At KISU, we recognize that the ability to communicate effectively is a key skill, and the better we are at it, the better our quality of life will be. Speaking and Listening skills are integral and built into every lesson.
Children begin communicating from the moment they are born; letting their mothers know they have arrived with their first cry. As a child develops, it is important that their communication skills are nurtured so they are capable of expressing themselves, clearly and confidently, in all aspects and areas of their life and learning.
The stages of a child's development include firstly, their communication with their parents, then with siblings and friends, and then with other adults such as us, their school teachers.
A child will learn to communicate by watching and listening to their parents, and then mimicking their words and actions; the more parents communicate with their children, the earlier and quicker children will develop these skills for themselves.
Reading is a great activity to help improve children’s communication proficiency; it develops their language acquisition and introduces them to a range of vocabulary, helping them to communicate with ease and clarity. As children get older, reading together provides an excellent opportunity for discussion, creating an environment where a child can comfortably and confidently get used to articulating and sharing their ideas. Children read every day at school and we encourage them to read for pleasure outside of school with a reading partner or individually.
Through interaction and play with siblings and friends, children develop social skills and interpersonal skills alongside their communication skills. These skills help children to feel at greater comfort in social situations, where they will find it easier to strike up conversations with peers, and make new friends. Through these relationships, they will also hone their listening skills as well as their ability to empathise and interpret non-verbal communication cues.
When a child begins KISU, speaking aloud, sharing ideas, class discussions, role play, answering questions all become regular activities and all of these call directly upon their verbal communication skills. In these situations we want children to feel confident, not only speaking in front of a crowd or meeting a new acquaintance, but also assured in their own ability to converse fluently and make a good impression.
A child who is good at communicating verbally will find it easier to produce written communications, and thus will likely perform better in their school exams and written assignments.
Looking to their future, being able to communicate is crucial. Good communication skills are listed amongst the most desirable skills on nearly every job specification, and give applicants an advantage when competing for additional responsibilities.
Being able to deliver instructions, lead debates/discussions, carry out presentations and liaise with peers etc. are just some of the communication skills needed to successfully gain opportunities.
Like any skill, communication skills can be developed and refined with practice, but by helping develop good communication skills in a child from their youth, we are equipping them straight away with the skills to build a successful future. Communication is the important quality and guiding statement that we will be practicing and celebrating next week.
