Sarah Watkins – Promoting young children’s language outdoors

Language development is a complex process underpinned by interaction and play. We know that this is an area of focus for many settings as 1.9 million children in the UK currently struggle with talking and understanding words. Research shows that the outdoor environment can be an ideal training ground for language development in the early years.

In this webinar, Sarah will discuss:

• Language development and ways to measure language acquisition
• Practical ways to enhance vocabulary and communication outdoors
• Strategies for providing rich language areas as well as vital withdrawal spaces
• Interaction and connection are key, and tried and tested approaches such as ‘unhurried communication’
• The role of risky play and a higher level of autonomy in terms of language development
• The positive role of conflict and ways to provide real reasons for children to talk

About the speaker
Sarah Watkins is currently a Forest School leader and associate lecturer at Worcester University. She is the author of ‘Outdoor Play for Healthy Little Minds’ and is passionate about the positive impact of outdoor play on children’s wellbeing. She previously spent over a decade teaching, working with all age groups before becoming Head of School. You may have come across Sarah on Twitter/X under her handle @mini_lebowski!

How to watch this webinar

• Existing Kinderly member? – please log into Kinderly Learn to book your place.
• If you are NOT a Kinderly member, book your place on this webinar now for only £5 including VAT!