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Communication Skills Vital For Children's Future Success

Most parents think that growing up learning good social and communication skills are more important to a child’s development than being good with money or having good looks.
Education - 7 February 2012   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

Growing up learning good social and communication skills is more important to a child’s development than being good with money or having good looks according to most parents.

A new survey shows nearly two thirds (57%) of Mums and Dads think their children will struggle to become successful adults if they can’t interact properly - with 63% stating that having a conversation with their child and being able to read stories with them are crucial to developing communication skills.

The survey was commissioned by Openreach and I CAN, the children’s communication charity. I CAN believe communication skills are crucial for learning, socialising and making friends, and for understanding and expressing emotions or feelings. Openreach and I CAN are now calling on all primary schools to take part in their new programme, The Communication Triathlon. Building on the excitement of London 2012, they’re encouraging primary schools to run a series of events intended to boost children’s speaking and listening skills.

The programme encourages children to take part in three London 2012 themed speaking and listening activities around Thinking, Talking and Teamwork to help each and every child become a successful communicator for 2012 and beyond.

. Introduction:

Learning how to interact and communicate is more important to a child’s development than being good with money or having good looks according to most parents, and the majority of Mums and Dads think their children will struggle to become successful adults if they haven’t developed good communication skills. Openreach and I CAN are calling on primary schools to register for a programme that is building on the excitement of London 2012 and are calling on all parents to encourage their local primary school to get involved.

The Communication Triathlon is building on the excitement of the upcoming Olympics and Paralympic Games – and joining us to discuss this further is Mandy Grist, I CAN Communication Advisor.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about attitudes towards children’s communication skills in our area?

Why is it important to develop on a child’s communication skills?

What can a parent do to help improve their child’s communication skills?

What is the Communication Triathlon and how can we get involved?

What advice do you have for any parents who have a child with communication difficulties?

Where can we find out more information?