The potential for ELLECCT to support language development in the early years: A commentary on Weadman, Serry and Snow (2022)

Abstract

This commentary focuses on the English Early Years Education context and how the Emergent Literacy and Language Early Childhood Checklist for Teachers (ELLECCT Weadman, 2022) could be used in this context to emphasise the centrality of oral language in emergent literacy development. The English Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and initiatives such as the Early Reading guide, the English Hubs and the Education Endowment Fund all contain a focus on early language and literacy. There is the potential for the ELLECCT to bring these two elements together. Consideration is given to opportunities for using this tool in training, including Early Years Teachers, speech and language therapists and parents, to highlight everyone’s role in supporting early language and literacy. Finally, the ELLECCT’s potential for identifying and supporting children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Early Years classrooms, particularly in areas of disadvantage, is highlighted.