Early years teachers are noticing a concerning trend in children’s spoken language development, which is affecting early literacy learning. Many young children entering school are reported to have poorer verbal skills compared to previous generations, attributed largely to parents’ excessive mobile phone use, which limits verbal interactions. Additionally, teachers observe that children have weaker core body strength and motor coordination, indicating a need for increased physical activity and a stronger emphasis on spoken language in early education. Practitioners recognize the importance of active play and conversation in early learning, noting that a solid foundation in phonological skills—understanding sounds in words—is crucial before formal reading and writing instruction begins.
