communication activities babies

Speech Blubs

by Blub Blub

Browse topics

All blog posts 405

Language Activities to Improve Speech for Babies and Toddlers

Robert mckenzie.

New York , New York

Feb 8, 2022 While children may enjoy interacting with other children in their nursery or school classrooms, they may not be able to convey new words or thoughts. Help them with these language activities!

As language skills are acquired, and vocabulary is increased on a weekly or even daily basis, it will be determined primarily by the adults in the child’s life. This means that adults regularly play an active role in children’s lives and must be held accountable for the development of their children’s language skills. Children will naturally seek out adults who are surrounding them and teaching them what the new word means.

Sing, Read, Narrate Everything

Perhaps one of the more fun and enjoyable ways to support children’s language skills is to incorporate music into everyday activities and routines. Singing and listening to songs can give children the opportunity to practice hearing and use new sounds and words.

Reading to children not only contributes to their learning at school but also enables them to develop a special love affair together. They also learn that books are fun, and have a positive impact on their ability to become good readers.

A large body of research shows that reading to children can help develop strong language skills in the distant future. Studies have shown that the number of words a child hears is associated with an increase in vocabulary by age 4. Research also shows the best way for children to learn a language is by talking about what we do in everyday life.

If you want your children to be great writers, they must be great readers. Help them become better writers by creating a strong connection between their writing skills and their love of reading. Most children learn language by absorbing words and what they mean through loving family interactions . Infants and toddlers can enroll in official language classes to teach them how to speak.

Take a free assessment!

Get personalized feedback on your child’s milestones.

Play, Ask Open Questions, Categorize Objects

As a parent, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure a literacy-rich environment for your children. Adding these techniques to your parent-teacher toolkit can go a long way toward developing your child’s early literacy. Pretend play is another great way for young students to learn new vocabulary if it is presented in a rich language environment.

In a colloquial manner, without dominating the discussion, teachers help children develop their language skills by asking thought-provoking questions and introducing new vocabulary through science, art, snacking, and other activities. Children have the opportunity to talk aloud about their favorite books and play stories. Their sentences become longer and more complex. In a language-rich environment , language skill in preschoolers develops.

Labeling objects to draw attention to them helps children learn them and remember them, even if they have not seen them before. This is incredibly important, and using language just for current abilities can help children understand and use more complex things earlier. The number of words a child knows depends on what they are learning to read when they start school. By creating a language-rich environment, you don’t just help them learn words, but can initiate brain changes that continue to give them an advantage year later.

Use Speech Blubs for At-home Speech Practice

The more you practice, the more you learn! Try Speech Blubs app for fun and engaging therapy sessions with your little one.

Boost Your Child’s Speech Development!

Improve language & communication skills with fun learning!

Below you will find even more age appropriate language strategies to create language-rich environment at home:

Free Assessment!

Take this quiz and get a report on your child’s milestones and a personalized learning plan.

Have a question for our Speech Therapists?

The author’s views are entirely his or her own and may not necessarily reflect the views of Blub Blub Inc. All content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Games for learning colors - 5 fun kids activities.

Children learn best with help from their parents. The more time you spend teaching them, the more interested they will be in learning. If your...

Early Literacy Skills and How to Encourage Them

Literacy is so much more than just being able to read and write; it’s about understanding, listening, speaking, spelling, and vocabulary. If a child is...

Get started with Speech Blubs

Cancel anytime, hassle-free!

NAEYC Login
Member Profile
Hello Community
Accreditation Portal
Online Learning
Online Store

Popular Searches: DAP ; Coping with COVID-19 ; E-books ; Anti-Bias Education ; Online Store

Communicating with Baby: Tips and Milestones from Birth to Age 5

Babies start to communicate from the day they are born. Before formal schooling ever begins, there are critical periods of rapid development when the brain is best able to acquire speech (sound production) and language (understanding and using words). As young children grow, their communication skills become more complex. They learn to understand and use language to express their thoughts and feelings and to connect with others.

Parents, family members, and caregivers are children’s most important teachers and communication models. But it doesn’t take apps, videos, or other special tools to make the most of this crucial time. Your everyday interactions with your children help build their brains and support their communication development.

Communication milestones

Children develop at different rates, but most follow a natural timetable for learning speech and language. Communication milestones are skills that children, on average, are expected to have by a certain age. These milestones build on one another and help us know if a child’s development is on track. It’s important for parents to recognize typical communication milestones so they can support their children’s growth and seek help early on if their children are not meeting them.

Below are general milestones for hearing, listening, speech, language, and cognitive development in children from birth to age 5. Keep in mind that development varies and an individual child may develop more quickly in one area than in another. Your child might not have all the skills listed until the end of the age range.

Here are some communication milestones typically expected by 3 months of age:

Hearing & Understanding

Startles at loud sounds
Quiets or smiles when you talk
Seems to recognize your voice and quiets when crying
Makes cooing sounds
Smiles at people
Has different cries for different needs

As you can see, communication occurs long before children speak their first words (which usually happens around 12 months). Skills continue to develop from 4 to 6 months , 7 to 12 months, 1 to 2 years, 2 to 3 years , 3 to 4 years , 4 to 5 years , and beyond.

If at any stage you notice your child isn’t meeting these milestones, have a discussion with your pediatrician, who may recommend seeking help from a certified audiologist (for hearing) or speech/language pathologist (for speech and language). A searchable database of these professionals is available at www.asha.org/profind . Note that through Early Intervention Programs in the United States, free or low-cost help is often available for infants and toddlers.

Sometimes friends, neighbors, or other professionals may tell parents that they should “wait and see” if their child’s communication problems go away. While it’s true that some children are late bloomers, seeking evaluation sooner rather than later is important if you or your doctor notice any delays in your child's development. It’s more effective to treat communication problems early. More information is available here .

Tips for parents and families

What can you do to help your child? Here are some tips:

TALK , talk, and then talk some more. During your daily activities, talk about what you and your child are doing. Ask and answer questions. Your child will learn to associate the words you say with the people, actions, objects, and feelings you describe.
ENCOURAGE your budding communicator. Listen and respond to your child’s sounds and words, including cooing and babbling. Imitate her sounds or words and add to them. Introduce vocabulary words during new routines and outings. You’re teaching back-and-forth conversation skills.
READ every day, starting from birth. Choose books with rhymes, bright colors, different textures, and photos. Read with expression, and point to words as you say them; point out real versions of pictures from the books your read as you see them in everyday settings ( traffic signs, store logos). Create daily routines that incorporate reading, such as at bedtime or mealtimes.
SING songs and recite nursery rhymes. Vary the pitch and volume of your voice.
MODEL good speech. Speak clearly and naturally, and use correct speech sounds.
DESCRIBE objects that have different sizes, colors, and textures. Use comparison words such as hard and soft.
PLAY games that help your child follow directions, such as Simon Says. Encourage pretend play: pretend to talk on a toy phone, or have a “picnic.” Build on the conversation (this is appropriate for older toddlers).
ASK why questions, such as “Why do we need to eat breakfast?” And be ready to answer them, too (this is appropriate for older toddlers).

Want to learn more? Download the Communicating With Baby toolkit here .

Behavior and Development

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Certification
Publications
Continuing Education
Practice Management
Audiologists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Academic & Faculty
Audiology & SLP Assistants

Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Development

Birth to 2 years.

Say sound like "ma," "da," and "ba." Try to get your baby to say them back to you.
Look at your baby when they make sounds. Talk back to them, and say what they say. Pretend to have a conversation.
Respond when your baby laughs or makes faces. Make the same faces back to them.
Teach your baby to do what you do, like clapping your hands and playing peek-a-boo.
Talk to your baby as you give them a bath, feed them, and get them dressed. Talk about what you are doing and where you are going. Tell them who or what you will see.
Point out colors and shapes.
Count what you see.
Use gestures, like waving and pointing.
Talk about animal sounds. This helps your baby connect the sound and the animal. Use words like "The dog says woof-woof."
Add on to what your baby says. When your baby says, "Mama," say, "Here is Mama. Mama loves you. Where is baby? Here is baby."
Read to your child. You don't have to read every word, but talk about the pictures. Choose books that are sturdy and have large colorful pictures. Ask your child, "What's this?" and try to get them to point to or name objects.

2 to 4 Years

Speak clearly to your child. Model good speech.
Repeat what your child says to show that you understand. Add on to what they say. Use words like, "Want juice? I have juice. I have apple juice. Do you want apple juice?"
It's okay to use baby talk sometimes. Be sure to use the adult word too. For example, "It is time for din-din. We will have dinner now."
Cut out pictures of favorite or familiar things. Put them into categories, like things to ride on, things to eat, and things to play with. Make silly pictures by mixing and matching pictures. Glue a picture of a dog behind the wheel of a car. Talk about what is wrong with the picture and ways to "fix" it.
Help your child understand and ask questions. Play the yes–no game. Ask questions such as, "Are you Marty?" and "Can a pig fly?" Have your child make up questions and try to fool you.
Ask questions that include a choice. "Do you want an apple or an orange?" "Do you want to wear your red shirt or your blue shirt?"
Help your child learn new words. Name body parts, and talk about what you do with them. "This is my nose. I can smell flowers, brownies, and soap."
Sing simple songs, and say nursery rhymes. This helps your child learn the rhythm of speech.
Place familiar objects in a box. Have your child take one out and tell you its name and how to use it. "This is my ball. I bounce it. I play with it."
Show pictures of familiar people and places. Talk about who they are and what happened. Try making up new stories.

4 to 6 Years

Pay attention when your child talks to you.
Get your child's attention before you talk.
Praise your child when they tell you something. Show that you understand their words.
Pause after speaking. This gives your child a chance to respond.
Keep helping your child learn new words. Say a new word, and tell them what it means, or use it in a way that helps him understand. For example, you can use the word "vehicle" instead of "car." You can say, "I think I will drive the vehicle to the store. I am too tired to walk."
Talk about where things are, using words like "first," "middle," and "last" or "right" and "left." Talk about opposites like "up" and "down" or "on" and "off."
Have your child guess what you describe. Say, "We use it to sweep the floor," and have them find the broom. Say, "It is cold, sweet, and good for dessert. I like strawberry" so they can guess "ice cream."
Work on groups of items, or categories. Find the thing that does not belong in a group. For example, "A shoe does not go with an apple and an orange because you can't eat it. It is not round. It is not a fruit."
Help your child follow two- and three-step directions. Use words like, "Go to your room, and bring me your book."
Ask your child to give directions. Follow their directions as they tell you how to build a tower of blocks.
Play games with your child such as "house." Let them be the parent, and you pretend to be the child. Talk about the different rooms and furniture in the house.
Watch movies together on TV or a tablet. Talk about what your child is watching. Have them guess what might happen next. Talk about the characters. Are they happy or sad? Ask them to tell you what happened in the story. Act out a scene together, or make up a different ending.
Use everyday tasks to learn language. For example, talk about the foods on the menu and their color, texture, and taste when in the kitchen. Talk about where to put things. Ask them to put the napkin on the table, in your lap, or under the spoon. Talk about who the napkin belongs to. Say, "It is my napkin." "It is Daddy's." "It is Tamara's."
Go grocery shopping together. Talk about what you will buy, how many things you need, and what you will make. Talk about sizes, shapes, and weight.

To find a speech-language pathologist near you, visit ProFind .

In the Public Section

Hearing & Balance
Speech, Language & Swallowing
About Health Insurance
Adding Speech & Hearing Benefits
Advocacy & Outreach
Find a Professional
Advertising Disclaimer
Advertise with us

ASHA Corporate Partners

Become A Corporate Partner

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 234,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students.

All ASHA Websites
Work at ASHA
Marketing Solutions

Information For

Get involved.

ASHA Community
Become a Mentor
Become a Volunteer
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Connect With ASHA

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 2200 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850 Members: 800-498-2071 Non-Member: 800-638-8255

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT

Media Resources

Press Queries

Skip to content
Skip to navigation

Communication and talking: what to expect in the early years

Babies are born ready to communicate with you.

Newborn babies communicate by crying . This is how they let you know that they’re hungry, uncomfortable, in pain or need comfort. Sometimes babies cry for no obvious reason.

During the first 3 months, babies begin to use their voice and body to communicate . For example, they’ll smile, laugh, make cooing sounds, and move their arms and legs when they’re interested or excited.

From around 3 months, you’ll see and hear baby language starting to develop . This happens when you and your child make eye contact, interact and take turns, almost as if you’re having a conversation.

After about 9 months of age, your child will let you know they’re interested in something by staring, pointing, touching and grabbing.

By about 12 months of age, your child will probably understand the names of things they see or use often, like ‘cup’, ‘doll’ or ‘toe’.

And as your toddler’s language develops between 1 and 2 years , you and your child might start to have simple conversations. For example, they might draw your attention to something and say, ‘That?’ (‘What’s that?’)

In language development at 2-3 years , children start to use words to ask for familiar things like food and toys. They also use words to comment on things that interest them. By about 3 years of age, children can ask and respond to basic questions and follow simple instructions. They might start to join sentences using words like ‘and’.

You can respond to your child’s communication in many ways – by talking and singing gently, chatting during the day and enjoying back-and-forth communication about things that interest your child. When you respond in these ways, you encourage your child to keep communicating, which helps them learn language. You also strengthen your relationship with your child , which is good for their overall learning, development and confidence.

How to talk and communicate with babies and toddlers

Talk to your child a lot Children learn to talk when parents and caregivers talk to them a lot. You don’t need to make a special time for talking. Any and all talking is good for your child. This includes talking while you dress or bath your baby, talking while you play, singing songs and nursery rhymes, and reading.

When children hear a lot of different words, they’re likely to learn, understand and use plenty of different words themselves.

Tune in and respond The way you talk to your child is important for helping them learn language.

It’s all about responding to your child when they show interest in something. This starts with tuning in to what your child is interested in or what they’re trying to tell you, and then saying something about it to them. It’s good to leave a gap after you’ve responded to your child. This gives your child time to take in what you’ve said and respond in their own way.

For example, if your child points to a tree, you might say, ‘It’s a great big, enormous tree, isn’t it?’ Then wait. Your child might point, babble, squeal or say words. Then you could respond again by saying something like, ‘I wonder what kind of animals live in that tree? Maybe possums?’

Noticing and responding, waiting, and then responding again keeps the interaction going and helps your child learn about conversation.

Pay attention to your child’s cues Sometimes you might find that your child doesn’t respond, even when you leave a gap after you’ve said something. That’s OK, because babies and toddlers like quiet times too.

If you pay attention to your child, your child’s interest and responses will guide your communication. For example, if your child starts to look tired, restless or grumpy, take a break from chatting. You can try again another time.

Your child’s temperament might also affect how much and how often they want to communicate with you. Some children are naturally more outgoing, and others are quieter.

The sing-song voice that some grown-ups use around babies is called ‘child-directed speech’ or ‘parentese’. It sounds a bit like this: ‘Helloooo babbeeee, who’s a liddle baaabeeee?’ It can also include ‘baby words’ like ‘bikkie’ or ‘birdie’. This kind of talk helps your baby pay attention to your face and voice, and listen to the sounds that make up speech.

Tips for baby and toddler communication and talking

You can talk with children from birth.

Here are ideas for talking and communicating with your child even before they can talk back:

Look for times when your child is alert, because this is when they’ll be most interested in communicating.
Respond to your child’s attempts at communication. For example, if your child makes eye contact with you, smiles or reaches out to you, you can respond by being enthusiastic, warm and encouraging.
If your child points or waves, talk about the things they’re pointing or waving to. Praise your child if they wave and then wave back.
Use your tone of voice to make your conversation interesting and engaging. Plenty of facial expressions are good too.
Sing songs and rhymes in the car, in the bath, at bedtime – even if it’s off-key. Singing in a second language is fun and helps your child learn too.
Read books and tell stories , each day if you can. You can talk about the pictures in books, wonder out loud what might happen next, or make up your own stories to go with the pictures. If your child shows interest in something on the page, it’s OK to talk about it as long as they want to.

