Many different forms of communication (verbally, non-verbally, informally, formally) are used to talk with children. It is easy to change between the forms of communication as we use the types of communication very often. In most schools and throughout all ages, spoken language is the best interpreted as it is used the most. Spoken language will be appropriate for nearly all of the pupils in the school. In schools, especially for younger children (nursery, reception and key stage 1), gestures and body language will also be used to help the children get a better understanding of what you are saying. This is a form of non-verbal communication, that is often used to communicate with the children who are on the other side of the classroom. You can look at them and make eye contact with them to show them that you are listening and give them a thumbs up to show them that you have understood what they are trying to say to you. In certain cases, children communicate by using British Sign Language or Makaton and this requires additional training. This form of non-verbal communication is used by children who have difficulty speaking or communicating with others. Informal language is usually used when talking in the playground or when having a one to one conversation with a child. This means that you can talk more freely with the child and informal language allows you and the child to express their feeling or emotions in a different way. Formal language is used when talking to the whole class and this gives a more serious tone to your speech. Formal language uses longer sentences and tends to use perfect grammar. It is used when giving speeches or presentations.