Encourage communication outdoors by making sure that your space is appropriately resourced. Julie Mountain explains
Crates inspire technical language at the Slade Early Years Centre in Oxford
Crates inspire technical language at the Slade Early Years Centre in Oxford

The lure of outdoor play – whether at your setting, out and about in the neighbourhood or on a trip further afield – is perfect for encouraging a rich flow of conversation with, and between, children.

Whatever the weather, children love to be outdoors, where fast, vigorous, challenging movements are a high priority. As practitioners, we can really exploit their delight in the potential of their own bodies – as a wonderful source of expressive development as well as being related to maths and technical language.

Communication obviously takes many forms, not just speech. Outdoors is also a place for signs and signals, mark-making opportunities, music and sounds.

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