How can we create a Language and Communication Supportive Environment in Early Learning and Childcare settings?: Appendix 1: Aspects of interactions, experiences and spaces particularly supportive of early language and communication

You may wish to use this summary checklist to benchmark a local self-evaluation tool, or to support the selection or development of a new self-evaluation tool. 

Interactions

1. Adults are responsive
2. Adults get down to the child’s level
3. Adults adapt their language
4. Adults model and label
5. Adults have conversations with babies and children
6. Adults balance questions with comments
7. Adults expand and recast
8. Adults use gesture, signing and other visuals

Experiences

1. Song, rhythm and rhyme
2. Child-led play involving adults
3. Sharing books and stories
4. Small groups
5. Encounters with vocabulary
6. Considered use of screen-based technology
7. Involvement of parents

Spaces

1. Noise management
2. Books and stories
3. Labelling
4. Quiet spaces