Speech and Language in the Early Years Creating Language-Rich Learning Environments

Speech and Language in the Early Years is an accessible resource, packed full of practical ideas and techniques to support speech and language development in young children. Learning to communicate is a dynamic process. A child needs a reason to communicate, the motivation to communicate, and, significantly, a responsive communication partner. This book will help you to develop language-rich interactions to facilitate language development in your everyday work and will encourage reflective practice in your setting. Key features include: Activities and strategies designed for busy educators to dip in and out of as part of everyday practice, promoting speech and language development as well as supporting those with speech, language, and communication needs Templates and techniques for reflective practice, supporting the creation of language-rich environments and encouraging mindful communication Chapters spanning from birth to the transition to school, each exploring different areas of the learning environment Offering readers the opportunity to extend their skills and confidence in their practice, this bookis an essential resource for early years practitioners looking to facilitate quality interactions with the children in their care.

Introduction Chapter 1: Speech and Language Development Chapter 2: Reflective Practice Chapter 3: Birth – 18 Months Chapter 4: 18 Months – Two Years Chapter 5: Two – Three Years Chapter 6: Pre-Schoolers Chapter 7: Transitions into School Chapter 8: Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Becky Poulter Jewson has over 25 years ofexperience working with children and families as a qualified Early Years Lead and is the Director of Early Years and author for Thriving Language Community Interest Company. She has led and developed teams of successful early years educators within children’s centres and the private sector. Having owned her own nursery and pre-school, she has developed free flow provision and language-rich learning environments throughout the country. Becky believes that empowering individuals to thrive and helping to create future generations is probably the best career in the world! She is a passionate advocate for early years and supports many further teaching and learning facilities. Rebecca Skinner qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2001 and is the Director of Speech and Language Therapy and author for Thriving Language Community Interest Company. Alongside her work at Thriving Language, Rebecca works as a Speech and Language Therapist for the NHS, specialising in early years and cleft palate. She is passionate about communication and interaction and the role that the adult plays in the development of this. Rebecca believes that being able to communicate is a basic human right and we must respect all ways of communicating.