As your child learns to talk, these ideas can build their language and confidence as a communicator:

Give your child time to find words for their ideas, and really listen when they talk. For example, let your child finish what they’re saying before you talk. This sends the message that what your child has to say matters.
If you use complex words, explain and build on them by using descriptive words. For example, ‘We’re going to see the paediatrician – that’s a special doctor who knows all about babies and children’.
Talk to your child about things they’re interested in – for example, what grandpa might be doing today, a story you’ve read together, or something that’s happening outside.
Talk about an experience you shared – for example, ‘It’s sunny today. But remember how wet we got on the way home yesterday? Your socks were soaked!’
Play games and do activities that help your child learn new words in a fun way. For example, you could play Guess the animal or look for words when you go to the park or the shops.

The main thing is to create a loving, warm feeling between you and your baby or toddler. You can use simple, enjoyable interactions, plus play ideas to encourage baby talking and play ideas to encourage toddler talking .

Talking and communication: when to be concerned in the early years

Children develop communication skills at different times.

For example, many babies make eye contact and sounds early, but others might not start until around 3 months. If your child doesn’t do something at the same age as others, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be worried.

But sometimes delays in communication skills can be signs of developmental delay , language delay or developmental disorders including deafness and hearing loss , intellectual disability and autism .

You know your child better than anyone else. If you’re worried, talk to your child and family health nurse , your GP or another child health professional. If your health professional doesn’t have concerns about your child, but you still do, it’s OK to seek another opinion.

Child's progress checker

1.9 million children in the UK are currently struggling with talking and understanding words. They urgently need help.

Our campaigns
Our policy campaigns
Our past campaigns

Help for families

We give advice and guidance to families to help them support their child's skills.

Signs and symptoms
Ages and stages
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) awareness
Resource library for families
Talk to a speech and language therapist
Book an assessment for your child

Educators and professionals

We design innovative tools and training for thousands of nursery assistants and teachers to use in their classrooms.

Programmes for nurseries and schools
Training courses
Resource library for educators
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) educational support
What Works database
Information for speech and language therapists

We work to give every child the skills they need to face the future with confidence.

Our 5-year strategy: Confident young futures
Our schools
Our work with local authorities and multi-academy trusts
Speech, Language and Communication Alliance
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statement
Safeguarding
Our annual reports
News and blogs

Get involved

By making a donation, fundraising for us, or supporting our campaigns, you can help create a brighter future for children across the UK today.

Support our pledge
No Pens Day
Take part in an event
Sign up to our mailing list
Become a tutor
Work for us
Corporate partnerships
Trusts and foundations
Leave a gift in your will

Search our site

Supporting babies’ early communication skills.

Advice for supporting early communication skills in babies aged 6 – 18 months.

How can I help my baby develop their communication skills?

Babies are amazing learners. They are born ready to learn about their home language or languages. You – as your baby’s family – are the most important people to help them on their journey towards learning to communicate. Here are some tips to support your baby’s communication skills:

Be face to face: Your baby will learn a lot from looking at your face and body language when you talk. Make it easy for your baby to see and hear you by getting down onto the floor with them and being face to face.

Take turns: Copy the sounds and actions that your baby makes. If your baby says ‘ga’- you say ‘ga’ back. If your baby claps – you clap. This is the first step in your baby learning to take turns in a conversation.

Watch closely: What is your baby doing or looking at? Watching your baby closely can help you know when they are ready to hear a new word, and when they are busy thinking and don’t want to be interrupted! Babies and toddlers will often let you know when they want you to talk to them, by looking towards you, pointing, or bringing something to show you.

Repeat words: Babies need to hear words lots of times before they can understand the words or use them to talk. Keep your sentences short and say important words several times- ‘Shoes. Your shoes. Red shoes. Bye-bye shoes’. Use an excited voice to help catch your baby’s attention.

Choices: Even before your baby can talk, they can often find other ways to communicate what they want if given a choice. Show your baby two things to choose between (e.g. ‘teddy or ball?’, or ‘apple or banana?’). Your baby may show you what they want by looking, reaching, pointing, or by trying to say the word.

People play: Babies learn to communicate best by spending time playing and communicating with other people. They don’t need expensive toys or screen time. Here are some people play games your baby or toddler might enjoy: Peekaboo, round and round the garden, chasing or lifting games. Find more ideas here .

Songs, nursery rhymes, and music: Babies can learn words and actions through songs and nursery rhymes. Some good action songs to try are: ‘Wind the bobbin up’, ‘Row row row your boat’, and ‘If you’re happy and you know it’. Listening or moving to music can also help get them ready to notice sounds. Share songs, nursery rhymes, and music with your child in any of the languages that you use at home.

Share stories: Looking at books together is a great way to help babies and toddlers learn new words. Start by simply talking about the pictures that your child seems interested in. See our information on book sharing .

When should I use these strategies?

Babies are developing their communication skills all the time. It is most helpful to use strategies to support your baby’s communication skills during your normal daily routines. Here are some examples:

Useful websites

BBC – Tiny Happy People

NHS – Help your baby learn to talk

Words For Life – How to encourage your baby to talk

With thanks to our patron the late Queen Elizabeth II

EYFS Activity

19 Activity ideas for outstanding communication and language development in EYFS

The past 2-years have been incredibly challenging, affecting our children the most. Nurseries and schools have worked tirelessly to support all children and their families through the lockdowns and restrictions. However, the impact is still unknown for our youngest children, who have sacrificed vital interaction and communication opportunities.

This article explores why, now more than ever, communication and language is important in the Early Years. Plus we have 19 activity ideas to develop speech, communication and language in your setting.

Why is communication and language development important in the Early Years?

The importance is visible across all new statutory documentation, the EYFS framework highlighting speech, communication and language as a prime area of learning and development . A misconception surrounding the Early Years is that it is preparation to begin formal schooling.

Although this is considered when increasing lengths of time concentrating and eventually table-top activities, the founders of the Curiosity Approach passionately explain that Early Years is a learning time in its own right.

These crucial years should be filled with exploration, measured risk-taking and interaction. Developing language and communication skills are essential for success beyond the nursery into adult life.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is currently in the spotlight for Ofsted , educational reform , and Special Educational Needs (SEN), finally recognising the positive impact these vital years have on progression. Language acquisition and practice increase confidence for children to engage in conversation, prompting the knock-on development of vocabulary growth and social skills.

What does communication mean in the Early Years?

Communication is so much more than talking; it is the transfer of information from one person to another. You may have heard the phrase, communication play , this is where the main features of the play itself centre around communication: role-play, joke-telling, mime games, and charades.

It’s important to create language-rich learning opportunities to support all aspects of interaction at an early age.

How to organise an outstanding speech, communication, and language provision

Organising a learning environment where communication and language can flourish doesn’t need to be expensive or difficult. There are simple ways to ensure your setting is optimising all possible opportunities for effective interaction.

The learning environment must be purposeful, with areas for role-playing and exploration regularly changed to meet the needs of the children. Outstanding nurseries follow Ofsted’s 3 I’s (Intent, Implementation, and Impact) when designing and reviewing their nursery environment. Question the role-play opportunities; are they supporting different types of play such as independent, small group and larger group play?

Ensure language-rich activities are a high priority with your team members, running personalised CPD sessions on this can be an excellent refresher for all nursery staff. For staff members who are new to the setting, possibly apprentices, organise for them to shadow an experienced staff member who can model back and forth interactions effectively.

Finally, the activities, consider all aspects of communication when planning engaging activities for the children. You may find it useful to unpick a planned session during staff meeting time or encourage your apprentice to use some of their 20% off the job hours to reflect on the even spread of communication activities. Are there enough opportunities to develop non-verbal communication, potentially dipping into easy Makaton to learn with your children?

Sign up to our newsletter for more great content insights like this!

Practitioner
Full Name: *
Email Address *
Curious? Request a Blossom demo (optional)
Contact Number *
Setting Name *
Setting Type * Please Select... Nursery Montessori Pre-School Childminder
Number of settings * Please Select... 1 2 3-10 10+
Send me more content like this!
We value your privacy. For more information, check out our privacy policy .
Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

19 activities to develop effective communication and language provision in your nursery

As communication and language as a core area of development and learning is so broad, it is useful to create subgroups of activities to ensure full coverage of all aspects. We have collated 19 activities for you to try in your nursery setting to target all areas of communication.

Speech, vocabulary, and discussion

Most commonly, activities designed to develop interaction with peers and adults fall into this category. Encompassing all games where discussion is encouraged, these are excellent short burst games at any point in the day.

Nursery rhymes

Nursery rhymes and repetitive songs with actions are an excellent vehicle for changes of intonation in voice and encouraging simple actions. You can find more information on the developmental progress stages here.

Include all the favourite toys and teddies in their own tea party. This can be including measuring and pouring different levels and liquids for some practical life skills as well as having discussion topics and taking turns when joining in with the conversation.

Would you rather?

Needing no resources, just an imagination, these questions can be as serious or silly as you like. You can begin to see preferences and interests shine through with these questions and they are perfect for any new starters that may be a little nervous. Here are a few to get you going: Would you rather be a monster-sized ant or an ant-sized monster? Would you rather have hands for feet or feet for hands? Extend their vocabulary skills with explanations.

Microphones

These can be attached to a sound system, a plastic microphone or just a prop. Regardless of the resource you decide on, they have a stage to fill!

Surprise Box

This activity is an excellent discussion starter, it can be the hook into an organised phonics or literacy activity. Inside a box, place a mystery object, it can be linked to your story. Give the children clues about what may be inside. They can talk as a group or together with a partner.

Makeshift phone

An age-old activity, using the middle of a toilet roll or a plastic cup, attach some strong string to the end of the cup/roll. Repeat this at the end of the string to have a 2-way telephone. You can extend this by giving partner one a simple set of instructions to deliver to partner two down their new telephone.

Pompom avalanche

Requiring patience and fine motor skills, this activity includes pompoms (or any small item), chopsticks and a colander. Place the sticks in through the holes of the upturned colander and pour the pompoms on top. The children will carefully pull the chopsticks out watching the pompoms fall.

There are many different types of play , roleplay can include an end goal (catching the baddie), use of imaginary weapons or having a real-life purpose (shopping for food). Ensure your fancy dress box is fully stocked, using different textures of material for open-ended play .

Picture stimulus

Online free websites such as Once upon a picture are excellent starting points for discussions and vocabulary acquisition missions!

Comprehension of vocabulary

Story stones.

These can be made by the children themselves or can be purchased, here is an example of a story stone pack for purchase . They can be dotted around your setting for the children to find and create a story as they go.

Truly testing their comprehension of vocabulary, instructional drawing is an activity to develop fine motor skills and listening ability. This works well in small groups, an adult (or child) will choose an object, you can add additional adjectives for extension. They will call out the object and the children will try to draw what they think that object looks like.

Find me the…

When setting up for tabletop activities, you can increase back and forth conversation by engaging the children in the process. Naming the objects you will need in a list and extending the length of the list each time can also increase their working memory capacity.

A timeless game, where vocabulary understanding is key to being able to describe it well. Remind them they can use their senses by linking to rhyming sounds.

This activity works well when the children can physically see the item you are describing. The aim of the game is to guess the object in the least about of clues- the clues will get progressively easier. For example, the first 3 clues for a pencil may be: You can hold me in your hand, I can be sharp, and artists use me.

Senses and concrete experience

Musical statues.

Why not link in different cultural music to link with your focus topics? You can play the music very quietly to require quiet feet and careful listening, also working on core strength and balance for the statue pause.

Using your surroundings, find some objects that they are familiar with (you can link this game of I-spy to their current alphabet and phonics learning ). You can give clues whether the object may be up high or down low.

Feely boxes

Linking to their senses and concrete experience, place an object with texture (spikey ball, jelly, water snake) in a box that is covered with only a slot for their hands to feel. Cue the squeaks and squeals as they find the jelly texture.

Listening bottles

This is an ideal use for those recycled plastic bottles. Fill the bottles with dried rice, pasta or beans. Listen to the sounds they make; can they begin to make connections with what the sounds remind them of?

Guess the sound

Allow the children to play with a number of noisy objects (foil, recycled plastic wrapper, pasta in a bottle, wooden blocks). If they are comfortable, they can wear a blindfold and guess which item you make a noise with. This is linking their concrete experience with their senses helping the information to move into long term memory.

For more brilliant EYFS activities, check out our Ultimate guide to EYFS activities blog post and easily cover the seven areas of learning!

Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Know someone who'd like to read this article?

Quality Nursery Management Software.

Nurseries across the UK use Blossom to increase efficiency across their finance, learning journeys, operations & occupancy.

Testimonials
Case Studies
Nursery Cost Savings Calculator
Nursery Management Software
BE paid by Blossom
Recommended devices
Blossom On BBC
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Help Centre
Blossom’s Blog
Accessibility statement
Early Years Guides

40 Conversation Games for Kids that Encourage Communication

by Lori Herbert
August 30, 2023
1 share 0 0 1

Communication is an invaluable life skill that enables individuals to build meaningful connections, express themselves clearly, and comprehend others’ opinions. As a parent or caregiver, teaching your children practical communication skills is essential for their social and emotional development.

One way to help children develop their communication skills is through conversation games for kids, which offer a fun and interactive way to practice these abilities. Popular examples of such games include Two Truths and a Lie, Simon Says, Twenty Questions, Would You Rather, and Alphabet Game.

By playing conversation games, children can learn how to express themselves, understand and respect others’ opinions, and develop critical thinking abilities. It also helps them build strong and healthy relationships with their peers, family, and friends.

40 Fun Conversation Games for Kids

1. Two Truths and a Lie

In this game, each player tells three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is false. The other players must guess which one is false. This game encourages active listening and helps children develop their ability to distinguish between fact and fiction.

2. The Whisper Challenge

One player whispers a phrase to another player, who repeats it to the next player, and so on. The last player says the phrase out loud, and everyone can see how the message may have changed. The Whisper Challenge is an ideal activity for teaching kids the significance of clear communication and how miscommunication can occur.

3. What’s the Question?

One player chooses a topic and makes a statement about it. The other players must come up with a question that corresponds to this statement. This conversation game for kids is a great way to improve children’s listening skills. It can also help them learn how to ask questions to clarify information.

4. Hot Potato

In this conversation game for kids, players pass an object like toys around while music plays. When the music stops, whoever holds the object must answer a question or share something about themselves. Playing this game encourages kids to think independently and build confidence in their ability to communicate in front of others.

5. Picture Storytelling

Here, one gives each player a picture and asks them to create a story based on it. This conversation game urges children to use their imagination and communication skills to craft an exciting tale they can share with others.

6. Would You Rather

Would You Rather involves asking children a series of questions that require them to choose between two options. It encourages them to think creatively and explain their thought processes.

This classic conversation game for kids is an excellent way for children to observe and describe their environment. It involves one child giving a clue, and the others have to guess the object.

8. Storytelling

Storytelling involves one child starting a story and the others adding to it. It encourages children to use their imagination, develop their narrative skills and learn to be active listeners.

9. Simon Says

Simon Says is a game that teaches children to follow directions and listen carefully. One person gives instructions. The others only have to follow if the instruction starts with the phrase “Simon says.”

10. Conversation Starter

An underrated game that encourages communication, Conversation Starter is a game in which children are asked thought-provoking questions. This allows them to express their opinions and thoughts on various topics.

11. Twenty Questions

Twenty Questions is another classic children’s guessing game. One player thinks of an object, and the other players ask yes or no questions to guess what it is. Players have 20 questions to guess the object, and the player who guesses correctly becomes the next person to think of an object.

12. Telephone

In the game Telephone, one person whispers a message to another. The second person then whispers it to the next person, and so on. The last person says the message out loud, and it’s compared to the original message to see how it has changed.

13. Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare is a favorite game of many. In this game, players ask each other to choose between telling the truth or doing a dare.

You can ask any question or suggest any dare. However, it must be appropriate and within the comfort level of the other players. If a player refuses to answer the question or take the dare, they may be penalized or eliminated from the game.

14. Never Have I Ever

Never Have I Ever is a game where players take turns saying something they have never done before. If another player has done the thing mentioned, they must put a finger down. The game continues until a player has put all their fingers down.

15. Alphabet Game

Players take turns saying a word beginning with the next letter of the alphabet. The game continues until a player runs out of words. Players cannot repeat a word that has already been said.

16. Charades

In this conversation game for kids, players act out a word or phrase without speaking. Meanwhile, the other players try to guess the word or phrase.

