Language and vocabulary strategies in the EYFS

Find strategies to help you enhance your focus on communication and language in the EYFS. Use our checklist to help you audit your current provision.

Last reviewed on 26 February 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 42709
Contents
  1. Focus on the early learning goals for communication and language
  2. Spoken language is just as important as reading and writing
  3. Evaluate your teaching with our checklist 
  4. Take a close look at your strategic approach
  5. Consider these classroom strategies
  6. Explore other sources of support

Focus on the early learning goals for communication and language

Early learning goals (ELGs) define the level of development teachers should expect children to have reached by the end of the EYFS.

The ELGs for communication and language are:

Listening, attention and understanding

Children at the expected level of development will:

  • Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to, and during whole-class discussions and small group interactions
  • Make comments about what they've heard, and ask questions to clarify their understanding
  • Hold conversation when engaged in back-and-forth exchanges with their teacher and peers

Speaking

Participate in small group, class and 1-to-1 discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary Offer explanations for why things might happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems when appropriate Express their ideas and feelings about their