Early communication and language skills are important because they help children:
1. *Learn better* – Talking and listening build brain power for school.
2. *Express themselves* – Kids can share their needs, feelings, and ideas.
3. *Make friends* – Language helps them connect and play with others.
4. *Succeed later* – Strong early language skills lead to better reading and learning in the future.
The more parents talk, read, and interact with their child, the stronger these skills grow
(Isbell, R., & Sabol, J). (2019)
The image shows children happily playing together, sharing toys, and talking to each other. They are building, role-playing, and exploring their environment. This kind of play helps develop social skills, communication, creativity, and problem-solving. Through interaction, children learn how to take turns, express feelings, and build friendships in a fun and supportive way.
(Whitebread, D., Basilio, M., Kuvalja, M., & Verma, M). (2017).
The image shows a caring teacher sitting with a small group of young children, helping them become familiar with the alphabet. The teacher is using colourful letter cards, singing alphabet songs, and encouraging children to trace letters with their fingers. The children are actively engaged—pointing, repeating letter sounds, and asking questions. This interactive approach supports early literacy by making learning fun, hands-on, and meaningful. It helps children recognise letters, connect sounds to symbols, and builds a strong foundation for reading and writing.
(Toub, T. S., Hassinger-Das, B., Nesbitt, K. T., Ilgaz, H., Weisberg, D. S., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M). (2018).
Speaking & Listening Development:
Speaking is how children learn to express their thoughts and feelings.
Listening is how they understand words, stories, and instructions.
Development Stages (0-5 years):
From birth to 1 year, babies smile, babble, sit, and crawl. Between 1–2 years, they begin to walk, talk, and explore their surroundings. At 2–3 years, children run, speak in simple sentences, and enjoy playing. From 3–4 years, they talk more clearly, draw shapes, and play with friends. By 4–5 years, children tell stories, count, recognize some letters, and show readiness for school. Each stage supports learning, social skills, and independence through play and interaction.
(ACECQA),(2023).
Learning outcomes:
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Children have a strong sense of identity– They feel safe, secure, and supported and develop confidence in who they are.
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Children are connected with and contribute to their world
– They learn to respect others, care for the environment, and understand their place in the community. -
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
– They develop physical health, emotional resilience, and self-regulation. -
Children are confident and involved learners
– They explore, experiment, and problem-solve through play and active engagement. -
Children are effective communicators
– They express themselves through language, gestures, creative arts, and early literacy and numeracy.
(Australian Government Department of Education),(2022).
Adult–Child Interactions:
Everyday back-and-forth interactions—like talking, playing, and listening—help children learn and grow.
When adults respond to children’s words and actions, it builds language, confidence, and strong relationships.
(National Scientific Council on the Developing Child).(2018).
Asking questions:
Asking questions during adult–child interactions is a powerful way to support a child’s development. It shows that the adult is genuinely interested in the child’s thoughts and encourages respectful, two-way communication. This type of interaction helps children feel valued and confident to express themselves. Through these moments, children learn new words, expand their thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and build curiosity. It also strengthens their ability to communicate, ask questions, and understand how conversations work.
Praise and encouragement:
Offering praise and encouragement in adult–child interactions shows children that their efforts and achievements are noticed and valued. It builds a positive, trusting relationship and supports a strong sense of self-worth. This type of interaction helps children feel safe, confident, and motivated to keep trying. They learn that mistakes are part of learning, and that their actions matter. Encouragement also supports emotional resilience, independence, and a love for learning through positive reinforcement.
(Melhuish, E., Gardiner,J., & Morris, S. (2017).
Culturally Responsive Communication:
Culturally responsive communication means respecting and valuing each child’s cultural background, language, and family practices during interactions. It involves listening with empathy, using inclusive language, and being open to different ways of expressing ideas and feelings. Educators might use home languages, visual supports, or gestures to help all children feel understood. This approach builds trust, strengthens relationships with families, and helps children feel safe, respected, and connected in the learning environment.
"Being culturally responsive means valuing children's cultural identities and supporting their connections to family, community, culture and language,"
(Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority). (2022).
Using both home and English languages in early childhood settings shows respect for each child’s culture, language, and identity. It helps children feel included, valued, and confident. When educators encourage both languages, children learn to communicate more effectively, think flexibly, and build strong connections with their family and peers. It also supports brain development, boosts self-esteem, and lays a strong foundation for learning and social interaction in diverse environments.
This image signifies the importance of showing respect for each child’s culture and identity in early learning settings. The warm interaction between the adult and child, along with the child’s traditional clothing, reflects acceptance and inclusion. When educators embrace cultural diversity, children feel valued, seen, and respected. This builds trust, encourages open communication, and supports a strong sense of belonging, helping children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically in a welcoming environment.
(ACECQA, 2022)
Culturally Responsive Communication
Home learning environment:
A positive home learning environment plays a vital role in a child’s early development. It includes everyday activities like talking, reading, playing, and exploring together. When families create safe, supportive spaces and engage children in routines such as cooking, storytelling, or gardening, it encourages curiosity and builds strong communication, thinking, and social skills. A rich home learning environment supports early learning, boosts confidence, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
(Department of Education). (2022).
Reading bilingual books:
Reading bilingual books at home is a wonderful way to support children’s language development and cultural identity. It helps children learn new words in both their home language and English, strengthening their understanding and communication skills. Sharing stories in two languages also builds strong family bonds and shows children that their culture and language are valued. This joyful, interactive experience supports early literacy, curiosity, and a love for learning in a fun and meaningful way.
(Isbell, R., & Sabol, J). (2019)
A Talk Time Calendar is a valuable tool that encourages families to set aside a few minutes each day to talk, listen, and connect with their child. These simple daily conversations help build strong bonds, support early language and thinking skills, and make learning part of everyday life. By using a Talk Time Calendar, families create positive routines that encourage children to express themselves, ask questions, and grow in confidence and communication.
Rabbit and Tortoise story
This image signifies the importance of creating a welcoming and cozy reading space for children. A book corner with comfy cushions encourages children to relax, explore stories, and develop a love for reading. It shows that books are valued and accessible, supporting early literacy and imagination. When children read together in a calm and joyful space, they also build social skills, confidence, and positive attitudes toward learning.
(Edwards, S., & Bird, J). (2017)
This image signifies the value of everyday conversations between parents and children, especially in familiar settings like the kitchen. It highlights how simple moments—like chatting while preparing food—can support strong bonds, language development, and emotional connection. These casual, caring interactions help children feel heard, build vocabulary, learn about routines, and gain confidence in expressing themselves. It shows that learning and connection happen naturally through warm, everyday talk.
(National Scientific Council on the Developing Child).(2018).
Multimedia Resources
Multimedia resources are important because they engage children through visuals, sounds, and interactive elements, making learning more fun and meaningful. They support different learning styles and help children understand complex ideas in simple ways. Through multimedia, children develop language, digital, and thinking skills. They also learn to focus, follow instructions, and explore new concepts at their own pace. These tools encourage curiosity, creativity, and active participation, which strengthens understanding and memory.
(Korat, O., & Shamir, A). (2017)
Tips for families are important because they help parents and caregivers support their child’s learning, development, and wellbeing at home. Simple, everyday actions—like talking, reading, and playing—build strong brain connections, support emotional growth, and encourage curiosity. These tips empower families to create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel loved, confident, and ready to learn. They also strengthen the partnership between families and educators for better outcomes.
(Australian Government Department of Education). (2021).
