Unit 2: Communication and Language: Speaking

Speaking is one of the three aspects of communication and language, one of the three prime areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). At the end of the EYFS in the reception year at primary school children are expected to reach the following early learning goal.

All staff need to be confident of their role in developing children’s understanding of this area of learning and development, whatever the age of the children they work with. It is important to remember that different approaches are appropriate for different ages of children and different children will progress in their understanding at different rates.

Participants will:

• know the early learning goal in relation to speaking
• understand how to work with children to develop their capabilities in speaking
• know how the physical environment and resources support children in developing their speaking skills
• gain confidence in planning for this area of learning and development for children of different ages and stages.

Step 1 Introduction (5–10 minutes)
Step 2 Ideas to support the goal (10–15 minutes)
Step 3 Plan an activity (5–10 minutes)