Oracy & Communication in EYFS — Knowledge Organiser

Communication and language in EYFS

1. 1 Listening, Attention & Understanding ELG Listen attentively and respond with relevant questions, comments, and actions. Make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify understanding. Hold conversation in back-and-forth exchanges.
2. 2 Speaking ELG Participate in small group, class, and one-to-one discussions. Offer explanations using recently introduced vocabulary. Express ideas and feelings in full sentences using past, present, and future tenses with modelling and support.
3. 3 Why oracy matters in EYFS Language development before school entry is the strongest predictor of reading and writing at age 11. EYFS children need rich language environments.
4. 4 Sustained shared thinking in talk The most language-rich adult-child interaction involves genuine conversation — extending vocabulary, asking open questions, wondering aloud. Children's talk grows in response.
5. 5 Talk across the day Language development happens throughout the day — transitions, meals, outdoor play, art, construction. Wherever an adult is present, there is language opportunity.
6. 6 Vocabulary explicitly taught Children should encounter 3-5 new vocabulary words per week in rich contexts. Not lists to copy — words encountered in stories and returned to. The 3-read approach: pleasure, language, comprehension.
7. 7 Supporting EAL children Allow home language. Provide visual support. Pair with a buddy. Model language without demanding immediate repetition. The silent period is normal — production follows comprehension.