Importance of Speaking and Listening

Speech and listening play a big role in forming relationships and empathy. During the process of conversation, children get to know how to relate with others, to give expression to their feelings, as well as to understand the thoughts of the people around them. Vygotsky followed the principle of Social Constructivism, according to which a language is one of the main tools of interaction between people, and language is the most significant instrument in shaping individuals emotionally and in increasing their social sensitivity. Communicative and well-listening children develop good skills on how to solve some social problems, gain friends and perceive complicated socializations. This corresponds with EYLF Learning Outcome 5 in that the effective communicating children have good social relationships, understand and know the emotions of others and interact positively (AGDE, 2022).

Communication through talking and listening are also among the critical components in cognitive development of a child. Children are being introduced to language which enables them to classify things, process data and solve problems. Piaget suggested that the language is highly related with the cognitive development, especially during his preoperational stage, when language becomes a means of thinking and comprehending. The speaking and listening enable children to systemize their ideas, inquire and reason on what they are going through. Furthermore, Theory of Multiple Intelligences put forward by Gardner implies that linguistic intelligence, which is facilitated by the spoke and listening skills is critical in the way the child understands concepts, think critically and express his/her ideas. When kids acquire effective speaking and listening it is likely that they will learn to think deeply and solve problems in a more creative manner.

Academic performance is directly related to the issue of being able to speak and listen. Children who have the skills of speaking and listening feel more competent in discussing issues in the classroom, obeying the commands, and communicating their thoughts clearly. Under EYLF Learning Outcome 5 it is mentioned that successful communicators are more ready to learn because they are able to express their ideas, to listen to others, as well as to communicate with new ideas (AGDE, 2022). Besides, these aptitudes are vital to literacy development- children who are attentive listeners and speakers at the same time exhibit good reading comprehension and writing skills. Communication skills are to the test in academic activities such as executing instructions with several steps, being able to work on group projects, and give an eloquent presentation. Children with problems with these abilities can have difficulties both in school and personally in the social life.