ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises how children develop communication and language skills. It covers four key areas of communication and language: communication and language as foundations for learning, the development of communication, speech and language, theories of language acquisition, and supporting language and communication in practice. The chapter explains why the development of communication and language is fundamental to children's social, emotional and cognitive outcomes. There are three prime areas of learning and development in the early year’s foundation stage: personal, social, emotional development; physical development; and communication and language. The chapter identifies practical ways to support and promote communication and language in practitioner’s setting. Being able to understand and promote communication and language in practitioner’s everyday practice has potential to make a lifelong positive impact on every child practitioner support. The chapter reflects on how communication and language help to secure firm foundations for future learning, health and wellbeing.
