Importance of Communication in Early Childhood
Methods and techniques for open communication
“The activities that are the easiest, cheapest, and most fun to do — such as singing, playing games, reading, storytelling, and just talking and listening — are also the best for child development.” — Jerome Singer
Communication is one of the indispensable aspects of child development. There is a difference between talking and communication. Once a child is born, we start talking with them. Their eye contact, smiling, and giggling are their ways of communicating back to us. Once a child enters preschool for the first time, it’s a new world for them. Some children are inherently outgoing and may adjust faster to this new atmosphere, but not every child. Adjustment is a process, and we the teachers and the environment play a big role in that process. Another major key factor is “Communication.”
Communication starts with a love in our eyes, believe it or not, children understand the language of love the fastest. “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship,” by James Comer, says it all. Once we are able to create this beautiful bond, we will become assets in their journey of learning and growth.
There are many different methods and techniques to inculcate communication skills. As a child enters your classroom, greet them with words and smiles. Remember, modeling is the best way to teach children. In the beginning, they might not revert to you, but slowly they will build a trusting relationship, and they will respond to you the same way. That is the start of communication. Once a child is verbal and is approximately 3–4 years old, they will start getting better. Listening to them is a great way to develop this skill. A child is full of stories; listen to them carefully, and ask questions in between, when needed. In the beginning, a child might continue with his / her story, without responding to you. No need to interrupt them, just keep going with this practice. Slowly they will learn this art of reversing.
Reading to them is another effective method to enhance communication skills. When we are reading to them, and they ask any question, pause and answer their query. This is a form of communication for them. Children always feel happy when they get the answer. They feel understood, and it boosts their self-confidence, hence improving communication skills. Unknowingly, they learn one of the most important aspects of their development.
Children grasp faster with the play method, even if it is organized center time. When they are playing during center time, typically in a preschool setting, get involved. Don’t give them directions, unless asked. Give them constructive compliments, and at times just watch them, and use gestures instead of words. Children are smart; they always understand the language of love and appreciation. This will encourage them to ask you. For example, “why are you looking at me”, “do you like my setup”, and “will you help me to put some pieces”. Again, indirectly they are learning to initiate a conversation as well.
Free play is another wonderful way to master communication skills. It is different from structured center time. Usually, when kids are outside playing with their peers, they tend to talk a lot. Interruption is not required, but still, keep your ears and eyes open. Very young children(3–4), just talk and do not necessarily listen. They are still developing their vocabulary, and are growing in their conversational skills. After that, they learn to communicate properly. We as teachers or parents should keep nurturing them in a constructive way.
No two children are the same in their developmental growth. We need to recognize that and facilitate them accordingly. Always remember, all our plans and actions must be age appropriate and careful, and that will lead to their social-emotional development and the proper growth of their communication skills.
“Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write, and count. Childhood is a small window of time to learn and develop at a pace which is right for each individual child.” — Anonymous
