To investigate whether your setting provides a participatory, active, language-rich environment

Aim

To investigate whether your setting provides a participatory, active, language-rich environment.

Evidence and reflection

Undertake observations of three target children during a free-flow child-led play session. The following questions should provide the focus for the observation:

1. Are the children discussing things together?
2. Are there activities which require the children to work together in some capacity?
3. Do practitioners in the setting encourage active dialogue, ask open-ended probing or prompting questions?
4. Do the children demonstrate that they have the skills to engage with each other?

These are four ways of investigating participation in learning, but it is important to note that all are under the control of the practitioner.

Extension

Following the observation, consider whether the children’s learning could have been supported further through the greater use of effective questioning. Is there anything that you might plan to work on with the children to support their ability to communicate well with each other?

More in this chapter

• To analyse a language episode in your setting or placement
• To investigate whether your setting or placement setting provides a stimulating, welcoming, language
• To investigate your use of questioning within your setting
• To consider how children are supported to extend and develop their oral language within your setting
• To consider the extent to which you listen attentively to the children in your setting
• To reflect upon how you can use questioning to extend young children’s thinking