34 basic communication skills
How children learn to communicate
Although a child communicates from birth, at first he does not realize
he is doing so. He moves his body, makes sounds, or changes the look on
his face because of the way he feels. For example, he might cry because
he feels hungry or wet. Slowly, he sees that his messages make things
happen. When he cries, someone comes to find out what is wrong. When
he smiles, people smile back. So he begins to send messages to make
things happen.
Communication is a powerful tool for getting what we want or need
and understanding what other people want or need. You can help a
child begin to communicate by responding to his movements, sounds,
and looks on the face. This helps him learn that his actions have an
effect on others.
Let your child take turns
Taking turns helps your child develop
two-way communication skills. When
he is older, this will help him learn
how to make conversation with other
people.
Here, Kwame’s mother Hola helps
them get started.
That’s a
ball.
Can I have
the ball?
Thank you,
Kwame.
Good job!
Hola’s face shows she is
asking a question.
Your child will learn even more if you can keep a give-and-take
going between you.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)