What Are Communication and Language Skills?

Communication and language skills are how children understand and use words to interact with others. This includes:

• Listening and understanding what people say
• Using words, gestures, or expressions to share thoughts
• Asking and answering questions
• Taking turns in conversation
• Expressing feelings, needs, or ideas clearly

Why It Matters for School Readiness

When children can express how they feel, ask for help, and share their thoughts, they’re better equipped to settle into school life. Language is the tool children use to:

• Understand instructions
• Take part in lessons
• Form relationships with teachers and classmates

Strong communication skills also support emotional well-being. A child who can say, “I’m tired,” “I don’t like that,” or “Can I have a turn?” is more likely to be understood – and less likely to get frustrated or overwhelmed.

Fun Ways to Build Language Through Play

Here are simple everyday ideas for encouraging communication and language at home, and how toys can help reinforce those skills:

1. Use Roleplay and Interactive Toys

Roleplay and interactive toys give children a reason to talk, whether they’re responding to a talking toy or acting out a story. These playful moments help children practice new words, express ideas, and learn how to build conversations.

Example:
Child: “Teddy is making tea!”
Adult: “Who’s he making it for? Is there any cake to go with it?”

Toy Tip: Children enjoy playing with toys that feature characters they know and love. Toys like Paddington’s Campervan and Talking Paddington Soft Toy encourage children to be imaginative, act out stories, and use new words in meaningful ways.

2. Read, Read, Read!

Books are one of the best tools for language development. Choose stories with repetition, rhyme, or engaging pictures. Pause and ask:

• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “How do you think that character feels?”

Toy Tip: Interactive books with flaps to lift, like Peekaboo Park! or toys that make sounds like Learning Friends 100 Words Book, enhance story engagement and vocabulary.

3. Talk About What You’re Doing

Narrate everyday activities out loud, even simple tasks like:

• “I’m chopping the carrots for dinner.”
• “Let’s put on your socks – one foot, then the other.”

Toy Tip: Playsets that reflect real-life routines, like Smoby Life Mud Kitchen, let children practice new words they’ve heard in context.

4. Use Sign Language to Support Communication

Using sign language is a powerful way to support young children’s communication skills. British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton can help children express themselves before they’re confident with spoken words, making it easier for them to share their thoughts and feelings.

The Signing Company offers fun and interactive sessions that teach children to communicate using BSL. These sessions help build confidence, reduce frustration, and support emotional development, giving children the tools they need to connect with others and feel understood.

5. Try Classes

Taking your child to a group activity or structured class can be a great way to support their language development.

MagiKats Tutoring offers fun, tutor-supported sessions that help children strengthen their communication skills through storytelling, phonics games, and interactive literacy tasks. These classes help children to grow in confidence while developing vital language skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

6. Use Open-Ended Questions

Ask questions that invite more than a yes/no answer:

• “What was your favourite part of the day?”
• “How did Teddy get up there?”

Toy Tip: Games like Pennycake SpinSpinShare™ or imaginative story-building kits like Little Library Storytelling Box encourage rich back-and-forth storytelling.

7. Sing Songs and Rhymes

Nursery rhymes and songs teach rhythm, repetition, and vocabulary.

Toy Tip: Audio toys like Toniebox, or toys that encourage singing and movement, like Hey Duggee Sing & Learn Microphone, help memorably embed new words and sounds.

8. Play with Language

Make up silly words, rhymes, or tongue twisters. Try simple games like:

• “I spy with my little eye…”
• “What rhymes with hat?”

Toy Tip: Look for fun games that focus on rhyming, phonics, or letter recognition, like Rhymenoceros and Alphablocks Clip & Learn Phonics Fun.

9. Support Children Learning English as an Additional Language

If English isn’t your child’s first language, continue speaking your home language. This builds a strong foundation for learning English, too.

Toy Tip: Toys with dual language options and apps such as Duolingo mean that helping children to learn another language has never been easier!

How Do I Know if My Child Is on Track?

Children develop language at different rates, and it’s normal for some to be quieter or more talkative than others. Some signs that your child is developing strong communication skills include:

• Making eye contact and taking turns in conversation.
• Using simple sentences and understanding basic instructions.
• Asking questions and showing curiosity about words.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, speak to your health visitor, GP, nursery, or school teacher. Early support can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Communication and language are at the heart of everything your child will do at school, from making friends to learning new things. Supporting these skills doesn’t mean sitting down with flashcards or practicing grammar – it means chatting, playing, reading, and listening in everyday life.

By building language through fun, engaging activities and choosing toys that support these experiences, you’re giving your child a great head start for school and beyond.

So talk, laugh, read, and play, because learning starts with connection.