Below are 10+ tried-and-tested methods for teaching communication skills to primary school children. These techniques, curated by La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh City, aim to equip parents and teachers with effective ways to nurture children from a young age.

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1. Teach Respect for Others

Fostering respect is the cornerstone of effective communication. Children should be taught to display politeness and speak courteously to everyone around them.

Teaching children to greet others respectfully and use polite language doesn’t just help them integrate seamlessly into their community but also demonstrates their civility and emotional intelligence. Parents and teachers should lead by example, creating a polite and respectful environment that children can emulate.

2. Teach Children the Art of Greeting Others

A simple greeting is a bridge that helps children connect with those around them. By learning to say hello, children can foster positive relationships with friends, teachers, and elders.

Encourage your child to greet everyone they meet, whether familiar or unfamiliar. This practice will boost their confidence and help them become more sociable.

Additionally, showing care and concern for others through small gestures or questions demonstrates empathy and builds emotional intelligence (EQ). These qualities will enhance your child’s ability to navigate social situations confidently.

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3. Teach the Importance of Saying “Thank You” and “Sorry”

Gratitude and apology are foundational communication lessons for primary school children.

• Thank You: Encourage children to say thank you when they receive a gift or help. This instils appreciation and helps them value others’ efforts.
• Sorry: Teach children to apologise sincerely when they make a mistake. This fosters accountability and emotional growth.

Parents and teachers can guide children with simple explanations, helping them understand the appropriate contexts for gratitude and apology. These habits will nurture politeness, empathy, and strong character development, making children more likeable and well-rounded individuals.

4. Teach Context-Appropriate Language and Address

To teach primary children context-appropriate language and address, model respectful language in real-life situations. 

Explain why polite words like “please” or “thank you” are important with adults, while casual language can be used with peers. Use role-play to practice different scenarios, helping children adjust their tone and words based on the situation. 

Encourage flexibility by reminding them it’s okay to speak differently with teachers, parents, or friends. Reinforce positive behaviour by praising them when they use appropriate language. This helps children develop communication skills that are respectful, natural, and suited to each context.

5. Encourage Confidence in Conversations

Confidence enables children to interact comfortably with friends, teachers, and even large groups. To build this skill:

• Public Speaking Opportunities: Encourage children to speak up in class, share personal opinions, or participate in school competitions.
• Praise and Positive Reinforcement: Recognise their efforts with kind words and encouragement to boost their confidence further.

Many children at this age feel nervous about speaking in public, so consistent motivation from parents and teachers is essential. Celebrate their successes, however small, to help them feel proud and motivated for future challenges.

6. Teach Active Listening Skills

Listening is a vital part of communication that fosters respect and understanding. Teach your child to:

• Focus on the speaker without interruptions.
• Respect others’ emotions and viewpoints.
• Avoid distractions or unrelated activities during conversations.

Active listening helps children develop civility and earn respect from peers and adults alike, making them effective communicators in any situation.

7. Instil Good Manners in Public Spaces

Guide children in understanding how to be mindful and respectful in public places, helping them develop awareness of their surroundings.

In places like schools, hospitals, or supermarkets, simply encourage your child to:

• Pay attention to the noise they make, considering if it might bother others.
• Interact kindly with people, but feel free to adjust their approach based on the situation.

Instead of strict rules, keep the reminders light and open, allowing children to find their own way of being considerate. As they experience different situations, they’ll gradually build an understanding of how to behave in a way that feels natural and respectful.

8. Encourage Asking Questions

Asking questions is an essential skill for learning and engaging with others. Guide your child to:

• Frame polite and meaningful questions to clarify information.
• Explore topics that pique their curiosity, fostering a love for learning.

Questioning not only develops communication skills but also nurtures curiosity and critical thinking. By learning to ask thoughtful questions, children gain a deeper understanding of their surroundings and engage more effectively in social situations.

9. Teach Teamwork Skills

Teamwork is more than just completing tasks together—it’s an opportunity for children to develop critical skills like communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and respecting others’ opinions.

By mastering teamwork, children learn to:

• Interact and communicate smoothly with peers.
• Share their opinions and listen to others’ viewpoints.
• Collaborate effectively in both academic and social activities.

When working in groups, children often encounter challenges or conflicts. Strong teamwork skills equip them to resolve disagreements and find solutions quickly, fostering a cooperative and harmonious environment.

10. Foster Problem-Solving Abilities

Problem-solving is an essential part of communication and personal development for primary school children. To help children build this skill:

• Recognise Emotions: Teach children to identify and manage their emotions during challenging situations.
• Explore Solutions: Guide them to approach problems from different angles, brainstorm various solutions, and select the most effective approach.

This process not only sharpens their logical thinking and creativity but also enhances their ability to communicate clearly when discussing and resolving issues with others.

11. Teach Non-Verbal Communication to Primary Children

Non-verbal communication helps children express themselves effectively and strengthens their social interactions. 

For primary students (ages 6-10), focus on teaching eye contact and gestures. Encourage them to make eye contact during conversations, showing engagement and respect. Introduce simple gestures, such as nodding, waving, or using hands to clarify ideas, enhancing their verbal communication. 

Practicing these skills builds their confidence and emotional intelligence, helping them navigate social situations with ease. 

Teachers and parents can model appropriate non-verbal cues, making learning natural and relatable. By mastering non-verbal communication, children develop essential skills for understanding others and expressing their personality. 

12. Teach Children to Make Polite Requests

Many young children struggle to express their needs clearly. Teaching them how to make requests politely helps them communicate effectively and fosters independence.

• Be Clear and Respectful: Show children how to articulate their needs respectfully without causing inconvenience to others.
• Practice Scenarios: Role-play common situations where they might need to ask for help, ensuring they’re comfortable and confident.

This skill not only improves their social interactions but also boosts their confidence in expressing themselves in various situations.

13. Teach Children Build Confidence in Safe Interactions

Interacting with strangers is a crucial communication skill, but it must be paired with lessons on personal safety.

• Politeness and Respect: Teach children to maintain a respectful tone while talking to unfamiliar people.
• Safety Rules: Emphasise the importance of not sharing personal information and maintaining a safe distance.
• Recognising Boundaries: Help them identify situations where they should seek help or avoid interaction.

By instilling these practices, children learn to navigate social environments confidently while remaining cautious and secure.

To support well-rounded development, communication skills should be nurtured from an early age. Parents are encouraged to provide opportunities for their children to engage in regular conversations and practise appropriate behaviours in various situations from a young age.
Developing these skills early helps children build confidence as they transition into educational and social environments. It enables them to integrate seamlessly into the community and form meaningful relationships with peers and adults alike.

Equipping primary school children with strong communication skills early is a valuable investment in their future. At La Petite Ecole International Bilingual School in Ho Chi Minh City, we emphasise the holistic development of communication abilities.

Our approach not only focuses on linguistic proficiency but also instils the core values of respect and politeness across all interactions. By fostering these traits, we aim to prepare children for success in both personal and academic settings.

We hope this article helps parents understand the importance of communication skills for primary school children and how to nurture them effectively.

For further guidance or personalised support, please don’t hesitate to contact La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh City today. Let us help your child unlock their full potential through exceptional communication education.