Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 3.5: Develop emergent literacy skills of children
Learning outcome: Be able to support children’s language and communication needs
Assessment criteria: Develop a language rich environment for children
In the previous section, we examined what a language-rich environment is. In this section, we will explore ways that Early Years settings can develop a language-rich environment.
Printed words
To support children to become accustomed to looking at letters and words, it is helpful for Early Years settings to have plenty of printed materials on show. This can include books, signs, posters and name badges.
Mark-making resources
Children should have access to a variety of mark-making materials, including pens, pencils and paints. Marks can also be made in other materials, such as clay and sand.
Culture and practitioners
The culture of the Early Years setting should be one that encourages the use of language and communication. This should filter down to all practitioners who will regularly interact with the children, identify communication needs that are not being met and role model communication skills.