Nursery World - Why do children need to chatter?

Children will chatter 'automatically' even as babies (see case study, page 19) and as they become more fluent, talkers will constantly ask 'why?' and be curious about everything around them.

and be curious about everything around them.

This isn't just a coincidence but part of the child's physiological make-up which provides them with ways to find out, test and learn all they can about their immediate environment and the people around them.

If we stand back and listen to children, we will see what capable thinkers and learners they are and what infinite potential they have to communicate their ideas through their conversations and 'chat' as well as their many other 'languages' (see box).

Chatting leads to conversational language, which is an important tool for thinking and a fundamental part of children's learning. Language, particularly talking, is inextricably linked to learning; you cannot have one without the other. So, the belief that 'it's good to talk' is certainly true for young children. Adults need to acknowledge this and give children the time and space to talk with themselves, with others and with adults.

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