Nature Talks : Developing Language and Communication in the Outdoors

This inspiring book explores how we can use natural environments flexibly year-round to expand vocabulary, practice social communication, and develop language skills. Utilising natural materials, alongside songs, rhymes and stories, this is an essential resource for early years and primary educators supporting children aged 0–5.

Have you ever wondered how a stick, fallen leaves or a puddle might encourage a child to look closer and explore? When combined with rich modelled language, high-quality interactions, and provocations that inspire play, these simple, nature-based experiences become meaningful opportunities for language and communication development. Within Nature Talks, you will discover the benefits of being outdoors to stimulate curiosity, support whole-child development, and provide sensory experiences that can enrich and nurture communication and language. This inspiring book shows how the natural environment can be used flexibly and inclusively throughout the year to help children to expand their vocabulary, practice social communication, and develop their language skills. At the heart of the book are 60 seasonal ‘Invitations to Play’, intentionally designed to support communication and language development through outdoor play. Each experience encourages children to explore and experiment in a way that is truly child-led and neuro-affirmative. With a wealth of ideas from mixing, stirring and creating concoctions to building, collecting and imaginative play, these thoughtful invitations draw upon the principles of schematic play to support engagement and develop communication and language. Utilising natural materials, alongside songs, rhymes and stories, this is an essential resource for early years and primary educators supporting children aged 0–5.