Parents in Lincolnshire have shown awareness that communication skills are vital to thier children’s development.
The results of a survey commisioned by communications charity I CAN show that parents in Rutland and Lincolnshire think social skills are more important than good looks and being good with money. Mandy Grist, Communication Adviser for I CAN said; ” Adults in your area are really aware of the importance of good communication skills and recognise it as a top attribute that children need to develop to become successful adults.”
According to the survey the best way to develop children’s social skills are through interacting with children by talking , reading and singing with them. Mandy said: ” A childs vocabularly research has shown that at the age of two, it is really strongly linked to how well they perform at primary school.” She added that helping children develop their vocabulary skills gives them the best possible start for life and learning.
I CAN are encouraging primary schools to take part in a communication triathlon which is a programme that has been developed to promote the skills in children. ” We are asking children to take part in three London 2012 themed speaking and listening activities and they focus on thinking, talking and teamwork” said Mandy. The programme means that the children will have lots of fun, build on the excitment of 2012 and help to develop thier communication skills.
The programme has been set up because “some children are starting school without the good communitcation skills they need for learning” said Mandy. The aim is to make people realise how vital communication skills are to be able learn, make friends and express themselves. For more information on the programme please visit the I CAN website.
Jonathan Holmes reports the full story here