The person acting out the word or phrase can’t make sounds or use props. The game can be played in teams or individually and is often used as a party game or to improve communication and acting skills.

17. Rock-Paper-Scissors

A classic hand game where players choose rock, paper, or scissors and try to beat their opponent.

18. Who Am I?

Who Am I is a fun conversation game that helps kids learn about people, places, and things. One player thinks of a person or character and provides clues about them.

The other players try to guess who the person is. The player who correctly guesses the person gets to think of the next clue.

19. Hangman

Hangman is a word-guessing game played between two or more people. One person thinks of a word, and the other person(s) tries to guess it by suggesting letters.

The word is represented by a series of dashes representing each letter. For each incorrect guess, a part of a “hangman” is drawn until the word is guessed correctly or the hangman is completed.

20. The Minister’s Cat

The Minister’s Cat is a word game in which players take turns describing the Minister’s Cat with an adjective that begins with the next letter of the alphabet. For example, “The Minister’s cat is angry.”

If players cannot think of an adjective that starts with the next letter, they’re out of the game. The game continues until only one player remains.

21. Categories

The game begins with someone choosing a category, such as animals, colors, or fruits. Players take turns naming items that fit into a specific category. They then take turns naming items that fit into that category until someone can’t come up with a new answer.

22. Heads Up

Heads Up is a game where one person holds a card to their forehead without looking at it, and the other players give them clues to guess what is on the card. The person with the card on their forehead can only answer yes or no to the clues given. The game continues until the person correctly guesses the word or time runs out.

23. Emoji Charades

Emoji Charades is a conversation game for kids where they act out a phrase or word using only emojis. The other players must guess the phrase or word based on the emojis. It’s a fun and engaging way for kids to use their creativity and communication skills.

24. Famous Duos

Players take turns naming pairs of famous people who are often associated with each other. The pairs can be from different fields, such as movies, music, literature, or history. The game can be played in a group or one-on-one, and the player who can’t think of a pair loses the round.

25. I’m Going to a Picnic

Players take turns adding to a list of items to bring to a picnic but can only add an item that starts with the next letter of the alphabet.

26. Trivia Challenge

Trivia Challenge involves asking and answering questions about various topics, such as science, history, geography, literature, and pop culture. The game usually involves players taking turns to ask questions and awarding points for correct answers. The winner is usually the player with the most points at the end of the game.

27. Mad Libs

Mad Libs is a fun conversation game for kids that involves filling in the blanks of a story with various types of words, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives. The result is often a hilarious and nonsensical story that the players create together. Players take turns filling in the blanks without knowing the story’s context, which leads to unexpected and often comical outcomes.

28. Name That Tune

One player hums or sings a tune, and the other players have to guess the song’s name.

29. Word Association

In this game, one player says a word, and the others say the first thing that comes to mind. The game continues with the last word said.

30. Pictionary

Pictionary is a drawing and guessing game that is popular among kids. One player selects a word or phrase and then draws a picture on a piece of paper. The other players then try to guess the word or phrase based on the picture.

31. Scavenger Hunt

Players take turns asking questions to find hidden items. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, and the players must find items from a list or clues provided by the person running the game. The winner is the player who finds all the items first or the most items within a certain time frame.

32. Celebrity Impersonations

Celebrity Impersonations is a game where kids pick a famous person and then take turns impersonating them. The other players must guess who they are impersonating. The winner is the person who can guess the most celebrities correctly.

33. Guess that Sound

Guess that Sound is a conversation game for kids where one player makes a sound, and the other players must guess what it is. The player who guesses the sound correctly gets to make the next sound. The game can continue for as long as the players want to keep playing.

34. Word Chains

Players take turns saying words starting with the previous word’s last letter. The goal is to keep the chain going without repeating words or getting stumped. The game can be played with any number of players and is a fun way to build vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

35. Animal Sounds

Kids have to make sounds of different animals. Each player takes turns choosing an animal and then imitates the sound of that animal. The other players have to guess which animal it is.

36. Guess the Movie

In Guess the Movie, one person thinks of a movie and gives clues to the other players. The players have to guess the movie’s name based on the clues given by the first person. The player who guesses the movie correctly gets to think of a movie for the next round.

37. Finish the Sentence

Finish the Sentence is an exciting game where one person starts a sentence, and the other person has to complete it. The first player can begin with any sentence they choose, and the second player must finish it in a way that makes sense. This game encourages creativity and imagination.

38. Rhyme Time

Players take turns saying words that rhyme with the word given. Each player has a few seconds to think of a rhyming word, and the game continues until one player can’t think of a new rhyme. The player with the most rhymes at the end of the game wins.

39. Spelling Bee

One player gives one word, and the other player has to spell it correctly. If the player spells the word incorrectly, they lose a point. The game continues until one player has no points left.

40. Tongue Twister

Tongue Twister is a kids’ conversation game where players take turns saying a phrase or sentence that is difficult to pronounce. The goal is to state the phrase quickly and accurately without stumbling over the words. The player who can say the tongue twister the fastest and most clearly wins.

How Conversation Games for Kids Improve Communication Skills

As stated earlier, conversation games for kids enable children to practice their communication skills. Because these games are designed to stimulate conversation, the children can enhance their ability to express themselves clearly.

Consequently, they’ll be able to develop stronger bonds with their family and friends. Aside from the benefits mentioned, below are specific ways in which conversation games can help children improve their communication skills.

Encourages Active Listening

Many conversation games require children to listen carefully to what the other person is saying to respond appropriately. For instance, in a game like “telephone,” children must listen carefully to the message being passed down the line to repeat it accurately. This helps develop their active listening skills.

Develops Language Skills

Conversation games can help children build their vocabulary, practice grammar, and improve their overall language skills. Games like “I Spy” and “20 Questions” require children to describe objects using descriptive language, which helps them communicate more effectively.

Boosts Confidence

Conversation games give children the chance to express themselves in a safe and encouraging environment. These activities help them develop confidence in their communication abilities and make them more comfortable speaking up in social situations.

Improves Social Skills

Conversation games for kids help develop social skills by teaching them how to interact with others, take turns, and have meaningful conversations. These skills are important for building friendships and navigating social situations inside and outside the classroom.

Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

Some conversation games, such as “Would You Rather?” and “Never Have I Ever,” urge children to think critically and make decisions based on the provided information. In other words, these can help them hone their problem-solving skills and make sound decisions.

Final Thoughts

Parents want their children to be effective communicators at home and in their interactions with the world. Conversation games are a fun and interactive way to teach kids effective communication skills.

Parents can also use these games to bond with their children, create a positive learning environment, and have fun together. By making learning fun and interactive, these games can help children develop the skills they need to succeed in and outside the classroom.

Lori Herbert

Lori Herbert lives in a house of all males - a husband and three lively boys. She believes that parenting is messy, and that's okay. Thanks to her experience in Psychology, she's learned how that was the case for most people - and that the best way to help them open up was through kindness, compassion, and communication.

Swirling vs. Shaking Breast Milk Bottle (Simply Explained)

5 Pros and Cons of Pumping While Pregnant Explained

10 Games and Activities that Foster Communication Skills

December 23, 2022
Games for kids , Home activities

Communication is one of the most important aspects of our relationships with others—especially our children! Children begin to develop communication skills from the day they are born and start interacting with their caregivers.

When we communicate with our kiddos , we teach them about love , respect , boundaries , and even safety .

What are the types of communication?

Verbal communication has to do with the words we use when speaking:

Pitch (speaking in a loud voice vs. whispering)
Tone (calm, firm, loving, gentle, angry, accusatory)
Word choice (“Please speak more softly” vs. “Shut up” might mean the same thing but have very different connotations)
Language/dialect (using words that your child understands)

Nonverbal communication has to do with body language:

Physical touch (hugs, high fives)
Hand gestures (thumbs up)
Facial expressions (smiling, frowning)
Eye contact (direct, indirect)
Personal space (body autonomy)

Why Are Communication Skills Important?

When parents communicate with their children, they are teaching them how to interact with others and are helping shape kids’ emotional development.

Children will use the communication techniques that they learned from their caregivers long after they grow up and set out on their own!

What are the benefits of communication skills?

Mental well-being
Emotional intelligence
Assertiveness
Empathy and compassion
Self-control and motivation
Boundaries

10 Activities and Games to Support Communication Skills

Parents know that their kids are like sponges ; they soak up everything they see and hear! Caregivers can model positive skills that will help their children grow to become effective communicators.

Playing fun activities and games with kids is a great way to introduce positive communication skills!

1. Guess the Object

Place an object in a bag and give clues to help your child guess what it is.
For example, if you are hiding a spoon, you could say: “It’s small.” “It’s silver.” “It’s a tool we use to eat food.”
After modeling how to play, let your child pick an object to hide. Then, ask them questions until you guess correctly!

2. Telephone

This is a classic game from childhood! It’s best to play with 3 to 5 people , so you can get the whole family involved.

Have everyone stand in line .
Start with an easy sentence , like “The ball is red.”
Whisper the sentence into your child’s ear without letting anyone else hear.
Then your child must whisper it to the person next to them.
The last person in line gets to say the sentence out loud.

Most of the time, it changes from the original sentence to something much funnier! After a few rounds, you can make the sentences more and more complex.

3. Show and Tell

Gather the whole family together for “Show and Tell.”
Each family member needs to pick out a favorite item from their room.
One of the adults should go first to model how to play.
Show off your favorite item and explain why you love it so much, where you got it , and how it works .
After modeling how to play, let your child go up and deliver their speech!

To make the game a little sillier, the game can also be done with “least favorite” items… will your child go straight for the broccoli or their toothbrush?

4. Picture Storytelling

This is a great activity to teach children new vocabulary words and sequencing .

Start with one photo and have your child tell you everything they see . For example, if it’s a farm photo, they might say: barn, cat, farmer, pig, straw, cow.
Then, have your child invent a story about what they see in the picture.
You can help prompt them by saying, “The farmer brings food to the animals in the barn” or “The cat is unhappy because she has to share her food with the pig.”
Encourage your child to be silly and let their imagination run wild!

You can make this game more complex by giving your child a set of images that tell a story. Have your child arrange the images to show what happened first, next, and last. Then ask them to tell the story of what happened by adding their own details.

5. Chain-link Story

This is a fun game that encourages creativity and quick thinking !

Grab a ball and sit in a circle.
Start off the story by saying something like, “once upon a time there was a baby dinosaur…”
Then, pass the ball to someone new and have them add to the story .
Keep passing the ball and adding to the story until it comes to an end!

6. Charades

“Charades” is a family favorite and a great way to teach kids nonverbal communication .

Write down a bunch of different emotions and place them in a bowl.
If your child cannot read yet, you can draw the emotions (and help them act when it’s their turn).
Each player must grab a piece of paper from the bowl and act out what it says… without speaking!
Then, the rest of the players must guess what the emotion is.

7. Ten Questions

This game helps strengthen kids’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills .

One person must think of an animal , but they can’t tell anyone what it is.
The other players have 10 chances to ask questions about the animal in order to figure out and guess what it is !
For example, players might ask: “Does it have a tail?” “Does it live in the ocean?” “Does it have fur?”

8. Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses help kids strengthen their active listening skills .

Use household objects like frisbees, shoes, chairs, pillows, etc. to set up an obstacle course.
To create an obstacle course, you’ll need a starting point and a finish line.
Hop on each frisbee
Go around the shoe
Crawl under the chair
Spin 3 times in the hula hoop
Help guide your child as they make their way through the course, and don’t forget to celebrate them when they make it to the finish line!

9. Exact Instructions

This game is bound to make your child laugh and sigh in frustration! It’s a great way to practice clear and effective communication .

Tell your child that you want to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and you need them to tell you how.
Set out all the ingredients you need: bread, peanut butter, jelly, a knife, and a plate.
Do the literal action that your child tells you. For example, if they say “put the peanut butter on the bread,” place the whole jar of peanut butter on the bread.
Then, prompt them to give you clearer instructions . They might say, “spread the peanut butter on the bread.” In this case, maybe stick your fingers in the jar and spread it on the bread with your hands!

Eventually, your child can learn to be more specific . This fun game will surely help you all laugh through your tears of frustration! Click here to check out this dad’s hilarious experience playing with his children.

10. Role-Playing

Role-playing games help stimulate creativity and imagination .

Let your imagination run wild and act like police officers, firefighters, nurses, vets, astronauts, etc. Pretend to be mermaids, grocery store clerks, or even shooting stars!
While playing, communicate your needs and ask for help . For example, if you’re role-playing veterinarians, you might hold up a horse figurine and ask your child to help it relax while you fix its hoof!

The possibilities are endless and you will see how much your little one enjoys playing with you.

Communication and Lingokids

Interested in learning more about our games and activities that support kids in learning communication skills? Download the app and check out the content on our YouTube channels !

What are your tips and tricks when it comes to communicating with your child? Let us know by commenting below!

Enjoy these articles too!

Navigating Back to School: Empower Your Child with Social Stories

As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s natural for children to experience a mix of excitement and

The Power of Play: How Language Learning Happens through Fun

Imagine a world where learning English feels like an adventure filled with excitement and wonder! Providing

Lingokids Launches a Brand New Playlearning™ Experience!

Welcome to a brand new experience of Playlearning™: Lingokids Basic and Lingokids Plus! ⭐ With

Never miss any Lingonews!

For Business
Resources for Parents
EU's Horizon
Proven Results
Help Center
Terms of service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Redeem your Oxford Code

We are social

Lingokids Store

Vishal's account
Development Month by Month

8 Activities for Language Development in Babies Up to 6 months

8 Activities for Developing Language Skills in Babies

Although each baby develops in a different manner, there are certain milestones that a baby should accomplish in the first few months of life. One of the earliest milestones that your baby will cross is language and speech.

One of the most amazing and fascinating aspects of infant development is communication. The first few months of your baby’s life are a complete joy ride for both you and your baby, if we only take aside the sleepless nights! What you do at this time lays the foundation for your baby’s future growth and development . This includes language activities for infants. Let’s take a look at some doctor-recommended activities to speed up language development in babies and to help them start talking earlier.

As a parent, it’s important to observe, focus and encourage your little one through her milestones. Language and speech is the first milestone your baby will aim to achieve. So, how to develop language in babies? Here are some activities that you should engage your baby in to encourage her language development.

1. Read From Colourful Books

Books are the best way your baby can connect to the world. He will love to listen to the sound of your voice as you read. Choose bed time stories or books with contrasting and bright pictures for her to get attracted to them and respond. You will notice that she delightfully attempts to communicate back when she hears your voice and sees bright, colourful images. Some of the best books to pick at this time are:

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Toes, Ears and Nose by Marion Dane Bauer

2. Play Simple Word Games

Babies love to communicate and connect through games. Invent games that will involve the usage of words. The game can be very simple – just repeating a syllable, or saying a word over and over with rhythm. Babies attempt to mimic the words their parents use. This will encourage active communication and an engaging conversation with your little one, thus boosting language development in infants.

3. Play Copycat With Your Baby

Babies love to mimic their mothers and other caregivers. This can be a good idea to build their language development too. Simply spend time copying your baby’s expressions, babbles , sounds, etc. Also create your own expressions and sounds when playing this game with your baby.

4. Sing Songs For Your Baby

Babies love melodious tunes right from the time they are in the womb. Sing as much as possible to your baby – be it a lullaby, folk song or a nursery rhyme. Singing can comfort your baby. She will recognize your voice every time you sing to her and will try to hum the same. This encourages her to make an effort to use her vocal cords.

5. Name His Body Parts

When you bathe your baby or change his diaper , start naming different parts of his body.

For example – baby’s nose, eyes, toes, etc. You can also make up small rhymes as you do this. This activity helps develop body part recognition at an early age. This is very useful for developing language skills in babies.

6. Give Names to Your Baby’s Favourite People

Babies soon start understanding more about their family members and distinguishing them from people they see only once in a while. A very beneficial activity for language development is to give names to all family members, pets, etc., and repeat them to the baby through the day. This repetition helps the baby slowly retain the information and learn to say it too!

7. Play Peek-a-Boo & Pass-The-Ball

Experts recommend that the games of peek-a-boo and pass-the-ball are excellent for teaching babies the skills of turn-taking, reacting and exchange – skills that are critical for language development in later life. Make sure you play these simple games with your baby often to promote language development from birth.

