3 Games to Improve Communication Skills!

While having great ideas is good, it’s crucial to know how to communicate them. Our increasingly interconnected and collaborative culture demands that both students and professionals alike learn how to navigate conversations and how to deliver their ideas effectively. In the IB PYP Curriculum, besides reading and writing well, speaking, listening, viewing, presenting and non-verbal communication are all integral sub-skills that students need to develop their communication skills.

Skills are often difficult to teach explicitly. Children learn best when play meets learning and natural exploration. Keeping this in mind, we’ve put together a list of three fun games that help boost your child’s communication skills:

1.       The Interviewer- A Fun Game to Boost Speaking Skills
Asking specific questions and answering them clearly is certainly and art, and it’s one your child will enjoy learning with this classic game. Add an element of fun to your child’s TV watching sessions by adding a follow-up game. Take turns with your child to be the interviewer or interviewee, and conjure up characters from cartoons, documentaries and TV shows that your child watches like chefs, wildlife explorers or a magician. Ask your child to take on their role as you quiz them with some fun questions for which they can give you imaginary or factual answers. You can also switch roles so that your little one gets to ask you all the questions! Throw in funny questions and answers to keep the game entertaining.

2.       Fill the Box Game- A Game to Improve Listening Skills
There’s a world of a difference between hearing and listening to someone, and this game encourages children to focus on the mindful aspect of listening. Give your child a box or a basket and give them tiered instructions that increase with complexity at every level.

For example, start by instructing your child to place a toy in the basket (1 task), then ask your child to find a jar, remove its lid and then place it in the box (2 tasks), and then you can ask them to roll up a newspaper, tear it in half, scrunch them into two balls and then place it in the box (3 tasks) and so on. Not repeating your instructions will help your child listen more attentively and will boost recall.

3.       Spot the Difference- A Game to Hone Viewing Skills
Challenge your child to spot differences and develop their ability to observe minute details with this fun game. Set up a room with a handful of props arranged in a certain way. Allow your child 3 minutes to observe the room carefully. After your child has left the room, rearrange the positions of the objects or change their placements and challenge them to spot the difference when they return. As with any game, it’s only fair if you take turns! This game is also an excellent way to make tidying up fun!

Games such as these help your child refine their skills in an engaging and enjoyable way, while also helping the two of you bond better. These games also suit children of all ages, so do try them out and let us know!