In this episode of Early Years Together, Dr Jacqueline Young and Deborah Brown take a deep dive into the power of open‑ended questions in early years interactions. Building on previous conversations about high‑quality adult–child communication, they explore what open‑ended questions are, why they matter, and how parents and practitioners can use them to nurture rich, imaginative, and sustained talk.

This episode blends research insights, real‑world practice, and practical examples — perfect for anyone supporting children’s communication and language development.

Subscribe, share, and step into a podcast made for reflective early years practice.

Episode Four References:

Worley, P., (2015). Open thinking, closed questioning: Two kinds of open and closed question. Journal of Philosophy in Schools.

Link to Philosophy for Children website: https://p4c.com/

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Music composed by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer

In this episode, Jacqueline and Deborah explore how early years environments can stimulate and support children’s communication. From the role of core strength and physical development to outdoor learning, cosy spaces, routines, and communication‑friendly setups, this episode offers practical insights for creating environments where language thrives.

Subscribe, share, and step into a podcast made for reflective early years practice.

Episode Three Reference:

Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Brymer, E., Passy, R., Ho, S., Sahlberg, P., Ward, K., Bentsen, P., Curry, C. and Cowper, R., 2022. Getting out of the classroom and into nature: a systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children's learning and development. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, p.877058.

Link to ICAN resources: https://www.icancharity.org.uk/

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Music composed by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer

In this episode of The Early Years Together, Deborah Brown and Dr Jacqueline Young explore what high‑quality interactions really mean in early childhood education, and why they are so important for children’s learning and development.

The conversation unpacks what high‑quality interactions look like in practice—being attuned, present, and genuinely interested in children’s ideas. Deborah and Jacqueline discuss the role of language, “serve and return” exchanges, and giving children time to think and respond. They also discuss Sustained Shared Thinking, sharing practical examples of how adults and children can think together to deepen understanding.

The episode offers accessible tips for practitioners and parents, showing how everyday moments, care routines, and play can support communication and connection.

Subscribe, share, and step into a podcast made for reflective early years practice.

Episode Two References:

Mashburn, A.J., Pianta, R.C., Hamre, B.K., Downer, J.T., Barbarin, O.A., Bryant, D., et al. (2008). Measures of classroom quality in prekindergarten and children’s development of academic, language, and social skills. Child Development, 79(3), 732–749.

Siraj-Blatchford, I., Muttock, S., Sylva, K., Gilden, R. and Bell, D., 2002. Researching effective pedagogy in the early years (Vol. 356). London: Department for Education and Skills.

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Music composed by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer