Language and Literacy is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It focuses on developing children’s language and literacy skills. These enable children to interact effectively in the world around them, express themselves creatively and communicate confidently.

The development of effective language and literacy is crucial to living and learning. Language is used to communicate with people, to share and express feelings, to give and obtain information and understand ideas and develop thoughts.

Teachers should enable children to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• Talking and Listening

• Reading

• Writing.

These modes of communication extend across all Areas of Learning. Children should have opportunities to develop their language and literacy skills through all learning experiences.

These skills are essential for thinking, learning and interacting in personal, social and work contexts throughout life. Literacy is key to learning and also to enjoyment and personal growth.

Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities

Children should have opportunities to develop their Cross-Curricular Skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT, and their Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities through Language and Literacy.