What is Communication?
Communication Defined
Communication is so closely connected to literacy, but we often see them as two separate things. When we discover that the many ways we connect and communicate as a family, within our own homes, can help our child build literacy skills, it takes off the pressure of us needing to be “literacy experts”.
Defined, communication is the sending and receiving of information and can be one-on-one or between groups of people, and can be face-to-face or through communication devices. Communication requires a sender, the person who initiates communication, to transfer their thoughts or encode a message. I think we often think about communication in terms of media outlets, or even business sense. But we all have thoughts and ideas that we want to convey to the world around us. From the baby who is crying to be fed, to the spokesperson on a stage giving a presentation, we all have something to communicate.
The Importance of Connection
How it Relates to Communication
At the heart of it, communication is about connection. Yes, we want to get ideas and information across, but what good is that without connection?
For the struggling reader or writer, we need to find those points of connection. When we do, communication – sharing thoughts and ideas – becomes natural, even easy.
Literacy skills are best learned in community, through connection and interaction – communication. Worksheets and drills are important and serve a role, but the skills are solidified when they can be put into action. This is why I loved small group literacy clubs when I taught in the classroom. Students get the chance to communicate with each other, learning and growing their skills together. This is far more effective and impacting than any lesson I taught them (though I am available for support). I now offer virtual literacy clubs so students can have this experience right from home.
Together, as a Family
You Can Do It!
Families have this same opportunity to grow literacy skills through the simple act of communicating with each other. I know this might seem unlikely, but it’s true! Growing literacy is a lifestyle. Sometimes the best way to strengthen those skills is by engaging everyday life and looking at all the ways we use literacy to communicate and interact. It might seem too simple, but the more aware we are of the moments around us, the more we can use them to build skills. It might be reading a cereal box together, finding new words at the grocery store, sharing stories around the dinner table, whatever you are doing can promote literacy growth. It does require being intentional, trusting the process, and I guarantee you will see results.
