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Communication & Language activities, displays & planning ideas for reception, preschool, nurseries & childminders
Supporting children’s communication and language development is a vital part of high-quality EYFS practice. This page brings together a wide range of EYFS Communication & Language printable resources, planning documents, guidance packs and play-based activity ideas for babies, toddlers, preschool and Reception children aged birth to 5 years.
Designed for nurseries, preschools, childminders and Reception classrooms, our resources help practitioners build language-rich environments that support listening, attention, understanding, speaking, vocabulary development, conversation skills and early speech through meaningful play and interaction. You’ll find practical EYFS Communication & Language activities, role-play resources, story-based learning, progression tools, adult interaction guidance and printable provision materials aligned with Development Matters and the EYFS Framework.
Whether you are looking for Communication & Language planning ideas for Reception, toddler language development activities, preschool speaking and listening resources, or support for early speech and language in baby rooms, this page includes both free EYFS printable resources and professional practitioner guidance to support confident, developmentally appropriate practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Sections on this page:
Core Guidance Surrounding ‘Communication & Language’ Planning & Provision
What do we mean by ‘Communication and Language’?
What High-Quality Communication & Language Practice Looks Like
Communication & Language Progression in EYFS
Communication & Language within Continuous Provision Enhancements
Inclusive Communication & Language Practice | SEND & EAL
Communication & Language and the Other Areas of Learning
Guidance Informed by EYFS Best Practice
This Guidance is Useful For
Examples of how to support ‘Communication & Language’ learning and development
Birth to 3
3 and 4 Year Olds
Reception
Age-Specific Guidance Documents for Supporting ‘Communication & Language’
‘Communication & Language’ within Continuous Provision | Age-Specific Ideas & Guidance
‘Communication & Language’ Printable Provision Resources - Search by:
Frequently Asked Questions About EYFS Communication & Language
EYFS Printable Resources & Guidance for Additional Areas of Learning
Free EYFS ‘Communication & Language’ Printable Resources
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Core Guidance Surrounding ‘Communication & Language’ Planning & Provision
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“The development of children’s spoken language underpins all seven areas of learning and development. Children’s back-and-forth interactions from an early age form the foundations for language and cognitive development. The number and quality of the conversations they have with adults and peers throughout the day in a language-rich environment is crucial. By commenting on what children are interested in or doing, and echoing back what they say with new vocabulary added, practitioners will build children's language effectively. Reading frequently to children, and engaging them actively in stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems, and then providing them with extensive opportunities to use and embed new words in a range of contexts, will give children the opportunity to thrive. Through conversation, story-telling and role play, where children share their ideas with support and modelling from their teacher, and sensitive questioning that invites them to elaborate, children become comfortable using a rich range of vocabulary and language structures.” Development Matters
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High-quality Communication & Language practice in the EYFS is rooted in warm, responsive relationships, meaningful interaction and language-rich play experiences. Children develop communication skills best when adults are emotionally available, attentive and actively engaged in shared experiences throughout the day.
Effective Communication & Language provision includes:
responsive back-and-forth interaction between adults and children
sustained shared thinking during play and everyday routines
language-rich continuous provision across all areas of learning
regular storytelling, singing, rhyme and conversation
adults modelling and naturally extending vocabulary
opportunities for children to listen, respond, recall, predict and explain
meaningful role-play and imaginative play experiences
emotionally secure environments where children feel confident communicating
inclusive approaches supporting SEND, EAL and differing communication needs
responsive planning based on children’s interests, fascinations and developmental stage
Communication and Language development should not be viewed as a standalone activity. It is embedded throughout continuous provision, routines, outdoor play, social interaction and child-initiated learning across the EYFS environment.
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Children’s Communication & Language development progresses gradually through responsive interaction, play, relationships and repeated opportunities to communicate in meaningful contexts.
