BUILDING CONVERSATION SKILLS
Starting and participating in conversations is a skill necessary for building relationships, discussing different matters, and simply communicating with another person. Even as an adult, most would find this skill very useful. As parents and educators, it’s our turn to guide the younger generations on how to be well-adapted to this world and thrive.
Children 0-3 years old are still absorbing everything around them (usually by putting things in their mouths!) They are starting to get familiar with their senses and the stimulants in the environment. They’re taking in how their surroundings work. From ages 3 to 6, they grow more aware of others and start connecting with them. However, most of the time, these children only like to talk!
Hence, they first have to learn about turn-taking. This is an essential part of communication where we give and take space and time to say something. We recognize politeness and respect whenever one practices such a manner. We teach this primarily by demonstration.
They should be told that they will have their turn.
Their statements should be acknowledged as understood or heard, usually by repeating parts or paraphrasing thoughts to them.
They should also be asked to clarify when needed.
Most of all, they should not be interrupted.
The child also can learn about turn-taking when using a material with another person.
We also need to build their confidence in giving information to others. Some children might grow up thinking that only adults can provide insight and not consider their voices important. Think better of them and they might just surprise you!
Ask them what they think. Give them opportunities to talk (e.g., after a fight, during an exploration, recalling a lesson).
When someone else comes to you for an answer that the child/ren was directly involved in, don’t just give the answer. Give the child the opportunity to give the answer.
The same goes for when they are seeking information. Lead them to find the answers on their own and to ask better questions.
Conversations can greatly vary in topics, in opinions, in who you’re doing it with, and so on. So they should also be acquainted with the diverse cultures, people, topics, and current concerns around them.
There are different resources such as children’s books that make a great starting point for more elaborate discussions. Here are just some of the books we’ve loved:
How Did God Make Me? (on Pregnancy & Childbirth)
Amazing You! (on Body Awareness)
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr. (on Pornography)
C is for Consent (on Giving Consent)
Personal Space Camp (on Setting Boundaries)
Colors of Us (on Racial Diversity)
Come Over to Our House (on Cultural Diversity)
A Chair for my Mother (on Saving Up)
Sweep (on Confronting Big Emotions)
Charlie Needs a Cloak (on Creating Out of Natural Resources)
You can create book-based activities that can help the child engage with the topics even more.
Continue engaging the child in meaningful conversations now and prepare them for a world that’s full of it!
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Jovis
ABOUT JOVIS from MIND SPROUT PH
Mabuhay! I'm Jovis, a Montessori-loving homeschooling mom from the Philippines. My husband and I serve a small local church where we help urban poor families find hope, guidance, and grace in their lives. As parents, we seek to do the same in our own home. I started MindSprout, providing printable homeschooling materials to all families, as a means to support our mission to serve the people and help meet their needs.
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