Understanding spoken language

The ability to understand language involves:

• listening
• remembering spoken information
• understanding words and ideas
• understanding the order of words in a sentence

What you may see

The child may:

• look confused when spoken to
• not respond or repeat back what has been heard
• give wrong answers to questions, instructions, and in conversations
• copy what other children around them are doing
• ask adults for lots of help
• be unsure about starting a task after hearing spoken or written instructions
• appear lonely, bored, or withdrawn
• have trouble making friends

Strategies and advice

• Use pictures, photos, symbols, facial expressions, gestures, diagrams, and written texts to help the child understand spoken or written information.
• Say the child’s name to get their attention before giving any instruction.
• Give the child extra time to think about what you have said before they respond.
• Simplify your language (KISS: Keep It Short and Simple).
• Check that the child has understood before moving on. Ask the child to explain or repeat what they have to do rather than ask if they have understood.
• Explain words that can mean different things and figures of speech such as idioms and sarcasm.
• Link new learning to work done in the past.
• Provide hands-on learning experiences when possible.
• Speak slowly.
• Reinforce key ideas.
• Teach new words before introducing a topic, using symbols and signs.
• Repeat activities in different ways to reinforce understanding.

Suggested resources

Early Language Builders, Language Builders, Secondary Language Builders and Language Builders for post 16s – ELKLAN, www.elklan.co.uk

Language Steps – Amanda Armstrong

Last reviewed September 2025