The importance of strong communication skills cannot be underestimated. A recent review by OFSTED reported that over a third of five year olds across England are starting school without the communication, language and literacy skills they need to learn properly. Without these skills, children are likely to struggle to learn effectively, potentially impacting their future education and personal development. I am of the opinion that it is all about early intervention and helping children before they go to school so they are armed with the necessary skills to succeed. It is so important that children are able to communicate effectively, to listen and pay attention when needed and to have the self-confidence to make the most of any learning opportunity. As a parent it is our responsibility to encourage our little ones to do this and, in a world where communication is becoming more and more technological, to ensure that these fundamental skills are encouraged to develop traditionally. This is where Talking Tots can make a difference. To support parents in helping their pre-schooler to reach the appropriate stage in their development before they start school, we will engage in games, rhymes and interactive activities to help build social confidence and communication, promote group bonding, develop good eye contact, boost social confidence within a group and learn basic pre-literacy skills and expressive language development.
