6.3. Explain why talking and listening are important for children’s learning and development

This guide will help you answer 6.3. Explain why talking and listening are important for children’s learning and development.

Talking and listening are at the core of how children grow, learn and connect with others. From birth, children hear voices, sounds and words that start to build their understanding of the world. They learn through speech, by listening carefully, and by trying to respond. This interaction shapes how they communicate, think and build relationships.

Communication through talking and listening helps in many areas of a child’s development. These include language skills, social skills, emotional growth and cognitive abilities. Without regular and meaningful exchanges of speech and listening, children may struggle with learning and social interaction.

Building Language Skills

Language development relies on hearing words, understanding how they are used, and practising speech. When adults talk to children, they give clear examples of grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary. Listening to others teaches children the meaning of words and how to use them in different situations.

Talking helps them practise new sounds, words and phrases. It develops their confidence in expressing ideas. Listening teaches turn-taking, attention skills and respect for another person’s voice.

Long conversations, storytelling and open-ended questions can greatly improve a child’s understanding of language. This prepares them for reading and writing, which depend on a strong language foundation.

Supporting Cognitive Development

Cognitive development means how children think, learn and solve problems. Talking and listening help children to reflect on experiences, make sense of new information and explore ideas. Language gives them a way to organise thoughts, compare situations and express opinions.

When adults ask questions and listen to replies, children learn to reason and plan their answers. They discover new concepts and remember important facts. Listening to detailed instructions helps them carry out tasks and follow steps.

Regular conversations encourage curiosity and critical thinking. A child who is used to listening and responding will often show better problem-solving skills. They understand that language is a tool for thinking as much as it is for sharing ideas.

Encouraging Social Skills

Social skills grow through everyday interaction. Talking and listening teach children how to join in play, greet friends, and answer politely. They learn to read facial expressions, body language and tone of voice.

When children talk with others, they practise:

• Taking turns
• Respecting people’s opinions
• Negotiating during play

Listening carefully shows respect in a social group. It helps children understand the needs and feelings of others. They learn empathy, which means recognising and caring about how someone else feels.

Emotional Growth and Wellbeing

Talking about feelings helps children name their emotions and understand them. Listening to a trusted adult respond can make a child feel safe, valued and understood. Good listening from adults builds a child’s trust and self-esteem.

If children do not feel listened to, they may become withdrawn or frustrated. Talking through experiences helps them process events, both happy and difficult. They learn that feelings can be expressed in words rather than through actions such as hitting or crying.

Adults who listen without interrupting give children a model of patience and respect. This encourages children to copy those behaviours when speaking to others.

Creating Strong Relationships

Effective relationships depend on clear communication. Children who talk and listen well can make friends more easily and keep those friendships through positive interaction. They know how to approach others, respond to invitations, and join in group games.

Relationships with adults such as parents, carers and teachers also benefit. Children who feel heard often show better behaviour and cooperation. They know they can share concerns and ideas without being dismissed.

Helping with Behaviour Management

Talking and listening can be used to guide children towards better behaviour. When a child explains why they acted in a certain way, the adult can address the cause, not just the action. Listening allows the adult to spot patterns and triggers.

Clear speech from the adult sets boundaries. The child hears what is expected and learns the reasons behind rules. This approach is far more effective than punishment without explanation, and it promotes respect both ways.

Supporting Inclusion

Children from different backgrounds may have varying levels of speech and listening skills. Talking and listening with them can bridge gaps, encourage confidence, and support learning English if it is not their first language.

Inclusion means making sure all children can take part fully in activities. Conversations help identify needs and tailor support. Listening closely shows children they are valued equally.

Encouraging Curiosity

Children are naturally curious. Talking to them about the world around them boosts this interest. They ask questions, listen to answers, and then think of more questions. This cycle keeps their minds active.

Adults can use conversation to introduce new subjects, explain difficult ideas and invite children to try new things. Listening to their responses shows respect for their views and encourages them to share ideas even if they are unsure.

The Role of the Adult

Adults have a big role in developing talking and listening skills. This includes:

• Making time for meaningful conversation
• Using clear and simple language for younger children
• Listening without rushing or interrupting
• Showing interest through body language, such as nodding or smiling
• Asking questions that need more than a yes or no answer

Adults should model good listening and respectful speech at all times. This creates a positive atmosphere and sets the tone for how children interact.

Everyday Opportunities

Talking and listening can be part of many daily activities:

• Mealtimes: sharing thoughts, discussing food and events
• Story time: asking questions about the plot, predicting what might happen next
• Outdoor play: describing what they see and hear
• Creative play: talking about colours, shapes and ideas

These moments are valuable for language and social growth. They also strengthen the bond between child and adult.

Recognising Barriers

Sometimes children struggle with talking and listening. This may be due to hearing problems, speech disabilities, or emotional difficulties. It can also happen if they have had little exposure to rich language or have not been encouraged to speak.

Recognising these barriers early is important. Adults can then offer extra support and, if needed, involve specialists such as speech and language therapists.

Linking to Learning in School

Talking and listening skills are closely connected to school success. Children need to listen to teachers, follow instructions, and explain their ideas during group work. Without these skills, they may miss key information or struggle with tasks.

Strong speaking and listening ability allows children to take part in discussions, ask for help, and share knowledge with others. These are important skills for learning in every subject.

Supporting Personal Confidence

A child who can talk clearly and listen well will often feel more confident. They are more likely to join in activities, answer questions and take part in group work. Confidence in speaking opens up opportunities for leadership in games or classroom projects.

Listening carefully means they understand tasks and can complete them successfully. This success builds self-belief, which feeds back into willingness to speak up.

Linking to Play

Play is a natural way for children to develop talking and listening skills. Role play, pretend games and cooperative building activities all require speech and careful listening. Play allows children to practise language in a safe environment without pressure.

Through play, they learn how to adapt speech for different roles or scenarios. They listen to ideas from others and respond in ways that keep the game going. This strengthens both social and communication skills.

Cultural Learning

Talking and listening help children learn about cultures and traditions. Adults can share stories, songs and customs. Listening to these promotes respect for diversity and opens a child’s perspective.

It also encourages pride in their own heritage. Children can share family traditions or special events with others, building mutual respect and understanding.

The Role of Non-Verbal Communication

Talking and listening are supported by non-verbal communication such as facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice. Children pick up meaning not only from words but from these signals. A smile can reinforce a spoken message, while a frown may signal concern.

Adults who use positive non-verbal cues help children feel reassured. Children who learn to recognise these cues can communicate more effectively in all settings.

Practising Patience

Listening is an active skill. It requires focus and patience. Talking practice helps children learn to wait for their turn and speak without interrupting. Listening practice teaches them to pay attention until the speaker has finished.

Patience in conversation encourages deeper understanding. Children may need reminders and modelling to develop this skill fully.

Final Thoughts

Talking and listening play a central role in helping children grow, learn and relate to others. They shape language, guide thinking and strengthen relationships at home, in childcare settings and at school. Without these skills, children can face challenges in learning, behaviour and social life.

By giving time and attention to talking and listening in everyday moments, adults can make a lasting difference. Encouraging open conversation, respecting responses, and modelling good communication will help children reach their full potential in learning and development.