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To the Point - Talking and feeling

Emotional development and communication have long been first among equals in the early years curriculum.

So I have not been too surprised to find that every time I discuss the future of children's centres, or the EYFS, there is a suggestion these two areas should be prioritised.

It is easy to agree with that; but agreeing the practical steps to take is trickier. I start by being sceptical of attempts at the direct teaching of specific skills. We know, from many years of research, that children's brains are magnificently fit for the purpose of learning language. Immersed in a sea of words and meanings, nearly all children will become communicators and listeners - the exception being those who need specialist help.

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