Having great communication skills is a valuable asset to have in today's society and building these skills starts in Kindergarten.
Verbal communication skills are fundamental in healthy childhood development; and helping your child to communicate their needs, thoughts and opinions regularly will not only help your child while they grow up but also in the future.
Therefore, take time everyday to talk and listen to your child. It can be as simple as asking them questions about their day that require more than a yes and no answer. Such as asking them to describe the work that they brought home, how to play one of the games they have learnt in gym class, or to sing or recite the poem of the week. You can also ask them to tell you about the show they were watching on TV, ask them questions about the book you just read them, or to describe something in the room (ex: colour, size, shape, what it does or is used for etc.).
Ensure that your child is speaking loudly and clearing looking at you or who they are speaking too. Praise them on specific points when they do a good job (ex: I liked the way you looked at me when you talked to me . . .) and offer helpful comments to improve and build this skill (ex: try that again but a little louder).
When your child is communicating make sure it is a positive time for them and that they are not nervous. Listen to what they have to say even if it doesn't always make sense, and don't push them to have to find the "right answers" that they think you want. Just listening and responding to what they say in a positive way will help build their confidence and encourage them to communicate more openly.
Taking only a few minutes everyday will greatly help your child make friends, interact with others, and gain confidence in who they are. The benefits or good verbal communication will carry forward for them into their future.