Children typically progress from:
shared attention, eye contact and gesture communication
responding to familiar voices, sounds and routines
babbling, vocal play and single-word communication
understanding familiar words, instructions and everyday language
combining words and beginning conversational turn-taking
asking questions and expressing thoughts, feelings and preferences
retelling stories and engaging in imaginative play narratives
listening attentively within groups and following more complex instructions
explaining ideas, predicting outcomes and using increasingly ambitious vocabulary
sustaining conversations and adapting language for different situations
Children develop at different rates and Communication & Language development is closely connected to emotional security, relationships, play experiences and opportunities for interaction.
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Small enhancements within continuous provision can create meaningful opportunities for Communication & Language development throughout the day.
Examples may include:
story spoons, puppets and story sacks in book areas
telephones, notepads and message cards within role-play areas
labelled baskets and vocabulary prompts linked to current interests
conversation prompt cards in small world and construction areas
mirrors for exploring facial expression, sound and mouth movement
rhyme baskets and song props for repeated language experiences
small world storytelling invitations linked to familiar stories
picture communication cards and visual supports
themed vocabulary collections linked to seasonal or topic-based learning
oral storytelling props in outdoor provision
cosy communication spaces encouraging shared books and conversation
curiosity trays encouraging questioning, prediction and discussion
Continuous provision should remain flexible, open-ended and responsive to children’s interests, communication styles and developmental needs.
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Inclusive Communication & Language provision supports every child to communicate confidently within a safe, responsive and language-rich environment.
High-quality inclusive practice may include:
visual supports, gestures and picture communication systems
simplified language alongside rich vocabulary modelling
repetition, routine and predictable language structures
additional processing time during conversations and group interactions
communication-friendly spaces with reduced noise and overwhelm
modelling language through play, narration and shared experiences
celebrating home languages and multilingualism
close partnership with families to understand children’s communication strengths
sensory and emotional regulation support where needed
responsive adult interaction based on children’s cues, interests and developmental stage
Children learning English as an Additional Language benefit from strong foundations in their home language. Multilingualism should be recognised as a strength and valued within the learning environment.
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Communication & Language development underpins all seven areas of learning within the EYFS.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Children use language to express feelings, build relationships, negotiate during play and develop self-confidence.
Literacy
Strong Communication & Language skills support storytelling, comprehension, vocabulary development, phonological awareness and early writing.
Physical Development
Physical development contributes to communication through facial expression, gesture, movement, posture and the physical skills needed for speech.
Understanding the World
Children use language to ask questions, discuss observations, share ideas and make sense of experiences.
Expressive Arts & Design
Role-play, storytelling, music, dance and imaginative play all provide rich opportunities for communication and vocabulary development.
Mathematics
Children use language to describe patterns, explain thinking, compare quantities and solve problems collaboratively.
Communication & Language should therefore be woven throughout continuous provision, routines, adult interaction and child-initiated play across the entire EYFS curriculum.
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The guidance and resources on this page are informed by:
the EYFS Statutory Framework
Development Matters
play-based and child-centred EYFS pedagogy
sustained shared thinking approaches
language-rich continuous provision practice
current understanding of early speech, language and communication development
inclusive and relational approaches to early years education
developmentally appropriate practice from birth to five
All resources should be adapted to meet the needs of individual children, cohorts and settings.
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The resources, guidance and printable materials on this page may be useful for:
Nursery practitioners
Preschool practitioners
Reception teachers
Childminders
EYFS leaders and managers
SENDCos
Early Years students and trainees
Intervention staff
Parents and carers supporting learning at home
Featured EYFS Communication & Language planning resources
Examples of how to support ‘Communication & Language’ learning and development
Extracted from Development Matters; non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage. Includes colour and black and white versions.
Files contain public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Babies | Birth - 18 Months
Core Baby Room ‘Communication & Language’ Planning Support
Additional Baby Room Overarching Areas of Learning Support
The following documents include elements of ‘Communication & Language’ which may be helpful tools within your setting’s OAP Cycle.
Toddlers | 18 - 36 Months
Core Toddler Room ‘Communication & Language’ Planning Support
Additional Toddler Room Overarching Areas of Learning Support
The following documents include elements of ‘Communication & Language’ which may be helpful tools within your setting’s OAP Cycle.
