The Importance of Listening and Speaking

Parents should model and guide appropriate communication behaviours in order to help their children develop an awareness of what good communication involves. These behaviours include...

	Listen as your child speaks to you. Answer when your child asks you a question. Respond promptly and with interest.
	Talk about how things are the same and how they are different.
	Provide opportunities for your child to meet and socialize with other children.
	Help your child talk about their feelings and ideas.
	Use words or sounds that your child finds difficult. Have your child look at your mouth as you say the sound clearly.
	Read interesting stories. Encourage your child to retell stories using books and pictures.
	Ask questions that encourage your child to talk.