8. Talk, Talk and Talk!

Although your baby is too young and may not understand what you speak at this point of time, it is important that you actively talk to your baby on a daily basis. Keep a continuous conversation on as you bathe him, feed him, or take him out. Talk to him just like you would do to any other member in your family. He will learn the essence of speech and will attempt to communicate with you in his own way.

1. What role does music play in language development for babies?

Music can be a fun and stimulating way to boost language development in babies up to 6 months. Playing gentle lullabies or singing softly can expose your baby to different sounds and rhythms. This auditory experience can help them differentiate between various pitches and tones, aiding in language recognition and auditory processing.

2. How can I use tummy time to enhance language skills?

Tummy time is essential for developing physical strength in babies, but it can also be a moment to engage in language-building activities. While your baby is on their tummy, use descriptive language to narrate what they’re seeing or doing. Describe objects and toys in their field of vision, using simple words and expressive tones. This verbal engagement helps to stimulate their interest in language while they develop physical skills.

3. How can reading books contribute to language development in babies?

Reading to your baby is an excellent way to support early language development. Even if your baby is too young to understand the words, the rhythm and melody of your voice can captivate them. Choose books with bright colors, high-contrast images, and simple patterns, pointing out and naming objects. This not only introduces your baby to new sounds and vocabulary but also encourages visual tracking and focus, which are important for language and cognitive development .

For language skills to evolve, parents need to make a conscious effort. It is important to engage your baby in language-building activities. The first year of your baby’s life is very important for language, cognitive development, and speech. Your infant will be very eager to learn; you only have to support him.

This was an extensive list of language development activities for infants. As a parent you don’t need to be trained in helping your baby communicate. Simple ways at home can be used to nurture the perfect environment to listen and communicate. Go ahead and get talking with your baby!

References/Resources:

1. Speech and Language Developmental Milestones; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language

2. Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones; Stanford Medicine; https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=age-appropriate-speech-and-language-milestones-90-P02170

3. Delayed Speech or Language Development; Nemours Kids Health; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/not-talk.html

4. Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/age-appropriate-speech-and-language-milestones

5. Communication Milestones: Age Ranges; American Speech Language Hearing Association; https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/communication-milestones/

6. Language Development; Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines; https://earlylearningco.org/guidelines/ages-3-5/language-development/

7. Aguilar-Mediavilla. E, Pérez-Pereira. M, Serrat-Sellabona. E, Adrover-Roig. D; Introduction to Language Development in Children: Description to Detect and Prevent Language Difficulties (Children-Basel); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8947529/ ; March 2022

Sensory Activities for Babies Baby Activities – Fun Things To Do With Your Babies Simple Activities for your Baby Using Household Items

RELATED ARTICLES
MORE FROM AUTHOR

Leg Development in your Newborn

Your 45 Week Old Baby - Development, Milestones & Care

Developmental Milestone: Grasping

8 Tips To Help Your Baby Remember Things

How to Assist Your Child in Developing Locomotor Skills

Your 3 Week Old Baby - Development, Milestones & Care

Popular on parenting.

245 Rare Boy & Girl Names with Meanings

170 Boy & Girl Names That Mean 'Gift from God'

800+ Unique & Cute Nicknames for Boys & Girls

Cholera Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Vaccination

4th of July Coloring Pages - Free Printable Pages For Kids

Happy 4th of july gifs to share and celebrate us independence day.

Father's Day Coloring Pages - Free Printables For Kids

25 Exciting Communication and Language Activities for Toddlers

Engaging toddlers in fun communication and language activities is not only entertaining, but it also plays a crucial role in their overall development.

These activities provide an opportunity for toddlers to enhance their vocabulary, improve their listening skills, and develop their communication abilities.

From playful games to creative storytelling, there are numerous ways to make language learning an enjoyable experience for toddlers.

we will explore some fun communication and language activities for toddlers’ daily routines.

Let’s dive into these fun-filled activities and watch your toddler thrive in their language journey!

Singing Nursery Rhymes and Songs:

20 Exciting Communication and Language Activities for Toddlers

Singing nursery rhymes and songs is a fantastic way to engage toddlers in language and communication activities. Choose popular nursery rhymes with repetitive lyrics and catchy tunes. Encourage your toddler to sing along, mimic the gestures, and even add their own creative twists. This activity helps them develop their vocabulary, rhythm, and phonetic awareness. Additionally, it enhances their memory and listening skills as they try to remember the lyrics and follow the melody. Singing together also fosters social interaction and strengthens the bond between you and your toddler.

Related: 20 Exciting PlayDoh Games for Kids

Storytelling and Puppet Shows:

Storytelling sessions and puppet shows are excellent opportunities to introduce toddlers to the world of imagination and language. Select age-appropriate storybooks or create your own tales using puppets or finger puppets. Use expressive voices, gestures, and facial expressions to bring the characters to life. Encourage your toddler to participate by asking questions, guessing what happens next, or even acting out parts of the story. This activity promotes language comprehension, and vocabulary expansion, and nurtures their creativity and listening skills.

Picture Flashcards:

Picture flashcards provide a visual and interactive way to teach toddlers new words and enhance their language skills. Choose flashcards with bright, colorful images of familiar objects, animals, or people. Show one card at a time and ask your toddler to identify the object or name it. You can also encourage them to describe the picture or make sentences using the word on the card. This activity helps build their vocabulary, improves their word association, and enhances their ability to express themselves using language.

Related: 20 Fun Friday Activities for Preschool

Sensory Play with Words:

Sensory play is not only enjoyable for toddlers but can also be used to promote communication and language development. Fill a tray or container with sensory materials such as rice, sand, or water. Add in letters, small objects, or picture cards related to a specific theme. Let your toddler explore the sensory materials while engaging in conversations about the objects they discover. Encourage them to describe the texture, color, and shape of the items, building their vocabulary and descriptive skills. This activity stimulates their senses while fostering language acquisition. Source: howdybabybox.com

Guessing Games:

Guessing games are exciting language activities that encourage critical thinking and vocabulary expansion. Start by choosing a specific category, such as animals, fruits, or colors. Give your toddler clues about a particular item from the category without revealing its name. Encourage them to guess the answer by asking questions or making observations. For example, “I am big and gray. I have a long trunk. What am I?” This activity not only develops their vocabulary but also enhances their deductive reasoning and communication skills. Source: kidpillar.com

Role Play and Pretend Play:

Encourage toddlers to engage in role play and pretend play scenarios. Provide them with props and dress-up clothes related to different professions or everyday situations. This activity allows them to practice using language in context, express themselves, and develop their storytelling skills. For example, they can pretend to be a doctor, a chef, or a firefighter and engage in conversations and imaginative play based on their chosen roles. Source: empoweredparents.co

“I Spy” is a classic game that helps toddlers improve their vocabulary and observational skills. Choose an object within the surroundings and give clues using descriptive words. For instance, say, “I spy with my little eye something red and round.” Encourage your toddler to guess the object by using descriptive language. This activity promotes active listening, language comprehension, and the ability to describe objects based on their characteristics. Source: raisingchildren.net.au

Sorting and Categorizing:

Engage toddlers in sorting and categorizing activities using different objects or picture cards. Choose categories like animals, colors, shapes, or food items. Provide a variety of items and ask your toddler to sort them into the appropriate categories. As they engage in this activity, they learn new words, develop their classification skills, and reinforce their understanding of various concepts. Use language prompts and encourage them to explain their choices as they sort. Source: whatdowedoallday.com

Verbal Charades:

Verbal Charades is a fun and interactive game that promotes language skills and creativity. Select a simple action or object and act it out using only verbal cues. For example, say, “Jumping like a kangaroo” or “Eating an apple.” Your toddler needs to listen carefully and guess the action or object based on your verbal description. This activity enhances their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to interpret verbal instructions. Source: twinkl.com.au

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt:

Take language activities outdoors with an exciting scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your toddler to find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or specific colors. As they search for each item, encourage them to communicate by describing what they find or asking for assistance. This activity expands their vocabulary, promotes observation skills, and encourages conversation and interaction with their environment. Source: bilingualbalance.com

Puzzles and Matching Games:

Introduce puzzles and matching games that involve letters, numbers, or pictures. Encourage your toddler to match the pieces or identify the corresponding pairs. As they engage in these activities, they develop their cognitive abilities, letter recognition, and language skills. Use descriptive language to talk about the pieces and encourage your toddler to communicate their observations and progress. Source: speakplaylove.com

Rhyming Games:

Engage toddlers in rhyming games to enhance their phonemic awareness and language skills. Start by saying a word and ask your toddler to come up with a word that rhymes with it. For example, “cat” can be followed by “hat” or “bat.” This activity not only improves their vocabulary but also strengthens their ability to identify and produce rhyming words. Make it more fun by incorporating silly rhymes or creating a rhyming story together. Source: advancedmoms.com

Name and Describe:

Encourage toddlers to name and describe objects they encounter in their everyday environment. While going for a walk or playing indoors, point to various items and ask your toddler to name them and provide a description. For instance, “What is that blue object? It’s cold and you eat ice cream from it.” This activity enhances their vocabulary, encourages expressive language, and promotes their ability to articulate descriptions. Source: virtuallabschool.org

Building Block Conversations:

Engage in building block activities with your toddler while fostering communication skills. Encourage them to describe their creations, explain what they are building, and ask questions about your own structures. This activity promotes language use, spatial awareness, and social interaction. Engage in back-and-forth conversations, reinforcing their ability to communicate their ideas effectively. Source: lovevery.com

Alphabet Scavenger Hunt:

Organize an alphabet scavenger hunt where your toddler can search for objects that start with each letter of the alphabet. Provide them with a list of letters and let them find corresponding objects around the house or in their surroundings. This activity helps develop letter recognition, vocabulary, and phonetic awareness. Encourage your toddler to name the objects they find and discuss their initial sounds. Source: thechaosandtheclutter.com

Story Chain:

Create a collaborative storytelling experience by playing the “Story Chain” game. Start a story with a simple sentence, then take turns adding one sentence at a time to continue the narrative. Encourage your toddler to contribute their ideas and expand on the story. This activity enhances their creativity, listening skills, and ability to construct coherent sentences. Source: mamabookworm.medium.com

Conversation Starter Jar:

Prepare a jar filled with conversation starters written on slips of paper. Each day, pick a slip and use it as a prompt to start a conversation with your toddler. It could be a question like, “What is your favorite animal?” or “Tell me about your best friend.” This activity encourages meaningful conversations, active listening, and language expression. Source: veryspecialtales.com

Alphabet Hunt:

Engage your toddler in an exciting alphabet hunt around the house or during outdoor walks. Encourage them to find objects that begin with each letter of the alphabet. As they discover and name objects, they practice letter recognition, vocabulary, and phonics. This activity makes learning the alphabet interactive and enjoyable. Source: broughttoyoubymom.com

Feel and Describe:

Introduce a “Feel and Describe” activity using different textured objects. Provide your toddler with a variety of items such as soft fabric, rough sandpaper, or smooth plastic. Encourage them to touch and explore each object, then describe its texture using descriptive words like “soft,” “bumpy,” or “slippery.” This activity promotes sensory development, descriptive language, and vocabulary expansion. Source: educatall.com

Mirror Play:

Set up a mirror at your toddler’s height and engage them in mirror play. Encourage them to make different facial expressions, imitate your expressions, and describe what they see. This activity helps toddlers develop self-awareness, facial recognition skills, and descriptive language as they describe their own features and expressions. Source: playandlearn.healthhq.ca

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

17 Fun Activities to Encourage Speech-Language Development in Children

Infants communicate by cooing, crying, and giggling. Once they begin to grow up, their cooing turns into babbling. And soon, when they reach their first birthday, they are ready to say simple words like "mama," "dada," or "bye."

Some children take longer than others to babble or say their first words. In such situations, it is crucial to refer to a child's speech-language milestones checklist . If they are experiencing speech & language delays , it's wise to consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP). They can tell you about various exercises & activities for speech development. You can accelerate the rate of speech and language development in your child by practicing these activities at home.

The type and intensity of these activities will depend upon the age of your child and the nature of their speech or language delay.

Activities to Encourage Speech-Language Development in a Child Younger Than 2-Years

Say simple sounds like “ma,” “pa,” “ba,” and “da” to your baby. Try to get them to say these sounds back to you.
Always maintain eye contact with your baby when you speak to them. Look at them when they coo or babble.
If your child is already saying words and two-word sentences, respond by repeating what they are saying. Hold a conversation with them.
Teach them to clap their hands, touch their toes, find their nose, and play peek-a-boo.
Point out different objects, shapes, and colors to your baby.
Recite nursery rhymes to them or sing them a song.
Make animal sounds. For example, you can say, “a dog goes woof” and “a cow goes moo.”
Keep talking to your baby as you change them, bathe them, feed them, or carry them around with you.
Use every opportunity to count objects, people, etc.
Read to your child regularly. It doesn't matter if they are "old enough" to understand. Spoken language works as a natural stimulus. Make a habit of reading to them for at least 20 minutes before they fall asleep.

These activities to encourage speech-language development in toddlers are fun and easy. Also, remember that consistency is the key to driving tangible results.

Speech-Language Activities For Children Aged 2-4 Years

Always speak clearly. Do not use telegraphic speech. Model good speaking habits for your child.
Repeat what your child says and add to it. For example, let’s assume that your child points towards an apple and says, “Want apple.” You can quickly add to it and say, “Apple. Yes, that’s an apple. Do you want an apple?”
Get picture cards, interactive games, and toys. Teach your child to categorize things into food, drinks, animals, and so on.
Point towards an object and talk about its color. For example, spot a yellow car and say, “look. Big yellow car.” You can be at home, park, bus, train, or in your car - this activity to encourage speech-language in young children can be practiced nearly anywhere.
To augment their comprehension skills, ask your child simple yes-no questions. “Is your name Max?” “Is that a cat?” and “do you want ice cream?” Keep the questions short and simple.
Ask questions that involve making a choice to boost language development in a 2, 3 or 4 years old child. For example, ask them, “do you want an apple or a banana?” or “do you want juice or milk?”
Have a karaoke night with your child frequently. Sing for them and sing with them. Include popular pop songs, nursery rhymes, and whatever songs your child finds fascinating.
Show photos of familiar people, objects, and places. Encourage your child to name them and talk about them.

Children aged 2-4 years can acquire speech and language skills more easily if you practice some or all of the above-listed fun activities on a regular basis. Try to turn each exercise or activity into a fun experience for your child.

Speech-language Activities For Children Between The Ages Of 4 and 6 Years

Always pay attention to your child when they are talking to you. Try to hold eye contact if that’s possible.
Before you talk, get your child’s attention.
When your child tells you something they have learned, observed, or heard, show interest. Ask questions and show that you have understood what they are saying.
You can teach adjectives and prepositions to a 4, 5 or 6-years old child to encourage language development. For example, while talking, use an object's or person's position to describe them. Use words and phrases like "first," "second," "in line," "on the table," "under the chair," "up the hill" or "down by the road."
Continue the exercise on categorizing objects by shape, type, and color.
Give your child simple two-step instructions, such as, "go find daddy and tell him it's dinnertime."
Use picture cards to name and describe objects or people in the picture.
Play games on their phone or tablet. Or, watch children’s shows. Help them recognize emotions. Ask simple questions like, “does that man look happy or sad?”
Narrate things you do around the house when they are within earshot. For example, “now we will do the dishes,” or “now we will go to the store.”

These simple and easy-to-practice activities can help young children reach their speech-language milestones more easily.

Moving on, let us discuss the top 17 activities that work for children of almost all ages:

1. Practice the Animal Jam

The fun part about this exercise to boost speech-language development in a child is that you can freestyle! Use animal picture cards or photos on an iPad or phone. Create your own version of “Old McDonald had a farm.”

Write your own rhymes and limericks that include different animals and common sounds. For example, “a cow goes moo, a dog goes woof, but a cat goes mew.”

2. Enhance Bedtime Stories

Don't just read out from books. Include funny expressions, animal and vehicle noises, and emphasize descriptive words during bedtime stories.

If your child is old enough to respond, you can ask them simple questions like, “what’s the color of the car?” or “was the tiger big?” Turn bedtime stories into a fun and interactive session for you and your child.

