What do we mean? From words – to phrases – to sentences: how do children gradually learn to combine the thousands of words in their vocabulary in a meaningful way – to support effective listening and speaking? Vocabulary is only the start. The words and concepts that I blogged about last week can have millions…

My last fiction blog (8.10) asked the question – when it comes to telling children’s stories, how can books, as mere words on paper, compete with the excitement of today’s tablets and other alternative means of presentation? Children have become used to being highly stimulated. As an aspiring children’s fiction author – what do I…

From words to concepts – what is the difference and how does this apply to the development of language throughout learning? My last blog focused on the importance of vocabulary – and how important it is for young children to start off with an extensive bank of words from nursery level. But however rich a…

Following my theme of mastery as the highest level of school learning and how children can achieve it – this blog focuses on language. What is language? I’ve started with an extract (below) from my second book in the series: Parents Help Your Child Succeed: ‘Supporting Children at the Early Years Foundation Stage: a guide…

As an aspiring children’s fiction writer I find myself thinking: Is the task of getting children to read books today far more difficult than it was in my young days? I know the answer – but why, and how can we encourage our children to read and enjoy proper books, as well as screens? Back…