Many preschoolers struggle with communication, and every parent has had that moment when they wished their child could express their needs clearly. If you’ve ever taken a toddler out in public, you know that a three-year-old can easily outshout an entire restaurant. Kids can be pretty noisy, but that doesn’t always mean they’re good at communicating. Clear communication makes a difference for you, your child, and everyone around you. So, let’s explore how a preschool in Potomac, MD, can help your child improve their communication skills.
When children start preschool, they begin expanding their vocabulary, using longer and more complex sentences. They also develop problem-solving skills and can talk about events beyond the present moment. They can discuss past events from days or weeks ago, as well as anticipate future events.
Strong communication skills help preschoolers build a sense of belonging, form friendships, engage in learning, and feel valued. Effective communication helps children follow instructions, understand boundaries, and seek help when needed.
As a parent, you likely know that talking and connecting are important in your child’s life. Talking with young kids is super important for their learning and development, so it’s a good idea to help them build those skills right from the start.
While you chat during routines and activities, keep in mind that kids’ language skills grow and develop when adults involve them in friendly back-and-forth conversations that last several exchanges and invite the child to take an active part. Encouraging kids to share their personal stories about their experiences is a wonderful way to start these engaging conversations. A great guideline to keep in mind is to aim for a fun sequence of five back-and-forth exchanges with the child before wrapping up the conversation.
Use a photo album to start a conversation with kids. Create a small album with pictures of the child and their friends, family, and pets. Encourage the child to share their thoughts about the pictures and to name the people and pets in them. Ask the child, “Who is that?” What are they up to? Check out this book again and again! Assist the child in learning to say their first and last name.
Let’s enhance communication by sharing stories! Help children start creating their own stories. Jot them down on paper just like the kids share them with you. They may enjoy creating a drawing or painting to complement the story. Feel free to gather these stories in a folder to create a lovely book for them!
Kids tend to share their thoughts and feelings more openly while they’re in play-acting. It is easier to discuss Teddy Bear’s fear of the dark rather than the child’s feelings.
Children enjoy exploring new and varied roles, and it’s a wonderful chance to support them in enhancing their growing communication skills. While you’re going about your daily activities in the classroom or at home, why not join in on the fun by pretending to be your favorite characters from storybooks or TV shows? Help children share the unique viewpoints of their characters; for instance, Cookie Monster could be eager to munch on everything around, while Goldilocks might need a gentle nudge to remember her manners. Encourage children to have conversations with your imaginary and puppet friends, just like you chat with them.
Let the kids team up to create a fun short play with some puppets! They can either adapt a beloved story or fairy tale or come together to create their own unique tale. Once they’ve performed the play, chat with them about the story and characters, and feel free to ask them questions about how they created it.
Sensory activities allow children to explore their surroundings and enhance their social communication skills. Talk about the materials and processes during sensory play by sharing what you’re doing, what the child is engaged in, and how the materials feel to you. Engage in conversations with children about subjects or things that capture their interest.
Engage in listening together—then have a conversation! Switch off the television and other devices, and tune in with the children to the sounds surrounding you in the home or classroom. Pay attention to the sounds of the refrigerator motor, the gentle ringing of wind chimes, the rhythmic ticking of a clock, or the chatter of people around you. Encourage children to share what they hear.
To broaden a child’s vocabulary of verbs, narrate your daily activities using a range of action words – I am brushing my hair. Should we brush your hair? Engage in fun activities by encouraging the child to jump, run, reach, climb, and roll. As you read to a child, talk about what the characters are doing in the story and encourage the child to echo the verbs you use. Encourage them to discover the character who is performing various actions.
Placing items within sight but out of reach encourages early communication. For instance, putting foods in the middle of the table before serving lets you identify the items and allows children to ask for them. Ensure that the child is completely safe while they chase after the object that’s just out of reach!
When we listen actively, children feel truly heard and understood. Gestures like warm smiles and supportive nods show your child you are engaged and genuinely listening. Lowering yourself to your child’s eye level while they talk can really help them feel more secure and connected to you.
Choose words your child can easily understand that suit their age. Be clear and specific while keeping the conversation respectful. Using kind language sets a wonderful example for children. Keep in mind that the conversation should help little ones feel cherished and valued.
Every child develops at their own pace, and it’s natural to compare their progress to others. Early education can boost your child’s communication skills significantly. A high-quality preschool in North Potomac, MD, understands the key milestones your children should hit and provides reassurance if you have concerns about your child’s progress during discussions.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
