry, translated in full to English.
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The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
Find out below how Famly helped Tenderlinks in recording child development, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
“Famly’s strengthening our parent partnerships as staff can quickly note down meaningful observations and then come back to them later ensuring they can stay focused on the children." - Vicky-Leigh, Manager, Tenderlinks Nursery
Find out below how Famly helped Tenderlinks in recording child development, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
Sign up now
Find out below how Famly helped Tenderlinks in recording child development, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
Sign up nowFind out below how Famly helped Tenderlinks in recording child development, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
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