12/10/2026
🌿 Research Monday - Holiday Edition
Issue 08 – Communication is More Than Words
When we think about communication, we often think about talking. But communication begins long before children say their first words and continues in many different ways throughout life.
From birth, children communicate through eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, body language, sounds and play. As they grow, they begin to use words alongside signs, symbols, pictures and other forms of expression. Every smile, point, glance and gesture is a child telling us something important.
Research tells us that children develop communication most effectively when adults recognise and respond to all of these attempts to communicate. Feeling listened to and understood helps children develop confidence, build secure relationships and lay the foundations for language, literacy and lifelong learning.
This is why many early years settings are embracing a Total Communication approach. Rather than relying on spoken language alone, Total Communication uses a range of communication methods—including gestures, Makaton, visual supports, symbols, photographs and spoken language—to help every child understand and be understood.
Importantly, these approaches don't only support children with additional needs. Research shows they benefit all children by making routines clearer, reducing anxiety, encouraging independence and helping children participate more confidently in everyday experiences.
💙 What does this mean at Springholm Nursery?
At Springholm Nursery, we believe every child deserves to have their voice heard, whatever form that voice takes. Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing how our Total Communication journey is helping children communicate with confidence, make choices, understand their environment and develop the skills they need to thrive.
✨ Next week we'll explore what Total Communication actually looks like in practice and why using many different ways to communicate helps every child succeed.
