Involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Children listen to stories in small groups, one to one and also outside, they are encouraged by the teacher to guess what happens and next key events, ask questions and add actions to the story. We have a culture of looking after our books as we like them to be moved around the setting inside and out. Children are encouraged to listen to others ideas, and are encouraged to express their own ideas. We do not have a set time for literacy, or a set place, as we encourage early literacy skills in every area of the setting.

Teachers extend children’s development by asking ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events. This develops their critical thinking too.

Children have lots of opportunity to talk, and their environment is planned to stimulate and encourage conversation. Children are always listened to by adults, and in turn the children learn to listen when others speak. They develop their own narratives and explanations by connecting ideas or events from their own knowledge and make resources to re-enact past events.