Bedtime storytelling with some tweaks described above can improve the learning outcomes.

3. Name the Colors

Get colored blocks or wooden blocks and paint them in different colors. While playing, point towards their toys and name the colors.

When they are old enough to understand and respond to questions, ask them, "what color is that car?" "What color are the leaves?" or "what color PJs are you wearing tonight?"

4. Name the Shapes

Get picture cards or toys of different shapes. You can find toys that teach basic shapes to children online as well. Point towards each one and say, "that's a square" or "that's a circle"

If they are older than 2-years, you can work on their comprehension skills by asking, "what shape is this?" or "is this a circle?"

5. Teach Them the Common Greetings

Your child is never too young to hear “hi,” “bye,” “good morning” and “good night.” Begin from their infancy. Whenever you see them in the morning, say “good morning” followed by your child’s name. During bedtime, always wish them “good night.”

Urge them to say “hi” and “bye” to family members and friends. These will be the foundation of social skills that your child will need throughout their life.

6. Get a Mini Karaoke Setup

You can find pocket-friendly karaoke setups for children online. Or, you can let your creative juices flow! Make a child-friendly karaoke setup. If your child isn't old enough to sing on their own, sing for them. Clap and encourage them to clap or dance.

When they are older than 2-years, pick their favorite song or rhyme, sing a line and let them sing the next line.

7. Play Monkey See, Monkey Do

Have a fun time with your child! Tell your child to imitate your expressions, words, and movements.

It's a great way to boost a child's understanding of language, cognitive skills, and coordination. Play some music in the background if that helps to get you in the groove.

8. Figuring Out the Face

Touch your nose and then touch your child's nose and say, "Nose. This is my nose. This is your nose." Similarly, touch your ears, then touch your child's ears and repeat, "Ear. This is my ear. This is your ear."

Continue this game until your child learns to touch their nose when you say "nose," or lips when you say "lips."

9. Repeat and Add

When your baby says, “nose,” add to it. Say, “nose. Yes, that’s your nose.”

If your child says, “juice.” You say, “Juice? Do you want some juice? We have apple juice and orange juice.”

10. Say Their Name

Whenever you see them after a while, always say, “Hi Max.”

Greet your child every morning, noon, evening, and night. Always say their name whether they are old enough to say it or not. It is one of the fastest methods to get a child to learn their name before they are preschool-aged.

11. Be Their Echo

When your child is younger than 6-months, they may babble or coo when they see you. Try to imitate their emotions. If they laugh, laugh with them.

If your child is a little older, they might say, "wun" and "buh" instead of "run" and "bye." Always repeat after them while pronouncing the words correctly.

12. Count Everything

"1 banana, 1 juice, and 10 nuggets" – you can count what's on your child's plate. You can count the toys they are playing with. Always count in front of your child and use your fingers to count.

Encourage your child to count after you as well. Play silly games like, “You have 5 chicken nuggets. How many more do you want?” or “how many scoops of ice cream are you having today?”

13. Play Peek-A-Boo

This speech-language development activity is for children younger than one year. Use sheets, towels, or even your hands to play peek-a-boo with your child. Make sure they are having fun. When they laugh, laugh with them.

Simple games like peek-a-boo will strengthen your child’s cognition.

14. Use Sock Puppets

Whenever you have time, use sock puppets to tell interactive stories. You can make your own or buy one online.

Make animal sounds and common onomatopoeic noises to engage your child’s language processing abilities.

15. Introduce Them to Common Fruits and Veggies

When your child is older than 2 years, include this fun activity to boost their speech-language development.

Spread out the common vegetables and fruits you have in the house. Point at them and name them. State their shape, color, and taste as well.

16. Build a Fort

Make-believe play is very important to boost a child's imagination and cognition. You can build a fort with your child where your child can pretend to be the king and give you directions.

Play kitchen and let your child host make-believe tea parties.

These are all games that will help your child become a creative and intelligent individual.

17. Setup Playdates

If you have other children in the neighborhood, think about organizing weekly playdates. It can be at your house, the other child's house, or a park.

Supervise the children when they are playing. Introduce interactive toys that make sounds with the press of buttons. Give them child-friendly puzzles.

Therapy Protocol
Group Video Calls
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Cancellation & Refund

Math for Kids
Parenting Resources
ELA for Kids
Teaching Resources

How to Teach Number Recognition to Kids in 8 Easy Steps

How to Teach One to One Correspondence To Kids: 4 Easy Steps

How to Teach Odd and Even Numbers in 4 Easy Steps

How to Teach Long Division to Kids in 6 Easy Steps

15 Famous Mathematicians in History That Kids Should Know

How to Prepare a Schedule for Kindergarten With Examples

How to Prepare a Schedule for Preschoolers With Sample

12 Best Funny Short Stories for Kids to Read in 2024

6 Best Alternatives to Public Schooling: A Guide for Parents

How to Cope With Test Anxiety in 12 Easy Ways

List of 58 Best R Words for Kids in 2024

List of 180 Animal Names in English for Kids

How to Teach Pronouns to Beginners in 6 Easy Steps

12 Best Spelling Apps For Kids in 2024

How to Teach Parts of Speech: 15 Fun Ways for Kids

13 Best Assessment Tools for Teachers in 2024

12 Best STEM Programs for Kids in 2024

12 Best Tips for Substitute Teachers

30 Best Classroom Reward Ideas for Elementary Students

12 Best Websites for English Teachers

12 Best Communication Activities for kids of All Ages

1. Storytelling Circle (5-12 years)

2. telephone game (4-10 years), 3. emotion charades (5-12 years), 4. show and tell (5-10 years), 5. puppet show (6-12 years), 6. two truths and a lie (7-12 years), 7. picture storytelling (5-12 years), 8. compliment circle (5-12 years), 9. interview each other (6-12 years), 10. role-playing (5-12 years).

Developing strong communication skills from an early age has become vital more than ever. In a world where interactions span from face-to-face to digital platforms, equipping our kids with the ability to express themselves clearly and understand others is crucial. This blog will dive into communication activities for kids , offering fun and educational ways to boost these essential skills.

SplashLearn: Most Comprehensive Learning Program for PreK-5

$Product logo$

SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

5 Importance of Developing Communication Skills

Helps kids make friends and connect with others, sharing thoughts and feelings easily.
When kids express themselves clearly, they feel more confident in their abilities.
Good communication is key to understanding instructions and asking questions in school, helping kids learn better.
Being able to talk about problems and listen to solutions is important for working through challenges.
Strong communication skills are essential for success in almost every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional opportunities.

What are the 4 Types of Communication Activities?

Verbal Communication Activities: These activities are all about talking and listening. They help kids learn how to express their ideas clearly and understand what others are saying to them.
Non-Verbal Communication Activities: It’s not just words that we use to communicate. These activities focus on understanding and using body language and facial expressions to share feelings and ideas without speaking.
Written Communication Activities: Writing and reading are key ways we share information. Exercises in this category help kids get better at writing down their thoughts and understanding what they read.
Visual Communication Activities: Sometimes, we use pictures or other visual cues to communicate. These activities teach kids how to interpret and use visual information to express themselves and understand others.

12 Fun Activities to Improve Communication Skills

This is one of the most fun conversation skills activities that boosts creativity and helps kids practice organizing their thoughts and presenting them clearly.

How to do it:

Start the storytelling by providing an opening sentence or scenario.
Prompt one child to begin the story, adding a sentence or two. Then, pass the story to the next child to continue, adding their own ideas.
Encourage each child to listen closely to the evolving story, so their addition flows naturally from what was previously said.
Continue until each child has had a turn or the story reaches a natural conclusion.

A classic among classroom activities for communication skills, the Telephone Game shows how messages can change, highlighting the importance of clear verbal communication.

Have the children form a line or circle, ensuring they are close enough to whisper but not so close that they can hear the whisper to the next person.
Think of a short, simple message to start the game. Whisper it to the first child in the line or circle.
Each child then whispers the message exactly as they heard it to the next person in line. Emphasize the importance of not repeating the message.
When the last child receives the message, ask them to say it aloud to compare how much it has changed from the original.

This is one of the most engaging communication activities for elementary students that enhances understanding of non-verbal cues and empathy by guessing emotions.

Prepare slips of paper with a wide range of emotions written on them. Ensure there’s a good mix of easily recognizable and more complex emotions.
Place the slips in a container and have each child draw one slip at a time without showing it to others.
The child who draws the slip must then act out the emotion without using words, while the others guess what it is.
After the correct emotion is guessed, take a moment to discuss why certain actions or facial expressions led to the correct answer, deepening their understanding of non-verbal communication.

A fun communication activity for students, enhancing public speaking and storytelling skills as they share and describe a personal item.

Invite each child to bring a favorite item from home, something they are excited to talk about.
Create a comfortable space in the classroom or home where each child can stand or sit in front of the group.
Encourage them to describe their item, including why it’s special to them, and allow for a few questions from their peers after each presentation.

Among effective communication activities for kids, creating and performing a puppet show allows kids to explore storytelling, dialogue creation, and expressive speech.

Provide materials for kids to create their own puppets or supply ready-made ones.
Help them brainstorm and script a short story or scene for their puppet show, focusing on clear dialogue and expressive use of the puppets.
Set up a small “stage” area where they can perform their show to an audience of peers or family members, encouraging them to project their voice and articulate clearly.

If you are looking for fun communication activities for kids, this activity not only entertains but also sharpens their ability to craft believable stories and critically assess what they hear.

Start by explaining the rules: each participant must think of two true statements about themselves and one false statement, without revealing which is which.
Have each child share their three statements in a small group or in front of the class, speaking clearly and confidently.
After each child has shared, allow the listeners to discuss and vote on which statement they believe is the lie.
Reveal the correct answer and discuss why people made their choices, encouraging observation and listening skills.

This is the best among creative communication activities for kids that boosts their imagination and narrative skills, as they interpret visual cues to craft and tell a story.

Select a variety of interesting, detailed pictures or illustrations that can spark imagination.
Show one picture at a time to the group and ask them to observe it quietly for a minute or two, thinking about what might be happening.
Invite each child to tell their version of the story inspired by the picture, encouraging them to describe the setting, characters, and plot in detail.
For added depth, ask questions about the story to encourage further thinking and elaboration.

This communication skills activity fosters an environment of positive communication and boosts self-esteem by encouraging children to see and articulate the good in others.

Arrange for the children to sit in a circle.
Explain that each person will give a genuine compliment to the person on their right. It could be about something they admire, a positive trait, or something nice they’ve done.
Start with one child and move around the circle until everyone has received and given a compliment.
Discuss how giving and receiving compliments made them feel, reinforcing the value of positive feedback.

Pairing up for interviews is one of the best activities to improve communication skills, teaching kids to formulate questions, listen actively, and learn about their peers.

Pair up the children and give them a list of sample questions to get them started. Encourage them to think of their own questions as well.
Each pair takes turns interviewing each other, with one child asking questions and the other answering.
After the interviews, ask the children to share something interesting they learned about their partner.

Through this communication skills activity, children engage in role-playing different scenarios, which helps them understand various perspectives and utilize specific vocabulary related to different settings.

Set up different scenarios that children might encounter, such as ordering food at a restaurant, visiting a doctor’s office, or interacting in a classroom setting.
Assign roles to the children, either letting them choose or assigning them to ensure everyone gets a turn at different roles.
Provide props or costumes if possible to make the role-play more engaging and realistic.
After each role-play session, discuss what the children learned from their roles and how they felt stepping into someone else’s shoes.

11. Letter Writing (5-12 years)

This activity is one of the most easy communication activities that teaches kids the value of written communication, encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings through letters to friends, family members, or pen pals.

Provide children with paper, envelopes, and writing materials.
Discuss the importance of sharing news, asking questions about the recipient’s life, and expressing feelings in a letter.
Guide them on how to start and end a letter, and encourage them to decorate their letters or envelopes to add a personal touch.
For younger children, this can be a drawing or a few sentences, while older children can write more detailed letters.

12. Emotion Wheel

Emotion wheel can be a great option if you are looking for communication activities for kindergarten. Emotion Wheel helps children recognize and express different emotions, enhancing their emotional intelligence.

Create a wheel with various emotions displayed around it, including both positive and negative feelings.
Children take turns spinning the wheel and then either act out the emotion it lands on or describe a time they felt that way.
Encourage the group to guess the emotion being acted out or discuss the shared experiences when describing emotions.

Age Group: 4-6 years (kindergarten), adaptable for older children up to 12 years.

4 Effective Communication Tips for Parents and Teachers

1. Model Effective Communication: Demonstrate clear and respectful communication in all your interactions. Children learn by example, so when they see adults communicating effectively, they’re more likely to adopt those behaviors themselves.

2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Let them know it’s okay to share what’s on their mind, fostering an atmosphere of trust and openness.

3. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in what children have to say by giving them your full attention. Active listening involves making eye contact, nodding, and responding appropriately, which validates their feelings and encourages them to communicate more openly.

4. Provide Constructive Feedback: When offering feedback , focus on the positive aspects of their communication efforts and provide suggestions for improvement in a kind and supportive manner. This approach helps build their confidence and skills without discouraging them.

Developing strong communication skills in children is essential for their growth and success in all areas of life. By incorporating fun and educational activities into their daily routines and following these effective communication tips, parents and teachers can play a significant role in nurturing confident and articulate communicators for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are 5 child-friendly communication techniques.

Use simple words, maintain eye contact, listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and encourage storytelling. These techniques make communication engaging and understandable for children.

How do you teach kids about communication?

Teach kids about communication by modeling effective communication yourself, engaging them in activities that enhance communication skills, and providing feedback on their efforts to communicate clearly and respectfully.

Which game helps in effective communication?

The Telephone Game is excellent for teaching effective communication. It highlights the importance of clear speaking and careful listening as messages are passed along, showing how easily information can be misunderstood.

12 Best Social Skills Activities for Kids of All Ages

12 Best Pattern Activities for Preschoolers in 2024

15 Best Movement Activities for Preschoolers in 2024

Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten

Most Popular

76 Best Report Card Comments Samples for Teachers

117 Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

40 Best Scavenger Hunt Riddles For Kids [With Answers]

How to Teach One to One Correspondence To Kids: 4 Easy...

Math & ela | prek to grade 5, kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

Games for Kids
Worksheets for Kids
Math Worksheets
ELA Worksheets
Math Vocabulary
Number Games
Addition Games
Subtraction Games
Multiplication Games
Division Games
Addition Worksheets
Subtraction Worksheets
Multiplication Worksheets
Division Worksheets
Times Tables Worksheets
Reading Games
Writing Games
Phonics Games
Sight Words Games
Letter Tracing Games
Reading Worksheets
Writing Worksheets
Phonics Worksheets
Sight Words Worksheets
Letter Tracing Worksheets
Prime Number
Order of Operations
Long multiplication
Place value
Parallelogram
SplashLearn Success Stories
SplashLearn Apps
[email protected]

Make study-time fun with 14,000+ games & activities, 450+ lesson plans, and more—free forever.

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

About Pathways.org

Communication Development Activities for 7-9 Month Old Babies

Are there communication games or activities that you can play with a 7-9 month old to help develop their communication skills? Yes! Check out these fun communication activities to help with 7-9 month old communication skills.

At 7-9 months, you will see baby producing various sounds and recognizing their name.

Use these tips to help develop baby’s skills:

Model new sound combinations, e.g. da da da
Cover a toy with a blanket and have baby “find” it
Sing songs with finger/hand gestures, e.g. itsy bitsy spider

Did you know baby is now copying gestures? So, try introducing baby sign language .

Want to see more communication games for babies? Check out these videos!

Communication Activities for 0-3 Months

Communication Activities for 4-6 Months

Communication Activities for 10-12 Months

To learn more about language and speech development by age, visit our Communication page . This page dives into topics like how babies communicate, expressive and receptive language skills by age, and communication and language activities for babies.

Related Resources

How Our FREE App Helps Parents

How Are Milestones and Abilities Different?

