Speech sounds
They can speak clearly so that everyone can understand them all the time.
They can speak smoothly, avoiding repeating sounds at the beginning of words or getting stuck while trying to say something.
Vocabulary
They can use more advanced words, such as ‘joyful’, ‘cheerful’, or ‘thrilled’ instead of ‘happy’.
They can use advanced words even if the meaning isn’t always correct, for example saying, “I felt very responsible for finishing the game.”
They can understand that words can have more than one meaning and use them correctly, for example, bank (where you keep money and the side of a river).
Attention, listening and understanding
They can understand, ask and answer different question types:
- Closed questions: Do you like reading books?
- Open questions: What did you enjoy about this book?
- Rhetorical questions: Isn’t it amazing how a story can make you feel like you’re right inside the adventure?
They can notice and comment not just on what is said, but on how it is said. For example, they can understand obvious sarcasm.
They can use simple idioms even if they don’t fully understand their meaning. For example, “It’s raining cats and dogs.”
Sentence building and grammar
They can speak in sentences that are usually 8 – 10 words long, with longer sentences for storytelling and shorter ones in everyday conversation.
They can use long and complex sentences in conversation, joining ideas with more advanced connectives, for example: however, meanwhile, or although.
Storytelling and narrative
They can create engaging stories with detailed descriptions that make the story come alive.
They can include a subplot when telling stories or recalling events before returning to the main storyline.
They can use detailed, everyday language to talk about experiences that happened in the past or are planned for the future.
Conversations and social interaction
They can reach agreements by explaining different options and possible outcomes.
They can manage and organise group tasks with very little support from an adult.
They can notice when others don’t fully understand and try to help them.
They can organise and clearly explain the rules of a group game.