Communication, Oracy and Vocabulary
Week 1 – Why Oracy Starts in Nursery
Oracy begins long before children enter the classroom—it develops through the conversations, interactions and experiences they encounter from their earliest years. In nursery, every story, question, song and conversation provides an opportunity to strengthen children’s speaking and listening skills. In this session, we’ll explore why developing oracy from the very beginning matters and how practitioners can create language-rich environments that build children’s confidence, vocabulary and foundations for future learning.
Week 2 – Building Vocabulary Through Everyday Moments
Some of the richest opportunities for developing vocabulary happen during the ordinary moments of the early years day. From snack time and getting ready to go outside to play, stories and conversations, practitioners can intentionally introduce and reinforce new language in meaningful contexts. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to make every interaction count, helping children hear, understand and confidently use a growing range of vocabulary.
Week 3 – Storytelling, Talk & Conversation
Stories and conversations provide powerful opportunities for children to develop language, imagination and understanding of the world around them. Through hearing stories, retelling familiar narratives and engaging in meaningful conversations, children learn new vocabulary, organise their thoughts and express their ideas with growing confidence. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to use storytelling and everyday talk to create rich, engaging opportunities for communication and language development.
Week 4 – Developing Listening Skills
Listening is a fundamental part of communication and provides the foundation for language, learning and positive relationships. Young children need opportunities to develop the skills of paying attention, understanding what they hear and responding meaningfully to others. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen listening through everyday routines, play, stories and interactions, helping children become confident and engaged communicators.
Week 5 – Supporting Children with Speech & Language Needs
Children develop communication skills at different rates, and some will need additional support to understand language, express themselves and participate confidently. Early identification alongside responsive, inclusive practice can make a significant difference to a child’s communication and wider development. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies practitioners can use within everyday routines, play and interactions to reduce barriers, support communication and ensure every child has opportunities to be heard and understood.
Week 6 – Creating a Language-Rich Environment
A language-rich environment is about far more than the words displayed on walls—it is created through the conversations, interactions and experiences children encounter throughout their day. In this final session, we’ll explore how practitioners can intentionally create opportunities for meaningful talk, introduce and revisit vocabulary, model rich language and encourage children to communicate with confidence, ensuring language development is woven naturally throughout the whole early years environment.