ST GILES Nursery School in The Ivy, St Michael, has embarked on a comprehensive programme aimed at ensuring its students realise how important it is to communicate effectively.
The six-month drive, entitled Communication – I Can Communicate, runs from January to July and encompasses visits to media houses; talks from personnel in the communications industry; compiling booklets; making models and using puppetry and plays.
“The purpose is to build awareness of the importance of communication in the daily lives of students at an early age.
“They will be provided with the opportunity to explore the different methods of communication: dancing, singing, reporting, signing [for the hearing impaired], body language and reading, among others,” said teacher Fiona Ifill.
“The students will also be made aware of the various devices used in communication as well as of persons who work in the communication industry.
“By the end of this unit the students should be able to show an appreciation for communication in and out of school.”
In giving a project overview, Ifill said the students were divided into six groups – Significant Signers, Roving Reporters, Dynamic Dancers, Sensational Singers, Brilliant Broadcasters and the Busy Bookworms.
She was speaking during the official project launch at the school on Monday which was attended by Ministry of Education officials, including Deputy Chief Education Officer David Clement, who spoke on the importance of effective communication.
He said a lack of communication was often at the core of breakdowns in organisations and families, so the school embarking on such a project was commendable, advising the teachers to teach about the various channels of communications and adding listening was also integral.
Featured speaker was Senator Darcy Boyce, Minister with responsibility for energy and telecommunications in the Prime Minister’s Office. He spoke about the different nuances of communication, using examples the children could understand.
Boyce told them that someone who could not communicate was often frustrated and this could lead to violent behaviour. He went on to outline three things about effective communication.
“Is it the truth? Don’t communicate untruths – don’t tell lies.
“Is it fair to everybody? Something may be true but that doesn’t mean you have to communicate it all over the place.
“Will it help anybody? If your communication isn’t helping anybody, is it worth doing?” he asked.
The launch also included a musical rendition by Ishaka McNeil, sign language and singing from the students, and a brief tour of the school. (CA)
