Communication includes verbal and non-verbal interactions, both allow us to gain a deeper understanding of children’s personality, interests and recognising potential worries.  

You can enhance learning significantly by providing an insightful running commentary about what’s happening during an activity. Questioning yourself, for example,  

“I wonder what colour paint I should use? I’ll try red first,”  

this demonstrates problem-solving and encourages sustained interactions. As well as this, you can ask your child questions, this promotes self-esteem and confidence as it allows them to draw their own conclusions like; 

“Why do you think this has happened?” and “can you do it another way?” 

Giving a child your full attention is essential. Showing genuine interest in what they are saying and engaging in conversation is pivotal for the development of new vocabulary and the critical thinking processes. 

Fennies Sanderstead Nursery Manager, Annalise D’Mello says,  

“Children are observers, who learn best through copying actions and words they have seen or heard. Narration is a great way to support and engage children during play. By discussing what is happening during an activity, we expose children to new vocabulary which helps develop their communication skills.”  

Annalise recommends not shying away from complex vocabulary as this exposes them to a variety of new words.