GROWIE's Preschool Development Corner Series 13
Grow Your Child’s Communication Skills
Communication is the foundation for every child’s learning and social development. As such, it is important for parents and early childhood educators to help children develop the various skills for effective communication.
Whenever we think of young children communicating, we often first think about the sounds and words they use.
However, communication is a far more complex process – it involves skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, using body language, and understanding the conventions in a particular culture or social situation.
The ability to communicate makes it easier for children to learn things, take part in peer group activities, and to gain acceptance by peers. Here are some strategies for helping your little one develop his communication skills:
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Be A Good Speech And Language Model Yourself
Children learn from their environment and day-to-day experiences with other people, so you need to be aware of your own communication and interaction with your child.
Use correct, simple language when conversing with him; short and concise sentences will help him hear and understand more of what you say. There is also a greater possibility for him to remember new words and sentence structures you have modelled.
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Do Not ‘Over-Correct’ His Mistakes
Making mistakes is an important part of learning. It is important to allow your child to make mistakes, as most children can realise and self correct their language mistakes after hearing adults speak the proper version.
If you focus too much on correcting your child, he may become nervous and hesitant to try to speak up. The best thing to do is to repeat the correct version of what he has said incorrectly, in the most natural way.
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Teach Listening Skills
The ability to listen is important for effective communication. Only when your child listens attentively to others will he be able to collect information and respond accordingly.
Model sound listening skills by paying the same amount of attention to him that you prefer others to listen to you. Establish eye contact and when talking to him, always prompt him to ask questions and comment on what you say.
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Promote The Habit Of Reading
Reading expands vocabulary and provides exposure to correct language use. Encourage your child to read so he will learn more words and better grammar for use in his communication with others. The general knowledge gained from literature will also enhance his confidence.
* Based on full year 2008 sales value data reported by Nielsen MarketTrack Service for Infant Milk category, GUM 3+ & 6+ Segment in Total Singapore. (© 2009, The Nielsen Company.)
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