In this episode, Deborah and Jacqueline explore how babies begin learning to communicate in their earliest months. They discuss language development theories, early interactions, and the Reggio Emilia concept of the “Hundred Languages of Children,” offering practical ways to support infants as emerging communicators.

Subscribe, share, and step into a podcast made for reflective early years practice.

Episode Five References:

Chomsky, N. (1959). Review of Verbal Behavior by B. F. Skinner. Language, 35. 26-58

Chomsky, N. (1968). Language and Mind. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World

Kidd, E. and Garcia, R., (2022). How diverse is child language acquisition research? First Language, 42(6), pp.703-735.

Malaguzzi, L. (1994) ‘Your image of the child: where teaching begins’, Child Care Information Exchange, pp. 52–57.

Skinner, B.F. (1957). Verbal Behaviour. Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Music composed by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer

In this episode of Early Years Together, Dr Jacqueline Young and Deborah Brown take a deep dive into the power of open‑ended questions in early years interactions. Building on previous conversations about high‑quality adult–child communication, they explore what open‑ended questions are, why they matter, and how parents and practitioners can use them to nurture rich, imaginative, and sustained talk.

This episode blends research insights, real‑world practice, and practical examples — perfect for anyone supporting children’s communication and language development.

Subscribe, share, and step into a podcast made for reflective early years practice.

Episode Four References:

Worley, P., (2015). Open thinking, closed questioning: Two kinds of open and closed question. Journal of Philosophy in Schools.

Link to Philosophy for Children website: https://p4c.com/

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Music composed by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer

In this episode, Jacqueline and Deborah explore how early years environments can stimulate and support children’s communication. From the role of core strength and physical development to outdoor learning, cosy spaces, routines, and communication‑friendly setups, this episode offers practical insights for creating environments where language thrives.

Subscribe, share, and step into a podcast made for reflective early years practice.

Episode Three Reference:

Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Brymer, E., Passy, R., Ho, S., Sahlberg, P., Ward, K., Bentsen, P., Curry, C. and Cowper, R., 2022. Getting out of the classroom and into nature: a systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children's learning and development. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, p.877058.

Link to ICAN resources: https://www.icancharity.org.uk/

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Music composed by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer