Language
Development

Children become competent in communicating, speaking and listening and using language for a variety of purposes. In order to be a good communicator it is important to be a good listener, so listening skills are developed and children are especially encouraged to listen to and respond to others. Children are also encouraged to show understanding through responding to instructions and questions. Children are encouraged to enjoy stories, books and rhymes and begin to recognise that print carries meaning.  By developing the ability to distinguish between sounds,   becoming familiar with rhyme, rhythm and alliteration and by beginning to link sounds to letters. Children gain skills that will enable them to become competent readers and writers. Mark making is valued as children begin to write.