6.2. List factors which may enhance talking and listening activities

This guide will help you answer 6.2. List factors which may enhance talking and listening activities.

Talking and listening are core skills for young children. These skills help them learn language, express feelings and build relationships. In early years and playwork settings, there are many practical ways to support children so that they become confident in speaking and listening.

The quality of talking and listening activities depends on both the environment and the approach taken by the adult. Children respond best when they feel safe and respected, and when activities match their interests and stage of development.

This guide covers examples of factors that can improve these activities in a childcare or playwork setting.

Creating a Positive Environment

Children talk and listen more when they feel relaxed and welcome. The space around them can make a big difference.

• Use calm background noise rather than loud music
• Provide comfortable seating for group discussions or one-to-one conversations
• Arrange furniture and play materials to make small areas for quieter activities
• Keep the space free from unnecessary clutter

A positive environment encourages children to focus on what is being said. They concentrate longer when they are not distracted by unrelated noise or movement.

Adult Role Modelling

Children learn language and listening by watching and copying adults. They notice how adults speak, the tone they use and their body language.

• Speak clearly and at a pace the child can follow
• Use positive facial expressions to show interest
• Maintain eye contact with the child where appropriate
• Listen without interrupting and respond thoughtfully

When the adult shows good listening behaviour, children often copy it. This teaches patience and respect in conversations.

Using Age-Appropriate Language

Children understand better when language matches their developmental stage. Using words they know makes them more confident to join in.

• Keep sentences short and straightforward for younger children
• Use familiar words and explain new terms slowly
• Repeat key words during the activity to help memory
• Avoid confusing idioms or slang unless you explain them

Matching language to the child’s level avoids frustration and encourages more talk.

Encouraging Turn-Taking

Turn-taking is a social skill as well as a language skill. It helps children listen properly and wait for their chance to speak.

• Use games such as passing a ball to signal whose turn it is
• Praise children when they wait patiently
• Teach them to listen for a pause before speaking
• Start with short conversations and build up gradually

Children who learn turn-taking early often find it easier to join group discussions later in school life.

Making Activities Fun and Engaging

When children enjoy an activity, they are more likely to participate. Linking talking and listening to fun tasks increases attention.

• Use puppets and soft toys to act out stories
• Play sound-based games such as “What’s that noise?”
• Include songs, rhymes and chants to develop rhythm and repetition
• Encourage role play such as pretending to be shopkeepers or bus drivers

Enjoyment reduces anxiety and helps even shy children speak up.

Using Props and Visual Aids

Objects give children something to focus on during conversation. Visual prompts support language learning and keep attention.

• Show pictures when telling a story
• Use flashcards with simple words and images
• Provide real items related to the topic, such as fruits for a cooking discussion
• Display posters that match the theme of the activity

Props help children link spoken words to real things. This builds vocabulary and understanding.

Allowing Time for Responses

Children may need extra time to process what they hear before answering. Giving them that time stops the conversation feeling rushed.

• Pause after asking a question
• Count slowly in your head before speaking again
• Avoid finishing sentences for the child unless they ask for help
• Show patience through relaxed body language

Children develop confidence when they know they can think before speaking.

Valuing Children’s Contributions

When children feel their ideas matter, they are willing to talk more. Praise and positive feedback make them feel respected.

• Thank them for sharing thoughts
• Display their work or record their ideas for others to hear
• Ask follow-up questions that show interest
• Avoid criticism or mocking responses

This builds trust between children and adults, which supports better communication.

Adapting Activities for Different Needs

Children have different learning styles and abilities. Some may find talking and listening harder than others.

• Use sign language or gestures alongside speech for children with hearing difficulties
• Break information into smaller chunks for those with processing delays
• Offer one-to-one sessions for children who struggle in groups
• Adjust the pace of questions to match the child’s comfort level

Tailoring activities makes sure all children can join in fully.

Building on Children’s Interests

Children talk more about topics they enjoy. Linking activities to their hobbies or favourite stories increases participation.

• Ask them about their favourite games or shows
• Base role play on familiar situations like going to the shop or visiting the park
• Use characters or themes they recognise in books and stories
• Connect learning to seasonal events they find exciting

Personal interest keeps communication natural and enthusiastic.

Providing Consistent Routines

Children often feel more confident when they know what will happen next. Familiar routines reduce anxiety and help them prepare for talking and listening activities.

• Begin with a welcome song every session
• Have a set time for sharing news or stories
• End with a quick recap of what was discussed
• Keep group sizes similar so children know who they will be with

Routine gives a secure structure to learning and can improve participation.

Encouraging Small Group Interactions

Large groups can be overwhelming for some children. Small group work gives them more chances to talk and listen.

• Limit groups to three or four children for discussion tasks
• Choose mixed abilities to encourage peer learning
• Give each child a role to help focus attention
• Provide feedback after each session to build improvement

Small groups often increase confidence and enable children to practise skills in a safe setting.

Using Open-Ended Questions

Questions that require more than a yes or no answer help extend conversation. They encourage children to explain and think creatively.

• Ask “What do you think will happen next?”
• Invite them to share descriptions, such as “Tell me about your drawing”
• Encourage storytelling, “What happened after the puppy ran away?”
• Avoid leading questions that only need one-word replies

Open-ended questions help children explore language in more depth.

Managing Distractions

Children find it hard to concentrate if there is too much going on. Removing distractions improves listening.

• Keep the group away from noisy activities in the setting
• Reduce visual clutter in the discussion area
• Avoid interruptions by planning ahead
• Help children store away toys not being used for the activity

A calm space aids focus and improves both speaking and listening.

Encouraging Peer Support

Children can learn from each other by sharing experiences. Pair work or buddy systems encourage friendly help.

• Let older children support younger ones in activities
• Pair shy children with confident talkers
• Promote friendship groups that practise conversations
• Use collaborative tasks such as making a story together

Peer influence can have a positive effect on language skills.

Demonstrating Active Listening

Active listening shows the speaker that their words are understood. It involves more than just hearing.

• Nod to show agreement and interest
• Repeat back key points to check understanding
• Avoid looking away or appearing distracted
• Ask relevant questions to keep the conversation going

Children copy this approach and learn how to be better listeners.

Linking to Everyday Experiences

Talking and listening happen throughout the day. Using everyday situations makes practice natural.

• Talk while cooking, naming the ingredients
• Listen to children describe their play
• Discuss feelings after finishing a game
• Ask about events at home or in their community

Everyday language practice supports learning without it feeling forced.

Final Thoughts

Enhancing talking and listening activities is about creating the right conditions, using the right approach and making sure each child feels safe and valued. When activities match their interests, are delivered in a calm and engaging environment, and include opportunities for turn-taking and open-ended conversation, children grow in confidence.

These skills help them communicate clearly, build friendships and understand others. Strong talking and listening abilities support all areas of learning. With consistent support from caring adults, children in early years and playwork settings can develop these vital life skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.