Effective Communication

Effective communication is crucial to support the learning and development of the children as well as building and developing positive relationships with children, young people and their families, colleagues and other professionals, as feelings get expressed, views and knowledge are exchanged, ideas are shared and explained. 

Having an environment that is language rich with stories, books, songs and discussions – children will develop into effective and successful communicators.  It is in the early childhood setting, where children learn the necessary skills to become successful communicators. As a practitioner it is for you to role model effective communication skills.  

Children from birth are able to communicate to ensure their basic needs are met e.g through crying and making cooing sounds, as well as through facial expressions and gestures such as pointing. As a practitioner, it is vital you are responding to these cues and paving the way to effective two-way, pre language communication e.g by smiling back at the baby. As children get older, it is the practitioners role to support children with language development and skills needed to be effective communicators. 

Children’s development of language is based on different factors, but effective two-way communication is one of the most important. Children learn by observing and imitating their environment and thrive in language rich settings with lots of stimulation from social and language interactions. Staff should always be aware of his/her important role in a child’s life; s/he should always be attentive and a good role model. Effective communication builds the foundation of positive relationships and the desire to explore.