Communication is a defining moment of the human experience. Whether through verbal or non-verbal means, being able to effectively communicate meanings and convey ideas to those around us is essential for our journey through life.
It is also important to remember that communication is a collaborative process – from the moment we are born, we are figuring out the complex rules of communication even before we can speak.
For young children who are absorbing new experiences everyday, having strong communication skills in early childhood are essential to helping them receive, process, and interpret sensory input. This in turn can affect their cognitive and social development, which can impact their academic performance and general development later in life.
What do communication skills for children include?
Communication skills for children consist of various interconnected competencies. These include:
- Speech
- Language
- Literacy and reading
- Active listening
- Being able to communicate appropriately in different contexts or situations
These competencies can be organically honed through everyday experiences such as chatting with your child throughout the day, reading off product labels in the supermarket, or encouraging your child to order their own food at a hawker centre or eatery.
Improving your child’s cultural competency is also important so they can learn the appropriate times to use different language and communication patterns. This includes proper usage of Singlish (e.g. when ordering food at a hawker centre) or code-switching between their first and second language when communicating with relatives who may speak only one language.
More intentional ways to foster these skills include dedicated speech and communication classes or performing arts programmes such as speech and drama classes, singing lessons, and acting classes.
Performing arts classes have many benefits for your child’s well-being including enhancing their creativity, developing discipline, and – of course – improving their communication skills in an engaging and immersive way.
How can performing arts classes improve my child’s communication skills?
The performing arts place a strong emphasis on building communication skills, each in their own unique way.
For example speech and drama and acting classes improve literacy (script reading), language comprehension (preparation for performances), and important social skills that bolster effective communication.
More musically inclined children may find themselves drawn to singing lessons or musical theatre classes instead, which blends the dramatic aspects of acting class with foundational skills in vocal production, intonation, and delivering emotion through expressions – all of which can strengthen their communication skills as well.
Children who want to zero in on specific communication skills may appreciate a public speaking course which covers a broad range of communication styles such as presentations, choral recitations, storytelling, vlogging, and even news reporting.
For children who have the aptitude, ability, and passion for the performing arts they might even want to pursue singing, acting, and dancing at the same time to become a well-rounded and versatile performer. Not only does this help them stand out from the crowd and develop a wide variety of skills, but the creative rigour and complementary communication styles they will be exposed to can help them master effective communication.
There is no shortage of performing arts classes in Singapore, but MindChamps Académie of Stars stands out with a unique focus on encouraging a Champion Mindset in our students. By adopting the practice of 100% Respect and Zero FearTM, our students not only learn performing arts skills but gain confidence, creativity, and resilience that will help them overcome challenges in life. Get in touch to find out more about the classes.