Learning Through Talk in the Early Years

'This book is written in a straightforward, unfussy style directly addressed to the busy classroom. The activities have obviously been tried successfully in real lessons, and the involvement and enjoyment of the children as a result is quite clear.'

-Geoff Dean

School Improvement Advisor
Milton Keynes Local Education Authority
Packed with ideas and activities, this book is a lively, practical guide to encouraging young children to develop their verbal reasoning skills and communicate more effectively.


Activities include:

- setting up a talk corner

- using story bags and story boxes

- using Circle Time and playing games to encourage talk


There is advice on linking the activities to the various curriculum subjects and a selection of photocopiable material is included. All the suggestions and ideas in the book have been tried and tested by the author in her own classroom. The focus is on children aged 5 to 8, but the activities can be adapted to suit younger and older children.


Class teachers, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCOs), Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT) and Teaching Assistants will find this book supportive, clear and rooted in good practice.
Elizabeth Sharp has been a Literacy Co-ordinator and Leading Literacy Teacher (demonstrating lessons for other teachers in her area. She is now a literacy Consultant and freelance illustrator.

How to use this Book
Activities around Songs, Poetry and Rhymes
Home Corners and Talk Areas
Drama, Role-Play and Mime
Story Boxes, Story Bags and Story-Telling
Debating and Questioning
Pictures and Picture Books
Circle Time and Talk Games