Children learn language through social relationships: the way they listen to and speak with others while engaged in activities together. Bronwyn worked with a group of Waihi teachers exploring a developmental sequence that identifies the abstract language a child can understand and use. We explored ways to modify our own communication to ensure all students understand the linguistic demands that we place on them.
One aspect of the session that created enthusiastic conversation was the sharing of a research-based tool that adapts any topic or lesson to engage and extend all learners, across the curriculum. Oral language and communication are fundamental for developing foundational skills for learning often missing in literacy and play-based programmes.