Understanding words and sentences: How children develop their understanding of spoken language

Our “going-further” module Understanding words and sentences: How children develop their understanding of spoken language explores which skills are involved in understanding words and sentences, and how these skills develop. It also gives information about ways we can support all children to develop and use these skills in the classroom. 

Intended audience

Practitioners who work with primary school aged children. This could include teachers, teaching assistants, SENCos, speech and language therapy assistants, and other staff working in health or education.

Course structure

This module is part of our ‘going further’ series of modules: Speech and language challenges in the classroom. All of the modules in this series can be completed as stand-alone modules based on your own CPD needs.

This module explores which skills are involved in understanding words and sentences, and how these skills develop. It also gives information about ways we can support all children to develop and use these skills in the classroom. We recommend that after this module, you complete the module Understanding words and sentences: Practical ideas for children with speech and language challenges. That module will equip you with practical ideas to support children with speech and language challenges.

Time commitments

The module will take approximately one hour to complete. You can complete the module at your own pace and in your own time.

Pre-requisite Knowledge

This module is part of our 'going further' series. It is assumed that professionals have either completed the Introduction to speech, language and communication course on the Speech and Language UK Learning Centre, or have equivalent knowledge and skills gained through other formal or informal learning, and/or relevant experience working with children.