Concept Cat: Teaching Concepts in the Early Years

Concept Cat is an Education Endowment Foundation Promising Programme.

Conceptual vocabulary shapes children’s thinking in the Early Years and forms the foundation for later mathematical and scientific learning. However, these words are abstract and often tricky to learn – and to teach.

Concept Cat is a tried-and-tested, evidence-based approach that supports all young children’s learning of conceptual vocabulary. Vocabulary is taught in a structured and engaging manner with explicit teaching of vocabulary followed by implicit teaching in play-based learning. The resource provides:

• A step-by-step guide to teaching 150 different concepts, using songs, stories and play-based activities
• A whole-class approach, which is accessible for a wide range of children, including those with limited language
• Guidance and resources for working with families to effectively support children’s learning
• Accompanying downloadable resources, including printable symbols of each concept, for immediate use in the classroom

Concept Cat is a complete guide to implementing this approach and an essential resource for Early Years educators, primary teachers and speech and language therapists. All you need is a cat toy to get you started!