Conversation skills are a crucial part of children’s development, enabling them to communicate effectively and build strong relationships. In Amman, Dr. Salam Ashour, a psychology specialist, emphasizes the importance of developing these skills from a young age, noting that conversation aids in social, emotional, and academic growth.Effective Strategies and Practical Tips
Speaking and Listening: The Foundation of Learning Conversation
Children learn to converse by talking and listening to their parents. Parents can assist by engaging in continuous dialogue and active listening. Ashour stresses the importance of creating opportunities for conversation both at home and in school, including asking questions and listening attentively.
Reading and Play: Valuable Developmental Tools
Reading plays a significant role in teaching new vocabulary and fostering imagination. Similarly, play helps develop negotiation, problem-solving, and cooperation skills, especially in games that require conversation and interaction with others.
Exposure to Spoken Language
It’s vital for children to be exposed to spoken language, through listening to others and watching age-appropriate TV programs. The emphasis is on spending quality time with children and engaging in dialogue.
Proper Conversation: Tips from an Etiquette Expert
Etiquette expert Rama Al-Asaf offers tips for training children in proper conversation. These tips include using greetings and salutations, maintaining a calm voice tone, avoiding interrupting the child while speaking, and encouraging the use of ‘magic words’ like “please” and “thank you.”
The Educator as a Role Model
Al-Asaf highlights the importance of educators as role models, pointing out the significance of careful word choice and encouraging children to listen and not interrupt. She also emphasizes the value of using school activities to boost self-confidence and the understanding of the importance and impact of words.
