How To Improve Communication Skills for Kids

The best way to help kids improve communication skills is to demonstrate good communication in your own interactions with them. Effective listening is a cornerstone of good communication in kids and adults alike, and is something you can easily teach children by example. Another important tool for good communication in children is language proficiency. There are several activities you can engage in to help children improve language skills for better communication.

Instructions

1. Demonstrate good listening skills. Maintain eye contact, be patient and pay attention to intonation, facial expressions and other nonverbal cues. Genuinely listen. Children can tell by your facial expression and your tone of voice whether you’re really listening. Not only does listening intently set an example that will help children become good listeners; it also shows them that their expressions are valuable and encourages them to continue communicating.

2. When children speak, ask questions that encourage them to share more information. This shows them that you’re listening to and thinking about what they’re saying and encourages continued, thoughtful communication.

3. Start very young. You can help children improve communication skills long before they can speak. Try reading aloud to them (it doesn’t matter what you read), repeating nursery rhymes and singing songs. This helps them get to know the cadence of language. Talk about what you’re doing and tell them the names of the objects you interact with as you go about your day.

4. Read books or stories to older kids and have them tell you what they heard or write a summary of the story afterward. This encourages thoughtful listening and communication.

5. Help kids use language correctly. Use correct grammar and word pronunciation yourself, and they will follow your lead. When they use incorrect grammar or pronounce a word improperly, don’t correct them. Instead, repeat what they said in its correct form. This helps kids learn to use language properly without discouraging continued communication by causing them to be fearful of making mistakes.

References

• Chauteau Meddybemps: Help Your Child Learn to Use Language
• Focus Adolescent Services: How Can Parents Model Good Listening Skills?
• Leo Magan Speech Sanctuary: 10 Ways to Improve Communication Skills for Parents and Children

Resources

• Communication Skills: The "Um" Game