ENHANCING COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF YOUNG LEARNERS
AVELINA R. SANGUYO
Communication is an important skill for every modern, young student to master. Advances in digital media, changing career landscapes, and greater competition in colleges and workplaces makes improving student communication skills a must.
Thus, communication has been very essential in the foundation of young children, especially those in the elementary level. There are several ways to improve student communication skills. They can be adapted for most every kind of student from kindergarten to junior high school:
1. Conversing. Conversation is one of the most basic and essential communication skills. It enables people to share thoughts, opinions, and ideas, and receive them in turn. Although it may appear simple on the surface, effective conversations include a give-and-take exchange that consists of elements such as body language, eye contact, summarizing, paraphrasing and responding.
2. Use technology. From audiobooks to apps, there is a multitude of technological resources you can use for improving student communication skills. Students can listen to or read along with audiobooks to hear how the speaker pronounces and enunciates different words or phrases. 3. Reinforce active listening. Communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s also about listening. Teachers can help their students develop listening skills by reading a selection of text aloud, and then having the class discuss and reflect on the content.
3. Group presentations and assignments. Team-building exercises can also help students sharpen both oral and written communication skills. Not only does it offer students the chance to work in small groups, thereby reducing some of the pressure, but it also gives them the opportunity to debate their opinions, take turns, and work together towards a common goal.
It is important that whatever the age group you are working with, maximize on the everyday happenings in the classroom environment as tools for improving communication. — oOo—
The author is Teacher III at Barit Elementary School, Candaba East District