Children use gestures, eye contact and facial expression to communicate

They use simple statements and questions and build up their vocabulary

They initiate conversations and use more complex sentences

They speak clearly and confidently, listen to others and take turns in conversation

Language for Thinking

Children use action sometimes with limited talk

They use talk to describe what they are doing

They use talk to pretend

and to organise their ideas.

Linking Sounds and Letters

Children enjoy rhyming and rhythmic activities and can hear different sounds

They can tap out a rhythm and begin to hear sounds in words and recognise some letters

Reading

Children listen to stories and handle books carefully

They have favourite books and can talk about them. They begin to recognise some familiar words

Writing

Children draw and paint sometimes talking about their work

They make letter-like marks and tell adults what they want to write

Handwriting

Children use one-handed tools and equipment to make large and small movements

They learn to manipulate objects with increasing control and begin to form recognisable letters