A Parent's Guide to Improve Their Child's Communication Skills!
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Communication bridges the gap between two persons as it is the ability to exchange ideas, thoughts, and opinions both verbally and non-verbally. Today, our children live in a device-inspired world where conducting strong and healthy communication can sometimes be difficult; as a result, they may lose out on the opportunity to develop excellent communication skills. However, whether academically, professionally, or personally, communication helps lead life to the fullest. Therefore, going for an English communication skill course for advanced kids is ideal.
Basic Communication Skills Every Child Should Be Well-Versed With
Communication is divided into two major parts. These include:
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Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is described as using words or speech to pass on opinions or information to another person. Here are the fundamentals of communication:
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Conversation skills
Productive conversation plays a significant role in overall development. Parents can teach their children conversation skills through role-playing. Video modelling is another excellent method.
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Empathy
Ensuring that their children develop empathy towards people and other living beings is a major responsibility of every parent. Empathy helps children evolve into good listeners and speakers who show respect for everyone around them.
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Speaking and listening procedures
The most common example of speaking and listening procedures is SLANT: Sit up straight. Listen. Answer and ask questions. Nod to show interest. Track the speaker. Behaviour that incorporates these features will help your child make a positive impact, whether in school or college or their personal and professional life.
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Vocabulary
For every child, picking up words that suit the situation without coming off as rude is vital as it helps create the right impression.
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Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is the process whereby thoughts or ideas are conveyed without any words or speech. Non-verbal communication further involves the following types:
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Power of pausing
Every child should have the habit of pausing, thinking, and asking questions when needed. This not only makes them good listeners but helps in understanding others’ points of view. To ensure successful and healthy communication, ensure that children learn the power of pausing.
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Practising speaking and listening
Speaking and listening are two of the most vital areas that every child should be well-versed with. Allow your child to share their feelings, and let them talk about things like their interests or the situations they have encountered. Rather than taking on an authoritative position, speak to them like a friend.
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Introspection
Quick introspection helps children learn what they are feeling and why. Having an understanding of themselves will take some time. Therefore, let your child breathe.
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Turn-taking
Taking turns is one of the best ways to establish good communication skills. It is essential to teach students that it is not necessary to be a part of every conversation. Sometimes, taking a step back can be the right decision.
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Body language
Your child’s body language says a lot about them. Therefore, it is imperative to make them understand the difference between what is right and what can hurt other people’s feelings, such as rude facial expressions, signs, and rolling eyes. It is best to avoid such habits.
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Eye contact
Establishing eye contact with the person you’re talking to is the best way to convey your thoughts. Teaching your little ones about this habit will take them a long way.
Be it verbal or non-verbal communication, today’s kids are exceptionally smart. However, the communication skill classes for advanced children can boost their growth.
Your Role In Improving Your Child’s Communication Skills
Children at age four are just starting to engage with their family and school friends. As they grow and reach a certain age, such as 14-16, they develop a thorough understanding of making better conversation. Apart from that English communication skill course for advanced kids, there are other ways too for brushing up your child’s communication skills. These are as follows:
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Indulge in a conversation
There is a good chance that kids who feel hesitant while communicating don’t want to talk at all. Here, you can encourage your child to talk and make them feel more comfortable in front of other people. This boosts their sense of confidence. Some of the situations where you can talk to your child are during car rides, meal prep, commercial breaks, and so on. Try introducing new words to your child, which will enhance their vocabulary.
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Describe the day
At the end of the day, ask your child how it went. Encourage them to recall the best and worst moments of the day and talk about them. This not only improves their communication skills but also nurtures the overall relationship between you and your child.
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Read with them
No matter which book you pick up, reading with your child is a great habit. Talk to them about the book’s characters, plot, setting, and new words, which can enhance their vocabulary. This will help your child better understand the overall plot without making it too complicated.
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Listen to your child
Remember, your child has a lot to say. Since there is so much they don’t understand, they look to you for answers. Therefore, it is imperative to listen to your child without getting frustrated. This also helps in building strong conversation skills.
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Conduct practice conversation sessions
Talk about situations your child might be nervous about, be it school tests or interviews. Take turns as if you’re a part of the actual conversation. This will help them understand different scenarios, responses, and conversation types.
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Point out body language
Every child’s body language is different; however, understanding the difference between right and wrong postures and actions can make a huge difference. Explain to them that some gestures such as eye-rolling and yawning without covering the mouth are rude and signs of disrespect.
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Encourage your child to manage a journal
Some kids find it easy to talk to everyone and share their feelings. However, keeping a journal of their thoughts and everyday activities helps them understand their own thought process. This boosts your child’s confidence and prepares them for the future.
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Be a good role model
For any child, their parents are their role models. Whatever you do directly impacts your child’s behaviour. If you show respect to others, your child will do the same. Therefore, when you expect something good from them, practise it yourself.
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Consider online communication skill classes
As a parent, you can do a lot to improve your child’s communication skills. While choosing the best communication skill class for early-year students might seem like a task in itself, there are dedicated courses available at PlanetSpark that are designed and developed by experts to give your child adequate support and enhance their overall communication skills. These courses allow your kid to express themselves and their thoughts, which ultimately leads to faster learning and better communication. Through these comprehensive communication programmes, communication becomes easier, faster, and better.
Games And Activities That Can Lead To A Fun Conversation
Regular games and activities play a significant role in improving your child’s overall communication skills. Here are the most popular games you as a parent can introduce in your child’s life to pick up a fun conversation.
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Picture storytelling
Pictures say a lot to every child. Hand over a picture to your child and ask them to build a story around it. Another thing you can do is take a picture and ask them what they see in it.
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Eye contact circle
Eye contact circle is another popular communication game where your child, along with their friends, will form a circle and ask each other questions. Ensure that while asking and answering questions, there is continuous eye contact between both people.
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Extempore
Another popular game, also one of the most exciting school activities, is extempore. Ask your child to pick a chit on any topic and speak about it for 2-3 minutes without rehearsing.
Is It Challenging To Develop Communication Skills?
English communication skill training for advanced kids is no longer a challenge, with parents taking adequate steps to ensure that their child is learning and practising well. When talking about communication, some of its aspects are difficult, whereas others can be understood easily without much brainstorming. So, if you’re looking to enrol your child in an English communication skill course for advanced kids, PlanetSpark offers an extensive range. Don’t forget to check us out!
PlanetSpark offers an English communication skill course for 11-13-year-old children and communication skill classes for advanced children; here, students learn communication skills that help them achieve their personal and professional goals right from the beginning.
We work on improving your child’s communication skills in all aspects of life through interactive games, fun activities, and so on. We have a team of experts, including trained and qualified instructors, who help develop a child’s inner confidence and enhance their ability to express themselves to the world. Want to give your child a better future?
Enrol them in an English communication skill course for advanced kids.
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