If you have spent much time around children, you find that they are blunt and will say the first thing that pops into their head. This is not always an admirable trait, though. One important skill children need to learn at an early age is to think before they speak. Reading aloud helps a child understand the importance of processing mental information before he speaks. Train your students to read slowly and articulate instead of feeling caught up on every mistake.
When you notice your students having a conflict, it is important to promote communication between them to resolve the issue. Sit down with the children and monitor the conversation. Tell the children to take turns talking about the problem. Don’t let the children interrupt each other and give everyone a fair chance to say what’s going on. Keep them calm and remind them not to yell as they try to express themselves. After they state the problem, work with the children to find a solution to the conflict.
Sometimes it’s easier to speak when you’re using someone else’s words. The same goes for children. Work on their public speaking skills by giving them an excerpt from a famous speech. Allow the children to read it and memorize it. Once the students have time to prepare, allow them to read the excerpt in front of their classmates. Some children may still feel stage fright, so give them tips on controlling nerves during public speaking, such as breathing regularly and avoiding eye contact.
Many younger children have something they love to talk about when they get the chance. They can talk about their families, their favorite toys or their animals. Ask the children to tell the class about their favorite family member, toy and activity. There will still be some shyness, but asking questions about a favorite subject will make speaking easier. Have the children draw a picture of their favorite things so they have a conversation starter for the class.