7 Communication Activities for Kids

Home » Parent Press » Parenting Hacks » Speech & Language » 7 Communication Activities for Kids

As someone who works closely with kids, I understand how vital good communication is. Parents, you’re likely always on the lookout for fun ways to boost your kids’ communication skills. Well, I’ve got you covered! This article offers a list of engaging communication games that can help kids, including those who are neurodivergent , improve their ability to express themselves, listen, and understand others. Let’s dive into these fun activities that can make a world of difference in your child’s life.

Table of Contents

1. Charades

Charades is a classic communication game for kids that encourages them to use nonverbal cues to express ideas. To play, have your child act out a phrase or word without speaking while the other players try to guess what it is. This game helps children practice interpreting and using gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning.

You can make the game more challenging by using more complex phrases or having players take turns acting out different parts of a story. Charades is a great way to get kids moving and laughing while also building their communication skills.

2. Mystery Box

The Mystery Box game is a fun communication activity for kids that encourages teamwork and verbal communication. Place a mystery object inside a box and have the players work together to figure out what it is by asking yes or no questions. The player holding the box can only answer “yes” or “no” to each question.

This game helps kids practice asking targeted questions, listening carefully to the answers, and using deductive reasoning to solve the mystery. You can make it more competitive by having teams earn points for each correct guess within a time limit. Mystery Box is a great way to engage kids’ curiosity while building their communication and problem-solving skills .

A little girl whispers in the ear of another little girl while playing telephone which is one of many communication activities for kids.

3. Telephone

Telephone is a fun communication game for kids that demonstrates how messages can change as they are passed from person to person. To play, have the children sit in a circle. The first player whispers a message into the ear of the next player, who then whispers what they heard to the next player, and so on until the message reaches the last player. The last player then says the message out loud to see how much it has changed from the original.

This game helps kids practice active listening, clear articulation , and the importance of conveying accurate information. It’s also a great way to have some silly fun and spark laughter as the message often gets hilariously distorted along the way.

4. Blindfold Obstacle Course

The Blindfold Obstacle Course is an exciting communication activity for kids that emphasizes the importance of giving and following clear verbal instructions. Set up a simple obstacle course in your yard or living room, then blindfold one player and have their teammate guide them through the course using only verbal directions.

This game helps kids practice giving specific, step-by-step instructions and trusting their partner to guide them safely. It also encourages active listening and builds trust and cooperation between players. Just be sure to choose a safe space and supervise closely to prevent any accidents!

5. Story Chain

Story Chain is a creative communication game for kids that encourages collaborative storytelling. To play, have the first player start a story with a single sentence, then have each subsequent player add another sentence to continue the story. The game continues until the story reaches a natural conclusion or a predetermined number of turns.

Number of Players	Suggested Story Themes
2-3	Fairy tales, adventures, funny stories
4-6	Mysteries, sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction
7+	Choose a theme or genre and have each player tell a different part of the same story

This game encourages kids to listen carefully to each other’s contributions, use their imagination, and practice building on others’ ideas. It’s a fun way to collaborate and create silly or suspenseful stories together.

6. Emotion Charades

Emotion Charades is a variation of the classic game that focuses specifically on identifying and expressing emotions. Write down different emotions on slips of paper (e.g., happy, sad, angry, scared, surprised) and have players take turns acting them out silently for others to guess.

This communication activity for kids helps children practice recognizing and naming different emotions based on facial expressions and body language. It also gives them an opportunity to explore how to express emotions in a safe and playful way. Discussing the different emotions afterwards can also help build emotional intelligence and empathy .

A little girl and her dad high-five after doing some communication activities for kids.

7. Active Listening Scavenger Hunt

The Active Listening Scavenger Hunt is a fun communication game for kids that encourages them to pay close attention to verbal instructions. Create a list of items for the children to find or tasks for them to complete based on verbal clues you provide. For example, you might say “Find something that is red and round” or “Bring me three things that start with the letter B.”

This game helps kids practice active listening skills, following directions, and thinking critically to interpret the clues. It’s a great way to engage kids in a fun, active learning experience while also building their communication skills.

Goally | Fun Games that Build Motor Skills & Manage Screen Time

Looking for ways to improve your child’s finger dexterity skills while also keeping screen time manageable? Try Goally’s skill building tablet for kids— it has a bunch of fun & motor planning games!

Our “ Balloons ” & Graffiti Street Apps are all about building motor skills in a fun, interactive way. Kids learn to “pop the balloons” or draw dozens of digital art designs while simultaneously developing the essential skills needed to use AAC and other communication tools. It’s a blast for them and a win for you!

By incorporating these fun communication games into your child’s playtime, you can help them develop essential language skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Research has shown that children who engage in regular play and communication activities have better social skills, higher self-esteem, and stronger relationships with their peers and family members. In fact, a study published in the journal “Child Development” found that children who participated in a 10-week play-based intervention program showed significant improvements in their communication skills compared to a control group.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Parenting Science
Zero to Three

FAQs about Communication Games for Kids

This post was originally published on 05/09/2023. It was updated on 05/18/2024.

Our Services

Our Website

Neurodiversopedia

Parent Press

Privacy Overview

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

15 Communication Games and Activities for Kids and Students

player ready...

Are you aware that communication games and activities have the ability to transform the way you interact with others?

Engage in a diverse range of interactive exercises that not only enhance your expressive skills but also nurture stronger connections with your peers and mentors.

From creative storytelling and immersive role-playing to challenging debate clubs and empowering leadership activities, there is a wealth of opportunities waiting for you to explore and master.

Discover the secrets behind effective nonverbal cues, active listening techniques, and assertive communication practices as you embark on this enriching journey toward becoming a more confident and eloquent communicator.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Teaching communication skills early improves psychological well-being and reduces negative behaviors.
Spotting communication difficulties allows for timely intervention and support.
Engage children in storytelling, role-playing, and group activities to enhance communication.
Encourage active listening, feedback-seeking, and technology use for better communication skills.

Storytelling and Role-playing Games

Engaging children and students in storytelling and role-playing games fosters creativity, empathy, and effective communication skills. Through improvisation games and character development, children learn the art of creative storytelling, enhancing their social skills.

Research shows that these activities not only stimulate imagination but also promote empathy by allowing individuals to step into different roles and perspectives. By engaging in these games, children develop a deeper understanding of emotions and situations, which translates into improved communication abilities.

Moreover, storytelling and role-playing encourage individuals to express themselves freely, honing their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. The interactive nature of these activities fosters a collaborative environment where children learn to listen, communicate effectively, and work together towards a common goal.

Singing and Puppet Shows

Singing and puppet shows serve as interactive and engaging tools for enhancing communication skills in children and students through creative expression and performance.

Singing workshops provide a platform for individuals to express emotions and ideas through music, improving vocal projection and articulation. Puppetry classes offer opportunities to develop storytelling abilities, nonverbal communication, and teamwork skills as students work together to bring characters to life.

Research indicates that these activities can boost confidence, encourage collaboration, and foster creativity in participants. By participating in singing and puppet shows, children and students not only refine their communication skills but also learn to connect with others in a meaningful and expressive manner, laying a foundation for effective interpersonal interactions.

Building Blocks for Cooperative Play

Building upon the foundational skills developed through activities like singing and puppet shows, cooperative play using building blocks has been identified as a key method for enhancing communication and teamwork among children and students. Engaging in collaborative tasks with building blocks not only fosters creativity but also nurtures essential communication skills. Through problem-solving challenges and group dynamics, children learn to work together, share ideas, and listen to their peers. This form of play encourages team projects where individuals contribute towards a common goal, teaching them the importance of cooperation and effective communication. Below is a table highlighting the significance of building blocks in developing communication and teamwork skills:


Problem Solving Challenges	Group Dynamics	Collaborative Tasks
Enhances critical thinking	Encourages teamwork	Fosters creativity
Teaches effective communication	Builds trust among participants	Develops leadership skills

Charades and Team-building Exercises

Charades and team-building exercises are effective methods for enhancing communication skills and fostering teamwork among individuals of all ages.

Trust exercises such as blindfold games can help build trust and improve nonverbal communication.

Improvisation games encourage quick thinking and creativity, essential for effective communication.

Problem-solving challenges within a team setting promote collaboration and strategic thinking, crucial elements in effective teamwork.

Icebreaker activities like the famous pairs guessing game can help break down barriers and encourage interaction among participants.

Memory Games for Listening Skills

Memory games play a crucial role in enhancing listening skills, fostering attentiveness, and improving cognitive abilities, especially in the context of communication development. Engaging in listening comprehension activities through memory retention exercises can significantly enhance auditory memory challenges and contribute to overall listening skills improvement.

These games require active participation and concentration, forcing the players to retain and recall information accurately. By practicing memory games, individuals can learn to listen more effectively, process information efficiently, and respond appropriately.

Such activities not only enhance communication skills but also aid in developing crucial cognitive functions related to memory and attention, which are essential for effective communication and academic success.

Debate Clubs and Leadership Activities

Debate clubs and leadership activities play a pivotal role in fostering critical thinking skills and nurturing effective communication strategies among students at various educational levels. Engaging in debate clubs helps in honing critical thinking abilities by analyzing different perspectives, constructing arguments, and articulating thoughts persuasively.

These activities also contribute to leadership development by encouraging students to take initiative, collaborate with peers, and make informed decisions. Through participating in debates and leadership tasks, students learn to communicate assertively, listen actively, and work towards common goals.

Such experiences are essential for equipping individuals with the necessary skills to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. Overall, debate clubs and leadership activities serve as valuable platforms for enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and fostering effective communication strategies.

Public Speaking Contests and Peer Mentoring

Public speaking contests and peer mentoring are two impactful avenues for enhancing students’ communication skills and fostering a supportive learning environment. Engaging in public speaking workshops can help students refine their presentation skills, boost confidence, and learn to articulate ideas effectively.

Peer support sessions offer students the opportunity to practice active listening, provide constructive feedback to their peers, and develop empathy and understanding towards others’ perspectives. These activities not only improve communication skills but also promote collaboration, leadership, and emotional intelligence among students.

Networking Events and Business Simulations

Networking events and business simulations play a crucial role in enhancing college students’ practical communication skills and real-world networking abilities. These activities provide valuable opportunities for career development by simulating professional environments, fostering problem-solving strategies, and encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

By participating in networking events, students can expand their professional connections, practice effective communication techniques, and gain insights into various industries. Business simulations offer a hands-on approach to learning business strategies, decision-making processes, and teamwork dynamics. Through these experiences, students develop critical thinking skills, enhance their adaptability in diverse situations, and prepare for future roles in the workforce.

Communication Workshops and Team-building Retreats

Communication workshops and team-building retreats are crucial for improving interpersonal skills and fostering collaboration among college students. These activities concentrate on refining communication strategies and building vital teamwork skills.

Here are three fundamental aspects to consider when participating in communication workshops and team-building retreats:

Interactive Exercises : Engage in role-playing scenarios that demand effective communication and teamwork.
Problem-solving Challenges : Work together with peers to address intricate challenges that necessitate clear communication and cohesive teamwork.
Feedback Sessions : Offer and receive constructive feedback to enhance communication skills and bolster team dynamics.

Nonverbal Communication Activities

Enhancing interpersonal dynamics and communication skills, nonverbal communication activities play a crucial role in fostering effective interactions and understanding among individuals. Body language exercises and mirror games are key components in improving nonverbal communication skills. These activities help individuals become more aware of the messages conveyed through gestures, facial expressions, and posture. By engaging in body language exercises, participants can learn to interpret and control their nonverbal cues, enhancing their overall communication effectiveness. Mirror games provide a fun and interactive way to practice mirroring others’ movements and expressions, promoting empathy and understanding. Through these activities, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of nonverbal communication in daily interactions.

Nonverbal Communication Activities
Body Language Exercises
Mirror Games

Active Listening Games and Exercises

Engage in various active listening games and exercises to enhance your communication skills and deepen your understanding of others’ perspectives. Active listening is a crucial component in effective communication, allowing you to truly connect with others and build stronger relationships.

Here are three listening exercises to help you hone your active listening skills:

Listening to Music: Focus on the lyrics, instruments, and emotions conveyed in the music to practice attentive listening.
Following Verbal Instructions: Pay close attention to details and specific directions to improve your ability to understand and carry out tasks accurately.
Reflective Listening Exercises: Practice paraphrasing and summarizing what others say to demonstrate understanding and show empathy in conversations.

Assertive Communication Activities for Teens

Assertive communication activities for teens require structured role-playing scenarios to cultivate assertive responses and enhance conflict resolution skills effectively. Engaging in conflict resolution simulations allows teens to practice handling disagreements constructively. Additionally, participating in expressive art workshops provides a creative outlet for teens to communicate their feelings and thoughts. Peer feedback sessions offer valuable insights into refining communication styles, while setting boundaries assertively empowers teens to communicate their needs effectively. These activities aim to equip teens with the necessary skills to navigate interpersonal conflicts confidently and assertively.

Activity	Description	Benefits
Role-playing scenarios	Practice assertive responses	Enhances conflict resolution
Conflict resolution sims	Learn constructive disagreement management	Develops problem-solving skills
Expressive art workshops	Communicate feelings creatively	Encourages emotional expression

Follow All Instructions Activity

Implementing the ‘Follow All Instructions Activity’ fosters effective communication and promotes mutual understanding among participants through structured engagement with detailed instructions. This activity enhances reading comprehension skills and teamwork dynamics by emphasizing the importance of carefully following directions.

Here are three key components of the activity:

Reading Comprehension Focus : Participants are required to read and understand all instructions thoroughly before proceeding with the activity.
Teamwork Dynamics : Collaboration is essential as individuals must communicate effectively to ensure all instructions are followed correctly.
Critical Thinking Development : This activity challenges participants to think critically and problem-solve to accomplish tasks accurately, fostering a sense of accomplishment and teamwork.

Famous Pairs and The Enigmatic Self

Transitioning from the structured engagement of the ‘Follow All Instructions Activity,’ the exploration of ‘Famous Pairs and The Enigmatic Self’ delves into interactive communication exercises that stimulate introspection and interpersonal connections.

By focusing on famous duos and incorporating a mystery game element, participants are encouraged to reflect on their own identities and relationships. This activity not only promotes teamwork and collaboration but also fosters a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Through the analysis of famous pairs, individuals can uncover hidden aspects of their personalities and explore the dynamics of successful partnerships. By engaging in this enigmatic self-discovery process, participants enhance their communication skills and develop a greater appreciation for the complexities of human relationships.

The Guessing Game and Study Groups

What’re the key benefits of incorporating ‘The Guessing Game and Study Groups’ into college communication activities and why are they essential for enhancing students’ communication skills? Engaging in these activities fosters essential skills for effective communication and collaboration. Here’s why:

Group Dynamics: The Guessing Game encourages students to work together, fostering a deeper understanding of group dynamics and enhancing teamwork skills.
Problem-Solving Strategies: Study Groups provide a platform for students to collectively tackle challenges, promoting critical thinking and developing problem-solving strategies.
Collaborative Learning: Both activities promote collaborative learning, where students exchange ideas, perspectives, and knowledge, enhancing their overall communication skills through shared experiences.

In conclusion, engaging in communication games and activities is a valuable way for kids and students to enhance their interpersonal skills and build confidence.

By participating in these interactive exercises, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of effective communication techniques and improve their ability to connect with others.

So, don’t be a square, jump on the bandwagon and start honing your communication prowess through these fun and engaging activities today!

The eSoft Editorial Team, a blend of experienced professionals, leaders, and academics, specializes in soft skills, leadership, management, and personal and professional development. Committed to delivering thoroughly researched, high-quality, and reliable content, they abide by strict editorial guidelines ensuring accuracy and currency. Each article crafted is not merely informative but serves as a catalyst for growth, empowering individuals and organizations. As enablers, their trusted insights shape the leaders and organizations of tomorrow.

10 Techniques to Manage Stress

Open the door to a stress-free life with 10 powerful techniques – discover how to conquer stress and reclaim your peace!

10 Ways To Build Trust in a Relationship

Intrigued to discover the key strategies for building trust in a relationship? Explore the ten essential ways outlined in this insightful guide.

What Is Bandura's Social Learning Theory?

Sneak a peek into Bandura's Social Learning Theory with three captivating examples showcasing its transformative influence on behavior and learning.

Positive Body Image Activities

Take a transformative journey towards self-love and body positivity with these two empowering worksheets, unlocking the potential within.

