The language rich and dialogic characteristic is about ensuring that learning occurs in environments where rich language is modelled and employed by both children and educators. Meaningful dialogues between children, as well as between children and educators, are created to support thinking, learning, engagement and imagination.
'Language rich and dialogic' unpacked
Teachers may:
- model and teach the kind of language that they want children to use
- plan for and take the time to engage in meaningful conversations with children
- work alongside children within a range of pedagogical approaches to support the development of dialogue
- ask questions that will cognitively challenge children and encourage them to extend their views and ideas, and open opportunities for dialogue
- access practical teaching and learning resources aligned to age-appropriate pedagogies via the Curriculum gateway (search 'K2 sandpit') or the EFI catalogue (search ‘K2 capability suite’).
Children may:
- understand the skills that are required to engage in rich classroom talk
- engage in meaningful conversations with their peers and teacher
- work alongside their teacher to listen actively and speak thoughtfully
- express their thinking, learning, views and ideas.
'Dialogue is important to enable children to externalise, share and develop their thinking... the ways in which adults talk to children can influence learning, memory, understanding and the motivation to learn.'
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