How Development in the Early Childhood Years Affects Development in the Elementary School

Communication Development: How Development in the Early Childhood Years Affects Development in the Elementary School¹

Children will need to use oral language and make themselves understood by others by the time they start elementary school. They will need language in order to communicate their needs and wants with others―both peers and adults. They also need to understand what others want or expect from them. This also refers to non-verbal language, like understanding gestures. These are known as  non-verbal communication cues because communication happens without any words. Developing these skills will help children to be effective communicators, and will give them the tools to learn how to read and write. It’s important to note that language skills are needed for all areas of the elementary curriculum, not just reading and writing.

Children need language skills that are well-developed so that they can learn the subjects taught at school, for example, math, science, language arts, home economics and even physical education. This is because children will need to follow the directions of their teachers in all areas of the curriculum. The need to develop language and communication skills extends beyond the early childhood years. In fact, as children grow older, the communication and language demands that are placed on them will be higher. A solid language and communication foundation in the early years will provide children with the tools they need to understand and be understood by others.

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