COMMUNICATION: HOW TO TALK WITH TODDLERS
May 19, 2021
- Take the conversation to your child’s level. Conversations can sometimes be above the younger children’s level of understanding; therefore, it is important to bring the conversation in line with a level they would understand.
- The way we talk to our kids has a significant impact on their learning and ability to listen to us. We are continually modelling to our children how to act and behave, and the way we talk to them fits right into this category. The way we speak to them and others is showing them how we want them to respond to us and others.
- Make conversation a priority with your children. This is especially important when there is more than one child in the house. Using language and vocabulary that is age appropriate is really important to mould a rich language environment for your child. It will also build confidence, self-esteem and good relationships.
- Tune in and listen to what the child says. It is important to be attentive and show your child that you are interested in what they are saying. This also model good behaviour and manners you would like to teach your child for future reference.
- Take turns talking. Showcase a conversation and respond age appropriately to what is said. Don’t interrupt. Don’t scold your kids when they are telling you a story. They will lose interest in sharing their feelings with you in future if you shift away from their story. Rather use this opportunity to engage with your child and use the content as a teaching moment. Remember the exchange are not only about words but about feelings, about paying attention to that little person’s story.
- Talk about what the child is doing, what the child is looking at, or what the child is interested in. Ask open-ended questions to develop curiosity. Adding words or questions to what the child says will model new language and enrich your child’s vocabulary.
- Ask questions that relate to the child’s experiences or interests. This will help develop critical thinking skills and give the child a moment to think about different scenarios and how to approach or react to it.
- Give the child enough time to respond. For children who do not have language yet or is shy in nature, this may be a nonverbal response, like a gesture or a look. Allow your child to find his/her voice.
- Some children find speaking and listening harder than others. They might find it hard to understand what words and sentences mean. Some struggle to find the right words and sounds to use and put them in order. So, be considerate and patient. You can use your child's imagination to your advantage by making a game out of telling funny stories or jokes. Ask them to tell you a joke or teach you about their favourite toy, which will require them to put their thoughts into words. But even if your child experiences some language delays, this doesn’t always indicate a serious problem. If you worried because they are not speaking, see an expert.
- During difficult times, it is always harder to remember to acknowledge your child, but if a child can hear anything during a temper tantrum, it reassures them to hear our recognition of their point-of-view. Most parents talk too much or use unclear language when they discipline a small child. Too many words and vague complaints only confuse and overwhelm them, so be prepared when speaking to your little one.
- Reading to your child as much as possible every day is one of the best things you can do to encourage language development, imagination development and creativity.
By Andrison Muzinda: Head of Standard 7 GIS Parent: 1. Will AI replace teachers? 2. Should my child be using AI at school? These are questions I hear often from parents, and they are understandable. Artificial Intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, from the phones we use to the way we work. Naturally, parents want to know what it means for their children's education. As an educator, I have learnt that the real question is not whether children will use AI, but how schools can guide them to use it responsibly, ethically and effectively. The answer lies in a partnership that is technology working hand in hand with excellent teaching. AI is a tool, not a Replacement The best schools, like Gaborone International School, have always adapted to change while keeping children's needs at the centre. AI is not different. In my experience, the most meaningful learning still happens through strong relationships when a teacher notices a child's growth in confidence, a class discussion that sparks curiosity or a moment when a learner finally understands a difficult concept. AI cannot replace these human experiences. What it can do is help teachers personalise learning and give students more opportunities to grow. Personalised Learning One of the greatest strengths of AI is its ability to adapt learning to each child. In Gaborone International School, platforms such as AdvLearn provide learners with targeted practice and immediate feedback, helping them master concepts at their own pace. On the other hand, assessment tools like MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) allow teachers to identify strengths and areas for improvement, enabling instruction that is tailored to individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For younger learners, AI supported Guided Readers can recommend books at the right reading level and monitor progress, helping children build confidence and develop a love of reading. As teachers, we still interpret the data, encourage learners and make professional decisions. AI simply gives us better information to support every child. Creativity and Innovation Responsible use of AI also means preparing children for the future. This is why our school introduced robotics programmes, where learners design, build and programme solutions to real-world problems while developing creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. We also use Virtual Reality headsets to transform learning experiences. For instance, learners explore the solar system as if they are travelling through space. These immersive experiences make learning memorable and meaningful. The goal is not to impress students with technology but to deepen understanding and inspire curiosity. Ethics Matters Of course, with great opportunities come important responsibilities. Children need guidance on when and how to use AI. They must learn to think critically, verify information and understand that AI-generated content is not always accurate. At Gaborone International School, this means teaching digital citizenship alongside digital skills. Students should know that AI can help them brainstorm ideas or practise concepts, but it should never replace their own thinking, creativity or integrity. As educators, we have a duty to model responsible use and to create clear guidelines that protect learners while encouraging innovation. What Parents Can Do Parents do not need to be AI experts; instead, they should ask their children questions like: How are you using AI at school? What are you learning from using AI? Is AI helping you to think differently? These conversations teach children that technology is most powerful when paired with curiosity, good judgment, and strong values. Takeaway AI is changing education, and that change brings exciting possibilities. When used thoughtfully, tools such as AdvLearn, MAP, Guided Readers, robotics and VR can enrich learning and help children thrive. However, the heart of education remains unchanged: caring teachers, supportive families and young people who are encouraged to think, question and dream. The schools that will lead the future are not those that simply adopt the latest technology but the ones that use it responsibly, keeping children at the centre of every decision, and that is exactly the kind of future every parent wants for their child.
What Parents Should Really Look For
Using Assessment Insights to Personalise Support and Improve Learner Outcomes
