What are the types of communication skills in early childhood, and what do they involve?

• Basic Communication Skills: Essential for social, emotional, and academic development, these skills involve listening, expressing needs, taking turns, using gestures, and making eye contact. They develop from infancy (0-8 years) and include verbal, nonverbal, and social abilities.

The document categorizes these skills into two main types:

1. Nonverbal Communication (Birth onwards):

   • Gestures and Body Language: Includes pointing, waving, nodding, or reaching to express needs before speech develops.
   • Facial Expressions and Eye Contact: Involves using smiles, frowns, and eye contact to convey emotions and build emotional awareness.
   • Touch: Using hugs, holding hands, or proximity to convey comfort and safety.

2. Verbal Communication (Infancy to 8 years):

   • Vocalization and Babbling: Early noises, cooing, and babbling that develop into purposeful words.
   • Expressive Language: The ability to communicate thoughts, needs, and feelings through words and sentences.