Harvard psychiatrist on happiness: Positive vs. toxic relationships | Robert Waldinger

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… In our quest for a life filled with joy and health, we often overlook the fundamental elements that silently sculpt our well-being. Among these, relationships stand out as crucial building blocks. Through the lens of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most extensive research efforts of…

Letters of Gratitude: How to Write a Message of Appreciation

Yearning to discover the transformative power of gratitude? Uncover the art of crafting heartfelt messages that can enhance your relationships and well-being.

49 Communication Activities, Exercises & Games

Read on to learn about how important communication is in a relationship and how you can work on improving your communication skills.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Communication Exercises (PDF) for free . These science-based tools will help you and those you work with build better social skills and better connect with others.

This Article Contains:

What are communication activities, exercises, and games, the role of communication in a relationship, how can we develop better communication skills, 18 communication games and activities for adults, 17 exercises to help improve communication in a relationship, the importance of communication in the family unit, 14 family therapy activities for communication, a take-home message.

The resources in this piece include tips, techniques, exercises, games, and other activities that give you the opportunity to learn more about effective communication, help guide your interactions with others, and improve your communication skills.

Some might feel like a chore you need to cross off your to-do list while others may make you forget you’re not just having fun with your family , but actually boosting vital life skills; however, they all have one thing in common: they will help you become a better, more effective, and more positive communicator with those who mean the most to you.

But what’s the deal with these activities, exercises, and therapy games ? Are they really that important or impactful? Do we really need to work on communicating when it seems like we’re pretty good at it already?

Check out this quote from Stephen R. Covey and take a minute to think about how vital communication really is.

The most important ingredient we put into any relationship is not what we say or what we do, but what we are. And if our words and our actions come from superficial human relations techniques rather than from our own inner core, others will sense that duplicity. We simply won’t be able to create and sustain the foundation necessary for effective interdependence.

Stephen R. Covey

As Covey notes, communication is the foundation of all of our relationships , forming the basis of our interactions and feelings about one another.

According to Australia’s Better Health Channel, communication is “ the transfer of information from one place to another ” and within relationships, it “ allows you to explain to someone else what you are experiencing and what your needs are ” (Victoria Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.).

When communication is good, we feel good about our relationships. Dr. Susan Heitler (2010) puts it this way:

When people say, ‘We have a great relationship,’ what they often mean is how they feel when they talk with one another. They mean, ‘I feel positive toward that person when we interact. I send and I receive positive vibes with them.’

Besides making our relationships easier, there are also relationship-boosting benefits to good communication:

Effective communication shows respect and value of the other person.
It helps us to better understand each other; not all communication is about understanding—some are intended to fight, dismiss, invalidate, undermine, etc.—but it should be!
It makes us feel more comfortable with each other and encourages even more healthy and effective communication (Abass, n.d.).

Download 3 Communication Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to improve communication skills and enjoy more positive social interactions with others.

Download 3 Free Communication Tools Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

Email Address *
Your Expertise * Your expertise Therapy Coaching Education Counseling Business Healthcare Other
Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fortunately, all it takes to develop better communication skills is a commitment to do so and a little bit of effort.

These tips from Australia’s Better Health Channel can help guide you toward better communication with your partner or spouse (these tips can also apply to any other relationship in your life with a little tweaking):

Set aside time to talk without interruption from other people or distractions like phones, computers or television.
Think about what you want to say.
Be clear about what you want to communicate.
Make your message clear, so that your partner hears it accurately and understands what you mean.
Talk about what is happening and how it affects you.
Talk about what you want, need and feel – use ‘I’ statements such as ‘I need’, ‘I want’ and ‘I feel’.
Accept responsibility for your own feelings.
Listen to your partner. Put aside your own thoughts for the time being and try to understand their intentions, feelings, needs and wants (this is called empathy ).
Share positive feelings with your partner, such as what you appreciate and admire about them, and how important they are to you.
Be aware of your tone of voice.
Negotiate and remember that you don’t have to be right all the time. If the issue you are having is not that important, sometimes let the issue go, or agree to disagree (Victoria Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.).

If you’re experiencing high levels of conflict in your relationship(s), the Better Health Channel has some specific recommendations for you:

Avoid using the silent treatment.
Don’t jump to conclusions. Find out all the facts rather than guessing at motives.
Discuss what actually happened. Don’t judge.
Learn to understand each other, not to defeat each other.
Talk using the future and present tense, not the past tense.
Concentrate on the major problem, and don’t get distracted by other minor problems.
Talk about the problems that hurt your or your partner’s feelings, then move on to problems about differences in opinions.
Use ‘I feel’ statements, not ‘You are’ statements (Victoria Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.).

8 Tips on How to Teach Communication Skills

This useful framework comes from Alice Stott at Edutopia (2018):

Physical: How a speaker uses their body language, facial expressions, and voice.
Linguistic: The speaker’s use of language, including their understanding of formality and rhetorical devices.
Cognitive: The content of what a speaker says and their ability to build on, challenge, question, and summarize others’ ideas.
Social and emotional : How well a speaker listens, includes others, and responds to their audience (Stott, 2018).

Once you have a good framework for understanding communication, try these 8 ways to foster effective communication in your children or students:

Teach your kids empathy so they can get a sense of what the other person is thinking and feeling.
Teach your kids conversation skills with techniques like puppets and video modeling, which they can then apply in exercises and activities.
Establish listening and speaking procedures in the classroom or at home (e.g., Dr. Allen Mendler’s SLANT strategy : Sit up straight, Listen, Answer and ask questions, Nod to show interest, Track the speaker; Mendler, 2013).
Teach respectful vocabulary and remind students that being “cold” (passive) or “hot” (angry) will probably result in less understanding and more conflict.
Teach the power of pausing (e.g., encourage them to pause, think, and ask questions like “What do you mean by that?” and “Why?”).
Have your kids practice speaking and listening in natural settings (e.g., outside of the home and classroom).
Encourage introspection in your children; it will help them understand themselves better as well as those around them.
Practice taking turns with a talking stick or a ball, teaching your children that they can speak when they have the object but they are expected to listen when others are talking (Stanfield, 2017).

One of the most effective ways to avoid unnecessary disputes is to practice non-violent communication (NVC). According to Rosenberg (1999), non-violent communication methods can serve us in three ways:

It can increase your ability to live with choice, meaning, and connection
It helps connect empathically with yourself and others to have more satisfying relationships
It shares resources so everyone is able to benefit

In an effort to exemplify the various forms that communication can take, we want to share some key differences between passive, assertive, and aggressive communication styles.

Specifically, a passive communicator prioritizes the needs of others, even at their own expense. This often leads to being taken advantage of and having their own needs disregarded by others as well.
An assertive communicator mirrors the values of NVC, which is what we should aim for. This communication style emphasizes the importance of all parties’ needs and is defined by confidence and the willingness to compromise
Aggressive communication, also referred to as violent communication, disregards any other parties involved and consists of constant disrespect, interrupting, and domination.

Now that you are familiar with these types of communication styles, it’s time to analyze how you convey your thoughts to others (and if there is any room for improvement).

If you’re looking for some concrete ways to build communication skills in adults, you’ve come to the right place. Below are 18 games, activities, and exercises that you can use to help adults develop more effective listening and communication skills.

5 Communication Activities for Adults

To get started improving your (or your team’s, or your student’s) communication skills, give these 5 activities a try.

1. Card Pieces

This exercise from the team at MindTools is a good way to help participants develop more empathy, consider other perspectives, build their communication and negotiation skills.

First, make sure you have enough people for at least three teams of two, enough playing cards to give out between 4 and 6 cards to each person, and 15 minutes to spare.

Here’s how the activity works:

Cut each playing card into half diagonally, then in half diagonally again, so you have four triangular pieces for each card.
Mix all the pieces together and put equal numbers of cards into as many envelopes as you have teams.
Divide people up into teams of three or four. You need at least three teams. If you’re short of people, teams of two will work just as well.
Give each team an envelope of playing card pieces.
Each team has three minutes to sort its pieces, determine which ones it needs to make complete cards, and develop a bargaining strategy.
After three minutes, allow the teams to start bartering for pieces. People can barter on their own or collectively with their team. Give the teams eight minutes to barter.
When the time is up, count each team’s completed cards. Whichever team has the most cards wins the round.

Afterward, you can use these questions to guide discussion on the exercise:

Which negotiation strategies worked? Which didn’t?
What could they have done better?
What other skills, such as active listening or empathy, did they need to use?

2. Listen and Draw

This game is easy to play but not so easy to “win.” It requires participants’ full attention and active listening.

Gather your group of participants together and hand out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil to each player. Tell them you will give them verbal instructions on drawing an object, one step at a time.

For example, you might give them instructions like:

Draw a square, measuring 5 inches on each side.
Draw a circle within the square, such that it fits exactly in the middle of the square.
Intersect 2 lines through the circle, dividing the circle into 4 equal parts.

As the exercise continues, it will get progressively harder; one misstep could mean that every following instruction is misinterpreted or misapplied. Participants will need to listen carefully to ensure their drawing comes out accurately. Once the instructions have all been read, compare drawings and decide who won.

For added engagement, decide in advance on what the finished product is supposed to represent (e.g., a spiderweb, a tree).

3. Communication Origami

This is a great exercise to help people understand that we all hear and interpret things differently, even if we are given the exact same information.

Here’s how it works:

Give one sheet of standard-sized paper (8.5 x 11 inches) to each participant.
Tell your participants that you will be giving them step-by-step instructions on how to fold their piece of paper into an origami shape.
Inform your participants that they must keep their eyes and mouths closed as they follow instructions; they are not allowed to look at the paper or ask any clarifying questions.
Give the group your instructions on how to fold the paper into the origami shape of your choice.
Once the instructions have all been given, have everyone open their eyes and compare their shape with the intended shape.

You will likely find that each shape is a little bit different! To hit the point home, refer to these discussion points and questions:

Make the point that each paper looks different even though you have given the same instructions to everybody. What does this mean?
Ask the group if you think the results would have been better if they kept their eyes open or were allowed to ask questions.
Communicating clearly is not easy, we all interpret the information we get differently that’s why it’s very important to ask questions and confirm understanding to ensure the communicated message is not distorted.

4. Guess the Emotion

Another useful exercise from the Training Course Material website is called “ Guess the Emotion .” As you might expect, it involves acting out and guessing emotions. This helps all participants practice empathy and better understand their coworkers or group members’ reactions.

Follow these instructions to play this engaging game:

Divide the group into two teams.
Place on a table (or put in a box) a packet of cards, each of which has a particular emotion typed on it
Have a participant from Group A take the top card from the table and act out (pantomime) the emotion for his/her group. This is to be done in a fixed time limit (such as a minute or two).
If the emotion is guessed correctly by Group A, they receive ten points.
Now have a participant from Group B act out an emotion; award points as appropriate.
Rotate the acting opportunities between the two groups.
After 20 to 30 minutes of acting and guessing, call time and announce the winning team based on its point total.

If you have a particularly competitive group, consider giving a prize to the winning team!

5. The Guessing Game

Finally, another fun and engaging game that can boost communication skills: “ The Guessing Game. ” You will probably recognize this game, as it’s similar to what many people know as “ Twenty Questions ,” except there is no hard limit on the number of questions you can ask.

To start, separate the group into two teams of equal (or roughly equal) size. Instruct one player from each team to leave the room for one minute and come up with a common object that can be found in most offices (e.g., a stapler, a printer, a whiteboard).

When this person returns, their teammates will try to guess what the object is by asking only “Yes or No” questions (i.e., questions that can only be answered with “yes” or “no”). The team can ask as many questions as they need to figure it out, but remind them that they’re in competition with the other team. If there’s time, you can have multiple rounds for added competition between the teams.

Take the last 10 minutes or so to discuss and debrief. Use the following points and questions to guide it:

Tell the group that obviously it took a long time and effort for us to find out the object in each round, but what if we didn’t have time and only had one question to ask to find out the object, what would that question be?
The question would be “What is the object?” which is an open-ended question.
Open-ended questions are an excellent way to save time and energy and help you get to the information you need fast, however, closed questions can also be very useful in some instances to confirm your understanding or to help you control the conversation with an overly talkative person/customer.

5 Listening Activities for Adults

If you’re intent on improving listening skills, in particular, you have lots of options; give these 5 activities a try.

1. Telephone Exercise

This classic exercise from Becky Norman (2018) at Sift’s Training Zone illustrates why listening is such an important skill, and why we shouldn’t ignore any opportunities to improve it.

Split your group into two even lines. At opposite ends of each line, whisper a phrase or short sentence to the person on the end and tell them to pass it on using only whispers, one person at a time. They can only repeat the phrase or sentence once.

While participants are busy passing the message along to the next person in line, play music or engage them in conversation to create some white noise. This will make it a bit more difficult but it will mimic real-life conditions, where distractions abound.

When the messages have made it to the end of each line, have the last person to receive the message in each line report out on what they heard. Next, have the first person to receive the message in each line report the original message and compare it to the final message received.

2. Stop Listening Exercise

This exercise , also from Becky Norman’s piece (2018), will show participants the emotional consequences of not listening and—hopefully—encourage them to practice better listening skills.

Split your group into two smaller groups of equal size and take one group outside the room. Tell them that they are instructed to stop listening to their partner after about 30 seconds, and to be open in showing their disinterest. Tell the other group to think of something that they are passionate about and be prepared to tell their soon-to-be partner a meaningful or personally relevant story about this topic.

Bring the other group back in, put all the participants into pairs, and tell them to get started. Observe the behavior from the listeners and the reactions from the speakers until you’re sure each speaker has picked up on what’s happening. Stop the conversations at this point and explain the instructions that were given to each group.

Facilitate a group discussion on the importance of listening, how to use active listening, and what indicates that someone is truly listening.

3. Listener and Talker Activity

The “Listener and Talker” activity is another good activity for showing the importance of active listening and giving participants a chance to practice their skills.

Divide your group into pairs, with one partner assigned to the talker role and the other assigned to the listener role. The talker’s job is to describe what he or she wants from a vacation without specifying a destination. The listener’s job is to listen attentively to what is being said (and what is not being said) and to demonstrate their listening through their behavior.

After a few minutes of active listening, the listener should summarize the three or main criteria the talker is considering when it comes to enjoying their vacation. Finally, the listener should try to sell the talker on a destination for their vacation. After a quick debrief on how well the listener listened, the two should switch roles and try the exercise again.

This exercise gives each participant a chance to practice talking about their wants and needs, as well as an opportunity to engage in active listening and use the knowledge they gained to understand and relate to the speaker.

4. Memory Test Activity

This great activity from TrainingCourseMaterial.com is called the “Memory Test” activity.

Tell participants that you are going to read them a list of words to test their memory.
Instruct them to listen carefully, as they cannot write down any of the words. Tell them you will test them later to see how many of the words they can remember.
When you finish reading the list of words, distract your participants by talking about something else for at least one full minute.
Once you have finished talking, have each participant write down as many words as they can remember from the list.

You (and your participants) will find that it’s pretty difficult to remember a list of somewhat-random words, especially when there is a break in time and another discussion in between hearing them and recalling them! Relate this to real-life listening by emphasizing the importance of paying attention to people when they are speaking to you, especially if it’s an important conversation.

5. Just Listen Activity

This activity comes from the folks at MindTools.com and offers participants a chance to communicate their feelings and provide a recap or rephrasing of another person’s feelings on a subject.

To get started, you will need an even number of people to pair off (or prepare to partner with one yourself) and eight index cards per pair. These index cards should have one topic written on each card; try to make sure the topics are interesting but not too controversial, as you don’t want listeners to dislike the speakers if they disagree with their viewpoint (e.g., you should probably avoid politics and religion).

Use these instructions to conduct the activity:

Have the team members sit down in their pairs.
Give each pair eight of the index cards.
Instruct one partner to choose a random card and then speak for three minutes on how he or she feels about the topic.
Instruct the other partner to stay quiet while the first partner talks, just listening instead of speaking.
After the three minutes is up, the listener has one minute to recap what the speaker said (not agree, disagree, or debate, just recap).
Have each pair switch roles and repeat the exercise so both partners get a chance to speak and to listen.

