Nursery World - Clap hands

Let children discover that their bodies are the only instruments they need to explore the joys of sound, with ideas by Denise Bailey Developing children's confidence and ability to communicate is central to early years education. The Curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage states clearly that 'the development and use of communication is at the heart of young children's learning'. Yet there is increasing evidence that ever more children are experiencing speech and language difficulties.

Developing children's confidence and ability to communicate is central to early years education. The Curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage states clearly that 'the development and use of communication is at the heart of young children's learning'. Yet there is increasing evidence that ever more children are experiencing speech and language difficulties.

Simple games and activities involving sounds children can make with their own bodies offer ideal opportunities for developing children's listening and language skills (of course, they should not be equated with speech therapy!) and their control of pitch, rhythm, tone and volume. The benefits are not limited to language. Children's co-ordination, concentration and bodily awareness are also likely to improve, not to mention their ability to work together co-operatively.

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