Language and communication are fundamental to how we gather information about our world and express our understanding. This blog post focuses on the significance of language in learning, particularly in the context of mathematics. The Journey into Language My interest in the role of language in learning began with a focus on oral language development. Over time, I’ve come to realise that language encompasses much more than just spoken words; it is a crucial component of all learning processes. During the 23 years at my School, I've observed that every child requiring Tier 2 or Tier 3 support has struggled with either expressive language, receptive language, or both. Despite its importance, language doesn't receive the attention it deserves. For instance, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is still not widely recognised in New Zealand, yet at least one child in every classroom may have DLD. The Importance of Receptive Language and Vocabulary in Maths Everything in education t...
I am passionate about play and structured explicit learning, finding the best of both worlds.