IMPROVING YOUR CHILD'S SPEAKING & LISTENING SKILLS

Being able to understand information, respond appropriately and share thoughts are vital lifelong skills for all children. What makes a good speaker and listener? How can you help your child at home? Read to find out!
 
What Makes a Good Speaker?

• Speaking slowly and clearly
  
• Speaking loudly enough
• Speaking fluently and pausing appropriately
• Changing tone and pitch
• Using body language
• Making eye contact
• Presenting thoughts in a logical manner
• Providing supporting details
• Being confident

 
What Makes a Good Listener?

• Paying careful attention to words - allowing others to finish their thoughts without interrupting
• Asking questions for clarification
• Being observant
• Maintaining eye contact
• Responding frequently
• Staying on topic
• Being able to rephrase what others have said

Early Years

• Talk about things you see around you - plants, trees, animals, street signs, etc.
• Listen carefully and respond appropriately
• Talk about upcoming special events, like birthdays or vacations
• Explain the everyday activities you do - shopping, cooking, getting ready etc.
• Read aloud and emphasize alliterations and rhymes
• Show interest in what your child says
• Talk about the sounds you hear around you - cars, planes, etc.
• Use puppets and toys to tell stories
• Experiment with the different sounds musical instruments or body parts (clapping, stomping) make
• Sing songs in different tones
• Break down simple words when speaking: C-A-T
  

Primary Years

• Avoid interrupting your child when they are talking to you
• Listen carefully and respond appropriately
• Have a brainstorming session with your child to plan an upcoming event
• Ask your child to repeat what you have said
• Have conversations on topics that interest your child
• Have your child listen to CDs of their favourite books
• Expose your child to different types of music - rock, pop, classical etc.
• Play rhyming games
• Explain a set of instructions orally, and see if your child can follow
• If your child has an upcoming presentation, listen to them practice at home

Are there any other tips you would like to share?

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Improving Your Child's Writing Skills
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Helping Your Child Maintain Their Mother Tongue