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The Power of Play: Communication Games for Kids

Article by Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah

Posted: April 17, 2023

Communication is a vital skill for children to develop, as it helps them to express their thoughts and feelings, build relationships, and succeed academically and professionally. However, for some children, communication can be a challenge, whether due to a speech delay, autism spectrum disorder, or other factors. Fortunately, communication games can be a fun and effective way to help children of all ages and abilities improve their communication skills, and they can also be great tools if you want to volunteer abroad with children.

Games for Young Children

Young children, ages 3-5, can benefit from simple communication games that help them develop listening skills, following directions, and vocabulary. Here are some examples of games that are appropriate for this age group:

  • “I Spy”: This classic game involves one person saying, “I spy with my little eye, something that is…” and describing an object within view. The other person then has to guess what the object is. This game helps children develop their vocabulary and listening skills as they try to identify the object based on the description.
  • “Simon Says”: In this game, one person gives commands, such as “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says clap your hands.” The other person has to follow the commands only if the phrase “Simon says” is said first. This game helps children develop their listening skills and ability to follow directions.
  • “Red Light, Green Light”: This game involves one person acting as the “traffic light” and giving commands to the other players, such as “green light” to go and “red light” to stop. This game helps children develop their listening skills and ability to follow directions while also promoting physical activity.

Games for Older Children

Older children, ages 6-12, can benefit from more complex communication games that help them develop nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and storytelling skills. Here are some examples of games that are appropriate for this age group:

  • “Charades”: In this game, one person acts out a word or phrase without speaking, while the other players try to guess what it is. This game helps children develop their nonverbal communication skills as they use gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning.
  • “20 Questions”: In this game, one person thinks of an object, and the other players have to ask yes or no questions to guess what it is. This game helps children develop their critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills as they try to narrow down the possibilities.
  • “Storytelling”: In this game, one person starts telling a story, and each player takes a turn adding to it. This game helps children develop their storytelling skills as they learn to build upon each other’s ideas and create a cohesive narrative.

Games for Children with Communication Difficulties

For children with communication difficulties, such as those with autism spectrum disorder or speech delays, specialised communication games can be especially helpful. Here are some examples of games that are designed for children with communication difficulties:

  • “Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)”: PECS is a method of communication that uses pictures to represent objects and concepts. Children can use these pictures to communicate their needs and wants, making it an effective tool for those who have difficulty with verbal communication.
  • “Social Stories”: Social stories are short stories that describe social situations in a clear and concise manner. These stories can help children with autism spectrum disorder understand social cues and expectations, making it easier for them to navigate social situations.
  • “Communication Boards”: Communication boards are boards that display pictures or words that children can point to in order to communicate their needs or desires. These boards can be customised to fit the individual child’s needs, making it a flexible tool for those with communication difficulties.

Using Communication Games in the Classroom

For volunteers teaching children abroad with organisations like GVI, communication games can be an effective way to improve language skills and connect with local communities. By incorporating these games into your lesson plans, you can help make learning fun and engaging for children, regardless of their age or language level. When choosing games, it’s important to consider the children’s interests and abilities, as well as any cultural differences that may affect the gameplay. Using props and enthusiasm can help keep the children interested and motivated. Remember to be patient and flexible, allowing the children to learn at their own pace. 

Communication games can be a fun and effective way to help children of all ages and abilities improve their communication skills. Whether you’re playing “I Spy” with a toddler or “Charades” with a group of preteens, communication games can help children develop listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills while also promoting social interaction and physical activity. 

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.
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