Havennursery Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Hello everyone, just wondered if anybody had ever used a talking area in their Pre-School setting. The idea that I had was that it would be a small area with cushions and pictures of their local area. With only 3 or 4 children allowed in to the area at one time. I hope this will encourage the children to engage in conversation with their peers. It would be a child only area to begin with and maybe if its not working have an adult in there with them. Just wondered what everybody thought and if anyone had something like this in their setting. Any opinions welcome. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 I've made your duplicate post invisible so that people only reply into the one thread! It sounds like a 'Communication Friendly Space' to me! I'm sure it will work really well. I'd be interested to hear how you get on and how the space is used by the children! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suebear Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 sounds lovely, IKEA do a nice netted canopy that's cheap and can make your roof and entrance too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Hi Miike Think I'm going to pinch your idea of adding local photographs to our communication friendly areas, if you don't mind, I can envisage having A4 sized photos on the wall/A4 folder which could be a real talking point. Whilst it would be desirable not to have too many children crowded into a talking area, one question that sprang to mind reading your post was how to restrict numbers, and indeed would that restrict opportunities for talking? Just my thoughts . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louby loo Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Hi Miike Think I'm going to pinch your idea of adding local photographs to our communication friendly areas, if you don't mind, I can envisage having A4 sized photos on the wall/A4 folder which could be a real talking point. Me too!!! What a simple but creative idea, would certainly give good talking points. Great way to get the children involved too....... off on a litte walking trip tomorrow with the camera then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havennursery Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share Posted July 18, 2011 thank you for the replies. i will have a look on the IKEA site and have a look at the canopy tomorrow. with regards to the number of children, i think it will be a case of seeing how many children are using it, i find trial and error always works best. if they really enjoy i'll prob make the area slightly bigger, i just didnt want to make it too big as i think it would end up getting to loud. i would like to keep it as a peaceful and relaxing enviroment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairygarden Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 We have various places around the pre-school which can be used as talking places. Different children appear to like different types of space. We also vary them throughout the year, as often we find the children are attracted to a 'new' space. This year we have had a corner enclosed with voile curtains and furnished with a sheepskin rug and cushions, a book corner made from a dark den frame with a canopy, an open book corner, an open wire playhouse outside which is great for varying with different drapes, woven materials etc, a willow den, tents, ................................ Any space which is defined can encourage children to talk, and adding some interesting photos / objects can be a good provocation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havennursery Posted July 20, 2011 Author Share Posted July 20, 2011 well of course we use all the other areas to encourage talking, but this is a special area where the children can relax and just talk without other children disturbing them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fredbear Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Sounds a lovely idea. Children often like a covered den area, basically a table with a large cover over too, just like communication friendly spaces. Anywhere indoors and outdoors that encourages speech and language has got to be a great thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairygarden Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Sorry Haven Nursery, I wasn't trying to imply you weren't using other areas of the nursery to encourage talking, and actually I did talk about our own 'quiet corner. ' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havennursery Posted July 21, 2011 Author Share Posted July 21, 2011 oh its ok I wasnt being funny, sorry if it sounded it. i found your comment helpful, its much appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickylear Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 (edited) Hi there I've attached a presentation that I gave regarding our Talk Room, it has some pictures (but I took the pictures with the children out) it works so well that I'm making another talk area in the reception classroom. I took some ideas from ABCDOES blog and some form Elizabeth Jarman amoungst others. Nicky X ECaT_Presentation_Final.ppt Edited July 21, 2011 by nickylear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Thanks for sharing your powerpoint Nicky, seeing the before and after photos really illustrate your vision of making a connection between the home and the setting. Can you tell me how to find out about the ECAT audit tool you used? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickylear Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 http://education.staffordshire.gov.uk/Curr...arlyYears/ecat/ Hi Deb The link above should have the info that you would need, I used parts 1 & 2 to audit our setting. Using the ECaT audit tool was worth while, we even said that we would use a smaller version of this audit every year. I've begun to focus on the outdoor area now and have a lot of work to do over the summer to make that ship shape.....I'll post some photos as soon as it done. We also use the room for diologic book talk.....the talk room has been a fantasitc addition to our setting. Nicky XX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Many thanks Nicky for your prompt reply. I look forward to reading it. Congratulations on your success with your talking room. I look forward to seeing your outdoor photos too. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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