Speech, Language and Communication Journey: Stages
4-5 Years
I love to talk and tell you about my day
Did you know...?
I can listen and follow instructions whilst I am doing other activities
I can follow more complicated instructions e.g. ‘go upstairs, get your PJs on, clean your teeth and get into bed’
I can follow short stories and answer questions about them with no pictures to help me
I love making new friends and will choose who I enjoy playing with
I love games where I can pretend that I am somebody else e.g. Elsa or Spiderman
I can use words that describe where something is e.g. ‘between’ or time e.g. ‘first’
I can use long sentences but may still make some small mistakes e.g. ‘I runned into the park and kicked the ball to Sam and it went in the pond’
I can say most sounds correctly but may still find it tricky to put ‘w, r, l, y’ into words
Things to do with me
Ask me to tell you what will happen next or why something has happened
Tell me stories and read to me. Let me tell you stories as well
Give me time to think about my answers when you say something to me
Encourage me to play games where I have to make things up and use my imagination
Play lots of different games with me and talk to me about what we are doing e.g. snap, dominoes
Additional Support
If your child is not yet doing these things, discuss with your Health Visitor, GP or Early Years Professional in a nursery setting who can provide advice and support.
Look at the BBC Tiny Happy People website and social media for more ideas of things to do with your child.
Look at the timetables for your local Family Hub for more advice and activities local to you
Referrals
Referrals can be made to the Early Years and Portage teams and to the Speech and Language Therapy team. Speak to your Health Visitor or your child’s nursery key worker for advice.
Useful Links
Tiny Happy People
Language development activities for young children ages 4-5
