Teaching communication skills 'is vital'

It is vital that pupils are given support to ensure proper development with regards to communication, it has been claimed.

Clare Geldard, operations director at children's communication charity I CAN said that it is vital for employers and future generations that children are taught proper communication skills.

Speaking following research from YouGov published by the new communication champion for children Jean Gross, Ms Geldard said that everyday activities need to be turned into language activities to help children learn.

"The more words that a child hears, the more they understand and therefore the more likely they will say and put sentences together," she said.

The YouGov research found that 54 per cent of young ones who have difficulty in relation to communication received help from a language or speech specialist.

Around a quarter (23 per cent) did not receive any help at all with their difficulties, while others were assisted by teachers at a nursery or play group, the study found.

Written by Harriet McGowan

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