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Communication & Language for 3+

For children aged 3–5, Communication & Language is a crucial prime area of learning that supports every aspect of development. At this stage, children rapidly expand their vocabulary, learn to express thoughts clearly, and listen to others’ ideas.

Through storytelling, conversations, and role play, they develop the confidence to communicate their needs, share opinions, and build friendships. Strong language skills also prepare them for reading, writing, and understanding new concepts - forming the foundation for successful learning, emotional wellbeing, and positive social interactions as they move toward school readiness.

Children of Little Darlinhsd Nursery with Alison

Musician Alison Wheeler (best known as the female vocalist for The Beautiful South) visited our nursery to sing some nursery songs. Our children were so thrilled to have such a famous person visit give them so much love and attention.

This musical activity encouraged children to:

  • Listen attentively to sounds, rhythms, and voices
  • Develop vocabulary through songs, rhymes, and repetitive language
  • Express themselves through gestures, movement, and sound-making
  • Respond to others by taking turns, watching facial expressions, and joining in group interaction

Children painting

Our messy play sessions spark creativity, communication, and confidence. As children explore paint with their hands, they experiment with colour and texture, developing fine motor skills and curiosity about how things change and mix. Working side by side, they share ideas, take turns, and use new words to describe what they see and feel.

Other supporting key areas of learning include Expressive Arts and Design, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Physical Development.

Imaginative or role play allows children to make sense of the world around them. In our outdoor role-play “Doctor’s Surgery,” children take on caring roles, exploring real-life experiences through storytelling and teamwork.

This activity also supports Personal, Social & Emotional Development as they discuss symptoms and treatments, through empathy and cooperation, and Understanding the World by learning about how people help us in the community.

Through play, our young learners build confidence, imagination, and respect for others.

In this small group activity, children are being engaged in focused conversation holding up a picture card. 

This moment demonstrates several key aspects of Communication & Language development. In particular:

  • Listening & Attention - children are maintaining eye contact, listening carefully to the adult, and waiting for their turn to respond
  • Understanding - children are beginning to connect spoken language with visual cues (the picture card), helping them build comprehension and recall
  • Speaking - adult encourages verbal responses, giving children opportunities to describe what they see, name objects, and share ideas
  • Interaction - through conversation and questioning, children learn to express thoughts, use new vocabulary, and engage in meaningful dialogue

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein

Parents can support their child’s communication & language development by engaging in meaningful conversations throughout the day. Encourage your child to talk about their experiences, ask open-ended questions, and give them time to respond. Reading stories together, retelling favourite tales, and introducing new words through play and everyday routines all help expand vocabulary and understanding.

Modelling good listening, using clear sentences, and valuing your child’s ideas builds confidence, expressive language, and the strong communication skills needed for learning and social interaction.

If you need more tips or advice, please contact us. Even if your child doesn't attend the nursery, we will gladly help.

Children learn best when they are deeply absorbed in what they are doing. At Little Darlings Nursery, we create calm, engaging environments that help children focus - whether they’re building a tower, painting, or listening to a story. Practitioners observe and support children’s concentration, extending their interest with questions, praise, and new challenges. Sustained engagement helps develop attention, memory, and perseverance - all key skills for lifelong learning.
Every time a child keeps trying, even when something feels tricky, they build resilience and self-belief. We encourage children to experiment, make mistakes, and try again - whether they’re putting on their coat or completing a jigsaw. Our team celebrates effort and determination, helping children see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset lays the foundation for confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Success feels wonderful - especially when it’s earned through effort! When children complete a task or master a new skill, we take time to celebrate their achievement. Smiles, praise, and shared pride help children recognise their progress and set new goals. This sense of satisfaction motivates them to explore further, reinforcing the joy and purpose of active learning.

This page was last updated on Friday, October 17, 2025.

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