Episode 4: Using open-ended resources to enhance language development with Olivia Kirkby

During this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp and Olivia Kirkby talk all things resources. Olivia shares the importance of open-ended resources in the Early Years and the learning opportunities these physical resources support. 

Providing open-ended, cross-curricular resources can enhance cognitive skills, language, self-regulation and self-discovery. Olivia explains that by using open-ended resources to support play-based learning enables children to learn new words and engage in back-and-forth conversations with one another. 

Olivia adds that when practitioners share their excitement towards the resources and environment, the children are likely to be more engaged (and share the same excitement!). Simply adding one or two new cross-curricular resources can benefit all areas of continuous provision and all areas of development in the EYFS.

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) 

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