Effective Communication Skills Are the Most Essential

Effective communication skills are the most essential skill for early childhood educators. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Effective communication skills have been shown to be the most critical tool for early childhood educators. This is because it allows them to establish open channels of communication between: the student, parents and administrators. Once this takes place, is when everyone will work together in helping the individual overcome the challenges they are facing inside the classroom. This is the point that there will be a transformation in the performance of the student by understanding and addressing their needs. (Crisman 2010, pp. 119 -- 125)

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Crisman (2010). He found educators and parents play an integral part during this process. This is because both parties will have continuous interaction with the student (which will automatically bring them closer). When effective communication is being utilized, all of the different stakeholders can be able to reach out to one another. This will provide a number of long-term benefits to include: it establishes partnerships among various stakeholders and serves as a model in helping to overcome other challenges. Once this happens, is when there is a transformation in the educational environment and the ability to create a lasting positive foundation towards learning and education. (Crisman 2010, pg. 199)

Moreover, Osakwe (2009) found that communication skills were some of the most in important reaching out to children. This is because the experiences that they have will shape their views about the world around them. Commenting about what was occurring Osawke observed, "Psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Erik Ericson opinionated that early childhood experiences have a lot of implications on the later life of individuals. The rearing practices (i.e. verbal and nonverbal communication skills) which the child are exposed to influences the values, norms, and belief of individuals even in later life. The contents of the knowledge are the bedrock to later education and lifelong learning. Furthermore, there is a scriptural injunction that says 'train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it, (Proverbs 22 verse 6). From this injunction, conclusions can be reached quickly that the manner of teaching a child to learn in pre-primary school goes a long way in helping them through their educational pursuit and even more in their later lives.'" This is illustrating how communication is an effective tool for reaching out to the child at an early age. (Osakwe 2009)

Those educators who are continually focusing on these objectives will see an increase in the total amounts of learning comprehension. This will prepare the student for regular interaction with others and give them the ability to think logically. Once this happens, is when these individuals will be at a significant advantage in their elementary education. (Osakwe 2009)

In a study conducted by Osakwe, actuaries found that the total amounts of learning comprehension increases by as much as 50%. For those students who were provided with pre-elementary education, this is giving them major benefits (which are illustrated below table). (Osakwe 2009)

Learning Comprehension for Pre-Elementary Students vs. Individuals with No Educational Training

Category

Standard Deviation in Favor of Pre-Elementary Students

Cognitive Ability

26.0%

Social Skills

50.1%

Motor Skills

31.15%

(Osakwe 2009)

These figures are showing how students who receive pre-elementary education will perform better than those who did not in all three categories. The reason why, is because educators are using communication skills in reaching out to students. (Osakwe 2009)

As a result, they were able to take these ideas and apply them in a host of school settings. A good example of this can be seen with Osakwe concluding, "The study observed that there is a significant difference between pupils who had pre-primary education and those without in communication skills. The results indicated that the pupils with pre-primary education had greater tendency to perform better in using different skills." This is illustrating how communication from the educator to the student (at the pre-elementary level) will have an impact on personal development. (Osakwe 2009)

One of the main reasons why communication is so important is because children are the most susceptible to adults and other individuals (who are a part of their lives). When an educator can effectively communicate with the student, is the point that they can shape their: cognitive, sensory and motor development. This is when the child will begin to imitate what they see.

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Oak (2012) who said, "In this stage of early childhood, one learns to perceive things and react to them using the sensory organs. It is during this period that a child learns to use their sensory organs to perceive stimuli. This defines the period of developing language and communication skills. Language forms the child's means to communicate with the world around them, to express themselves and say what they think and feel. This helps them to gain cognitive abilities during their early years." (Oak 2012) These views are showing how effective communication between educators and the child will dramatically shape: the way they express themselves and interact with others. As a result, any kind of increase in the achievement scores (from pre-elementary education) is directly attributed to strong communication skills.

However, in order for any kind of communication to work there must be effective coordination between: teachers, parents and caregivers. When this happens, the child is exposed to variety of concepts that will help to prepare them. A good example of this can be seen with conclusions from a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education which found, "As a teacher, you and the children's parents and caregivers are partners in helping to get the children ready for future school success. Good communication can build support for and strengthen the important work in the classroom." (Teaching Our Youngest 2007) This is illustrating how communication is an essential tool that must be utilized in conjunction with different stakeholders. In the future, this will improve the overall amounts of learning comprehension and social development in the child.