school network updates- every child a talker – spring 2014

School Network Updates- Every Child A Talker – Spring 2014

Aims• Introduction to Every Child a Talker• Context around focus on speech,

language and communication• Communication Chain• Use of the Child Monitoring Tool• Strategies to support speech, language

and communication

Every Child a Talker (ECAT)• National project to develop language and

communication• In response to concern about ‘language

impoverishment’• Part of ‘National Strategies’ 2008• http://www.leics.gov.uk/ecat

Importance of communication

The Communication Chain

Small Group Activity

• Read the statements on the cards

• As a group sort the cards into the correct order

What is communication?

Early Learning and Childcare Service 20

Strands of communication-Listening and attention

-Understanding (receptive language)

-Speaking (expressive language)

-Social communication

Using the Child Monitoring Tool• Start with the real age then assess

development across each strand• Child may not be at the same stage for

each strand• Remember to date when it is used and

update regularly

• Discussion Time for children in your cohort with concerns

Adult – Child interaction strategies

• Following the child’s lead• Hand rule/commentary• Traffic lights/pausing• Body language and non-verbal communication• Tone of your voice• Eye contact• http://www.leics.gov.uk/ecat