Preschool | 3 - 4 Years
Core Preschool ‘Communication & Language’ Planning Support
Additional Preschool Overarching Areas of Learning Support
The following documents include elements of ‘Communication & Language’ which may be helpful tools within your setting’s OAP Cycle.
Reception | 4 - 5 Years
Core Reception ‘Communication & Language’ Planning Support
Additional Reception Overarching Areas of Learning Support
The following documents include elements of ‘Communication & Language’ which may be helpful tools within your setting’s OAP Cycle.
Additional EYFS Birth-5 Overarching Areas of Learning Support
The following documents include elements of ‘Communication & Language’ which may be helpful tools within your setting’s OAP Cycle.
For overarching ‘Area of Learning’ Support such as Curriculum Intent Grids, Development Indicators and Assessment Tools, please visit our ‘Observations & Assessment’ page.
‘Communication & Language’ within Continuous Provision | Age-Specific Ideas & Guidance
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Language development in baby rooms is built through warm, responsive interactions, shared attention and emotionally secure relationships. Communication and Language opportunities should be woven throughout everyday care routines, sensory exploration and play.
Responsive face-to-face interactions during feeding, nappy changing and care routines
Treasure baskets and heuristic play with simple vocabulary modelling
Singing familiar nursery rhymes with repetition, rhythm and actions
Narrating children’s actions, interests and emotions during play
Mirroring sounds, gestures, babble and early attempts at communication
Cosy book areas with sturdy books, photographs and familiar images
Sensory play experiences encouraging shared attention and joint engagement
Quiet communication spaces that reduce overwhelm and support connection
Related Guidance:
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Toddler Communication and Language provision should support emerging vocabulary, listening, understanding and early conversational skills through meaningful play, repetition and adult interaction.
Role-play areas using real objects and familiar everyday language
Small world play invitations supporting storytelling and simple narratives
Picture prompts, visual supports and communication cards
Action songs and musical activities developing listening and attention
Adult modelling of simple conversational turn-taking and extending phrases
Snack and mealtime conversations encouraging choices and social interaction
Open-ended sensory play with descriptive vocabulary
Repetitive story baskets and rhyme props to encourage participation
Outdoor communication opportunities through movement, transport and exploration play
Related Guidance:
Communication & Language Activity Invitations Pack | Toddlers (18–36 Months)
Continuous Provision Setup Guides | Toddler Room
Small World
Messy / Wet Play
Dry Sensory & Loose Parts
Construction
Role Play / Home Corner
Mark Making
Book Area / Reading Nook
Music & Sound
Outdoor
Continuous Provision Maps (18–36 Months)
C&L
PSED
PD
Maths Seeds
Literacy Seeds
UW
EAD
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Preschool Communication and Language provision should encourage children to listen, respond, explain ideas, ask questions and develop increasingly confident conversation and storytelling skills through play-based learning.
Storytelling areas with puppets, props and retelling resources
Vocabulary-rich role-play linked to children’s interests and themes
Collaborative construction and small world play encouraging discussion
Investigation areas supporting prediction, questioning and reasoning
Circle-time games promoting listening, turn-taking and speaking confidence
Mark-making opportunities alongside role-play and imaginative play
Open-ended discussion prompts linked to books, objects and photographs
Adult modelling of sustained shared thinking and ambitious vocabulary
Opportunities for children to talk about experiences, feelings and ideas
Related Guidance:
Universal Continuous Provision Packs (Preschool | 3–4 Years)
Construction Area
Small World Area
Role-Play Area
Writing / Mark-Making Area
Maths Area
Creative Area (Art & Making)
Investigation / STEM / Discovery Area
Book Corner / Reading Den
Fine Motor Station
Water Area
Sand Area
Snack Area / Independence Station
Outdoor Provision Core Zones
Physical play
Gross motor skills
Nature area
Outdoor mark-making
Outdoor maths
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Reception Communication and Language provision should support children to use a widening vocabulary, explain ideas clearly, engage in sustained conversations and apply spoken language confidently across all areas of learning.
