On entering Reception, children are exposed to the world of
'formal' language. In the third part of our series on communication, Dr
Anna Theakston explains what it is and how to support it.

So much changes for children when they take their first step through the door of Reception at four years of age - their routines, their learning environment, even their clothes ... and the style of language that they are exposed to.

While home, and often nursery, uses mainly informal or 'conversational' language, in Reception children will hear much more formal speech - the kind of language that they will need for academic success. Reception class teachers need to be aware of the differences between these two styles, and the extent to which some newcomers to their class may struggle with the shift in language.

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