Language for Learning

Sue Hayden and Emma Jones

A David Fulton Book: Routledge 2007 

Reviewer: Belle Wallace, Director, TASC International

Desire to communicate

This social communication skill is an innate skill which is fundamental to language and communication development. Communication happens for social purposes, not just to meet personal needs. Children need an idea to communicate and an opportunity to do so.

The text sets out very colourfully and clearly a framework to guide teachers through the stages of development in speech and communication skills. Although the text is targeted at children with speech and communication difficulties, the guidelines provide a generic framework particularly suitable for early years development. The text provides a clear guide for teachers to observe early signs of possible speech and language development problems, and suggests a wide range of strategies, activities and games for alleviating these problems before they become chronic. The observation schedule is rigorous and the authors provide materials for user friendly tables and charts for easy reference and practical classroom use.

The references to the national curriculum are thorough and there are also references to the latest curriculum strategies so that the reader has current, up-to-date information and guidance for learners in early years and up to year 6.  References to suitable commercial materials are also included. 

The authors offer further developmental work for individual schools. This is a practical and useful guide for all teachers and also for parents.

GEI Vol 24 No 1