Language-rich role-play linked to curriculum themes and children’s interests
Curiosity stations encouraging prediction, explanation and reasoning
Oral storytelling and story retelling opportunities across provision
Vocabulary displays linked to continuous provision areas
Opportunities for collaborative play, discussion and problem-solving
Adult-guided sustained shared thinking within child-initiated play
Small world, STEM and creative areas promoting questioning and explanation
Oral rehearsal opportunities before writing activities
Partner talk and discussion prompts embedded throughout the environment
Related Guidance:
Universal Continuous Provision Pack (Areas listed below)
Construction
Creative
Investigation / Discovery
Maths
Reading
Role Play / Small World
Malleable / Sensory
Writing
Outdoor Continuous Provision (Reception)
‘Communication & Language’ Printable Resources
Search our ‘Communication & Language’ printable provision below.
Key Words & Phrases:
Listening - Sounds & Musical Instruments
Understanding & Speech - Simple & Complex Sentences
Understanding & Speech - Questions
Understanding & Speech - Follow stories without pictures
Understanding & Speech - Tenses
Understanding & Speech - Intonation, Rhythm & Phrasing
Understanding & Speech - Sharing Feelings, Thoughts & Experiences
(Any text without a link indicates that we are working on this area.)
English as an additional language
Speaking more than one language has lots of advantages for children. It is the norm in many countries around the world. Children will learn English from a strong foundation in their home language. It is important for you to encourage families to use their home language for linguistic as well as cultural reasons. Children learning English will typically go through a quiet phase when they do not say very much and may then use words in both languages in the same sentence. Talk to parents about what language they speak at home, try and learn a few key words and celebrate multilingualism in your setting. Development Matters
EYFS Framework / Planning / Assessment / Outdoor Area / Growth Mindset / Picture Communication / Signs and Labels / Self Registration / Posters and Displays
Topic:
Frequently Asked Questions About EYFS Communication & Language
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Communication & Language is one of the prime areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage. It includes listening, attention, understanding and speaking, and underpins all other areas of learning and development.
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Children’s spoken language development supports social interaction, emotional wellbeing, literacy, thinking, learning and self-expression. High-quality Communication & Language support helps children build confidence, vocabulary and understanding.
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Practitioners can support Communication & Language through responsive interaction, storytelling, role-play, sustained shared thinking, vocabulary modelling and language-rich play opportunities embedded throughout continuous provision.
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Examples include storytelling, role-play, oral rehearsal before writing, vocabulary games, collaborative play, questioning opportunities, small world storytelling and adult-guided discussion within continuous provision.
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Role-play encourages children to use vocabulary, retell experiences, negotiate with peers, develop narrative skills and practise conversational language within meaningful play contexts.
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Sustained shared thinking occurs when adults and children work together in conversation, play or problem-solving to develop ideas, extend thinking and deepen understanding.
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Adults can extend language by commenting on children’s play, introducing new vocabulary, asking open-ended questions, modelling sentences and encouraging children to explain ideas and experiences.
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Support may include responsive adult interaction, visual supports, simplified language, repetition, small-group interaction, communication-friendly environments and close partnership with families and outside professionals where appropriate.
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Continuous provision creates ongoing opportunities for conversation, storytelling, questioning, imaginative play, collaboration and vocabulary development throughout the learning environment.
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Children learning EAL benefit from rich interaction, visual support, repetition and opportunities to develop both home language and English within a welcoming, language-rich environment that celebrates multilingualism.
Additional ‘Communication & Language’ Tools & Guidance
When considering the support you provide for the learning and development of ‘Communication and Language’ within your setting, you may find resources on the following pages useful.
EYFS Printable Resources & Guidance for Additional Areas of Learning
Prime Areas of Learning
These areas are particularly important for building foundations in communication, wellbeing and physical development.
Specific Areas of Learning
These areas build on and strengthen the prime areas as children grow and develop.
Additional Curriculum Collections on Little Owls Resources
These collections support learning across multiple EYFS areas and are commonly used alongside the statutory framework.
More ways to search on ‘Little Owls Resources’…
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.