After each participant has played both roles, end the activity and guide a discussion with the following questions:

How did speakers feel about their partners’ ability to listen with an open mind? Did their partners’ body language communicate how they felt about what was being said?
How did listeners feel about not being able to speak about their own views on the topic? How well were they able to keep an open mind? How well did they listen?
How well did the listening partners summarize the speakers’ opinions? Did they get better as the exercise progressed?
How can they use the lessons from this exercise at work?

You will find this activity at this link , exercise #4.

6 Nonverbal Communication Activities for Adults

Nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal communication, if not more so!

Use these 6 activities to practice reading and “speaking” effective nonverbal messages.

1. Power of Body Language

This activity from TrainingCourseMaterial.com will help your participants work on their body language skills.

Tell the participants that you are going to give them a series of instructions and you want them to follow them as fast as they can.
Put your hand to your nose.
Clap your hands.
Touch your shoulder.
Stamp your foot.
Cross your arms.
Put your hand to your mouth (but while saying this one, put your hand to your nose).
Observe how many participants copied what you did instead of what you said.

Share this observation with your group and lead a discussion on how body language can influence our understanding and our reactions. It can reinforce what we hear or it can interfere with the verbal communication we receive. The more aware we are of this possibility, the better communicators we become. It’s vital to keep your own body language in mind, just as it’s vital to notice and understand others’ body language.

2. Clap and Follow

The “Clap and Follow” activity is a great way to practice using your body in conjunction with verbal communication.

It works like this:

Tell your group that this is a game that requires their full concentration.
When they hear one clap from the leader (you), tell them this means they should stand up.
When they hear two claps from the leader, they should hop once in place.
When they hear three claps, they should rub their belly.
When they hear four claps, they should do a 360-degree turn on the spot.
When they hear five claps, they should pat their head.
Begin the activity! Start with one clap, then two claps, and so on until you have given the group each instruction once.
Now, mix it up! Switch between the five different instructions and begin to pick up the pace. This is when the eliminations begin.
Each time a participant engages in the wrong activity, eliminate them from the game. Continue until there is one clear winner.

If you have a competitive group, you may want to bring a prize to ensure active engagement with the exercise. It will give participants a chance to practice nonverbal communication in a fun context.

3. Wordless Acting

This activity from Grace Fleming (2018) at ThoughtCo will show your participants how much we “speak” with our body language and facial expressions.

Here are the instructions:

Separate your group into pairs.
Assign one participant in each pair to be Partner A and the other to be Partner B.
Give each participant a copy of the script (copied below).
Instruct Participant A to read his or her lines out loud, but instruct Participant B to communicate his or her lines in a nonverbal way.
Provide Participant B with a secret emotional distraction written on a piece of paper (e.g., Participant B is in a rush, is really bored, or is feeling guilty).
Have each pair work through the script.
After each pair has finished working through the script, have the “A” participants guess what emotion their partner was feeling.

This is the script you will give each participant:

A: Have you seen my book? I can’t remember where I put it. B: Which one? A: The murder mystery. The one you borrowed. B: Is this it? A: No. It’s the one you borrowed. B: I did not! A: Maybe it’s under the chair. Can you look? B: Okay—just give me a minute. A: How long are you going to be? B: Geez, why so impatient? I hate when you get bossy. A: Forget it. I’ll find it myself. B: Wait—I found it!

After the activity, guide a discussion on how much information we can pick up from nonverbal communication and how important it is to regulate our bodies and our facial expressions when communicating, even if we’re also using verbal communication.

4. We Have to Move Now!

Another great exercise from Grace Fleming (2018) is called “We Have to Move Now!” and it will help your participants learn how to express and detect several different emotions.

These are the instructions for this activity:

Cut several strips of paper.
On each strip of paper, write down a mood, feeling, or disposition, like guilty, happy, suspicious, paranoid, insulted, or insecure.
Fold the strips of paper so you can’t see what is written on it and place them in a bowl or jar. These are your prompts.
Have each participant take a prompt from the bowl or jar and read the exact same sentence to the class, but with the emotion the prompt specifies.
The sentence everybody will read is: “We all need to gather our possessions and move to another building as soon as possible.”
Have the participants guess the emotion of each reader by writing down what they think the speaker is feeling (or what they are supposed to be feeling).

After each participant has had a chance to read the sentence based on one of the prompts, run through the emotions displayed and see how many each participant guessed correctly. Finally, lead a debriefing discussion on how things like tone and body language can impact the way a message is received.

5. Stack the Deck

All you’ll need for this exercise is a deck of playing cards, a blindfold for each participant, and some space to move around.

Here’s how “Stack the Deck” works:

Shuffle the deck of cards and hand one out to each participant.
Instruct the participants to keep their cards a secret; no one should see the suit or color of another participant’s card.
Tell the participants that they will not be allowed to talk at all during this exercise.
Instruct your participants to assemble into four groups according to their suit (hearts, clubs, diamonds, spades), but using only nonverbal communication.
If you have the time and your participants have the inclination, try blindfolding each participant and giving the same instructions—it makes it much more difficult and more time-consuming!
Once participants have all gathered into one of the four groups, have them line up according to their rank (Ace is the lowest, King is the highest); again, they cannot speak or show their cards to anyone during this part of the exercise.
The group that lines up in the right order first wins!

As always, you can offer a prize to the winning team to motivate your participants.

This exercise will show how difficult it is to communicate without words, but it will also show your participants that it is not only possible, it gets easier as they start to pick up on one another’s nonverbal cues.

You can find this exercise at this link (Activity #3).

6. Silent Movie

Finally, facilitate this activity to really drive home the importance of effective nonverbal communication.

Divide your participants into two groups. For the first half of the activity, one group will be screenwriters and the other group will be actors. In the second half, the two groups will switch roles.

Instruct the screenwriters to write a silent movie, but to keep these things in mind:

Silent movies tell a story without words. It’s important to start the scene with the actor doing an obvious task, like cleaning the house or rowing a boat.
The scene must be interrupted when a second actor (or several actors) enter the scene, and their arrival should have a big impact. The character(s) could be anyone (or anything), including burglars, salesmen, children, or even animals.
A physical commotion must occur.
The problem that is caused by the commotion must be resolved by the end of the scene.

Give the screenwriters time to write out their script, then have the actors perform the script. Once the scene is finished, have the groups switch roles.

The communication game – Asgar Hussain

2 Communication Group Activities

Other great activities for group communication include the “Square Talk” and “Follow All Instructions” activities.

1. Square Talk Activity

For this activity , you will need one blindfold for each participant, one long piece of rope for each team (teams should be composed of around 5 participants each), and 25 minutes.

Follow these steps to give this activity a try:

Divide your group of participants into groups of about 5 each.
Clear the room so you have as much space as possible.
Blindfold each participant and tell them their objective: to make a square from a rope (i.e., stand in the shape of a square with their team).
Disorientate each participant by moving them a bit, spinning them around, etc.
All team members are blindfolded and must remain so for the duration of the activity.
The rope you are holding is approximately ___ feet in length.
The role you are holding is knotted together to form a circle; it must not be undone.
You must not let go of the rope.
You will be told when you have 5 minutes remaining.
Allow the teams to work on the activity and inform them when they have 5 minutes left.

Once the teams have given this activity their best shot, use these 5 discussion questions to review the importance of good group communication:

Do you feel as a group you communicated effectively?
During the Activity, what communication skills did you use effectively?
During the activity, what communication skills could you have used to improve performance?
How important is communication in the workplace? Why?
What key points have you learned about communication from this activity, that you wish to apply in the workplace?

2. Follow All Instructions Activity

This activity from TrainingCourseMaterial.com is a great one for young people, but it can be used with participants of all ages. All you’ll need is a set of instructions for each participant.

Write all of your teams initials at the top right-hand corner of this sheet.
Write your first name on your sheet of paper.
Write the total of 3 + 16 + 32 + 64 here: __________________
Underline instruction 1 above.
Check the time by your watch with that of one of your neighbor’s.
Write down the difference in time between the two watches at the foot of this page.
Draw three circles in the left-hand margin.
Put a tick in each of the circles mentioned in 6.
Sign your signature at the foot of the page.
On the back of the page, divide 50 by 12.5.
When you get to this point in the test, stand up, then sit down and continue with the next item.
If you have carefully followed all these instructions, call out ‘I have’.
On the reverse of this page, draw quickly what you think an upright bicycle looks like from overhead.
Check your answer to Item 9, multiply it by 5 and write the result in the left-hand margin opposite this item.
Write the 5th, 10th, 9th and 20th letters of the alphabet here: ___________________
Punch three holes with your pen here: o o o
If you think you are the first person to get this far, call out ‘I’m in the lead’.
Underline all the even digits on the left-hand side of the page.
Draw triangles around the holes you punched in Item 15.
Now you’ve finished reading all the instructions, obey only 1, 2, 20 & 21.
Stand up and say, “We’re the greatest team in the World!”

As you can see, the instructions include lots of silly directives (e.g., “When you get to this point in the test, stand up, then sit down and continue with the next item.”) that will identify who is following the directions and who is not—but the person that stands is actually the one not following directions!

The first and only verbal instruction you will give participants is to read all the written instructions first before engaging in any of the directives. The first person to complete the list will be declared the winner of the activity. You can offer a prize to the winner if you think the group would be motivated by it.

This exercise is a fun way to see who is paying attention and who is skipping the most vital instruction—to read everything before acting.

7 Communication Games for Couples

Defeating Divorce shares the following three games aimed at improving communication in a romantic relationship.

This game is goal-directed, meaning the couple is working towards a common goal, and that goal requires effective communication.

The couple sits back to back with an identical set of building blocks in front of each of them.
One partner uses their blocks to create some sort of building or structure.
The builder partner then relays a series of instructions to the other partner to help him or her build the exact same structure.
The listener partner must try to build the same structure based on the speaker partner’s instructions.

This game takes some serious teamwork and good communication, and it can be repeated as needed to help a couple build their skills.

2. Minefield

“Minefield” is a physical game that will not only get both partners up and moving, but it will also require a great deal of trust and communication to complete the challenge.

You will need a blindfold for one partner, some space to navigate, and some objects with which you can create a minefield or obstacle course. Once the course is ready to go, blindfold one partner and bring them into the room.

The challenge here is for the non-blindfolded partner to guide the blindfolded partner through the obstacle course using only verbal communication. The couple will only succeed if the blindfolded partner has trust in their partner and the non-blindfolded partner is an effective verbal communicator.

Feelings of frustration are common in this game, but it can be a great way to highlight issues in communication or, alternately, highlight the couple’s communication strengths.

3. Give Me a Hand

This game is another one that can be frustrating for the couple but ultimately provides a great opportunity to build effective communication skills and unite the two in a common goal.

In this game, the couple will be given a seemingly easy task to complete, such as buttoning a shirt or tying a shoe, but with a catch—each partner will have one arm tied behind their back. The couple will find that the lack of one arm makes the task much more difficult than they might expect!

To complete the task, the couple will need to communicate effectively and coordinate their movements. It will be tough, but immensely satisfying to successfully complete this challenge!

4. Twenty Questions Times Two

If you remember the game “Twenty Questions”, you’ll recognize this game. It can be used to help couples communicate, share important details, and strengthen their connection.

Here’s how:

The couple should schedule some time alone, without distractions.
Before playing the game, each partner should come up with a list of 20 detailed personal questions to ask the other partner. The couple should feel free to get creative here!
Both partners take turns asking each other one question at a time.
When they’ve finished asking each other their questions, they should reverse them! Instead of asking questions like, “What is your favorite color?” each partner will ask, “What is my favorite color?”

This fun twist on a familiar game will result in greater knowledge and understanding of your spouse and, hopefully, better communication skills.

5. Eye-to-Eye

This game is a good way for couples to work on communicating and improving their connection, and all you need is your eyes!

Here’s how to do it:

The couple sits facing each other, close enough to hold hands.
Each partner looks directly into the other partner’s eyes.
Each partner should take a minute to notice the feelings they are experiencing at this point.
One partner begins talking about something simple and easy to discuss, like what happened that day, what they had for lunch, or something they are grateful for.
The other partner reciprocates with a similar conversation, all while holding eye contact.
The couple continues sharing things one at a time until each partner has shared at least three or four times.
The couple discusses what the experience was like.

Many people find this game uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it can greatly enhance your sense of intimacy with your partner.

6. The Top Three

Similar to the “three good things” exercise, this game’s aim is to boost a couple’s gratitude for one another and give them both a chance to practice expressing it. Couples should schedule a time for this game every day, but the good news is that it doesn’t take long—just a few minutes will do.

To play “The Top Three”, couples should follow these instructions:

At the end of each day, take some time to reflect on your day. Think about what your partner has done for you today.
Take turns sharing those three things with your partner and tell them what each thing meant to you.
Don’t forget to say “thank you” or otherwise verbally express your gratitude to your partner!

This game gets couples to practice vocalizing their appreciation and expressing gratitude, two things that are not necessarily in everyone’s daily communications but can have a big impact on a relationship.

7. Make a Playdate

Playdates are not just for kids or puppies—they are a great idea for couples as well! A play date is not your average, regularly scheduled programming sort of date, but something that is different, spontaneous, unique, and/or just plain fun!

Here are the three ground rules for the playdate:

It has to be something for just the couple to do and they cannot include the kids or discuss mundane things like chores or bills.
It has to be something that requires both partners to be present in the moment; think sailing, rock climbing, or dance lessons rather than seeing a movie or going out to dinner.
The couple should take turns picking the activity and try to surprise their partner with something new.

Planning this date will not only make it easier to feel connected and closer to one another, but it also provides couples with an opportunity to communicate their love for one another through their actions. Depending on the date activity, it can also provide some much-needed time for the couple to talk.

5 Exercises and Activities for Married Couples

These exercises , also from Defeating Divorce, are not just for married couples, but for anyone in a committed relationship.

1. Fireside Chats

This communication exercise is based on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats,” in which he addressed the American people with the intention of making it feel as if he was speaking directly into their living room, carrying on a calm and rational discussion of important issues.

The intention of this exercise for couples is similar: to make the couple feel more connected, more aware of what is going on in each other’s lives, and to maintain a pulse on how the relationship is going.

The two partners should schedule a 15 to 30-minute “fireside chat” each week to practice their ability to speak calmly, respectfully, and effectively about important and relevant issues. They should minimize the chances of distraction (turn off the TV, put their phones on silent, etc.) and focus only on one another for these chats.

What the couple discusses is up to them, but if there are salient relationship issues, this is a good time to talk about them. If the issues are very serious, it may be a good idea to start out this exercise talking about less intense, less emotional topics before moving on to the problem areas.

2. High-Low Activity

The high-low activity also aims to help couples feel more connected and in touch with one another, which requires measured and thoughtful communication. Engaging in this exercise daily will give the couple a chance to practice their communication skills on a regular basis, as well as their active listening skills.

Here’s how the exercise works:

Wait until the end of the day (e.g., at the end of dinner, around bedtime) to put it into practice.
The couple will then “check-in” with each other about the other’s day.
Each partner will ask the other to share their “high” of the day or the best part of their day.
Next, each partner will ask the other to share their “low” of the day or the worst or most disappointing part of their day.
As one partner is sharing, the other should practice active listening techniques, conveying their empathy and understanding to their partner.

This simple activity will result in a more intimate and understanding relationship between the two partners, all for just a few minutes a day.

3. Listening Without Words

If a couple wants to practice both their verbal and nonverbal communication, this is a great way to do it. The “Listening Without Words” activity allows each partner to apply both verbal and nonverbal communication skills, as it involves switching between only speaking and only listening.

This is how to practice it:

The couple will schedule some time for themselves without kids, work, or other responsibilities interrupting them.
They set a timer for somewhere between 3 to 5 minutes.
Until the timer goes off, one partner acts as the speaker and the other acts as the listener. The speaker will talk about any subject they’d like to talk about.
While the speaker talks, the listener will attempt to show the speaker compassion, empathy, and understanding through nonverbal communication only (e.g., smiling, nodding, taking their partner’s hand).
When the timer goes off, the partners will have a chance to process what they experienced and discuss any thoughts or feelings that came up.
Finally, the partners switch roles and repeat the exercise.

This exercise is a great way to boost your bond and your skills at the same time.

4. Eye See You

Similar to a previous exercise (“Eye-to-Eye”), this exercise relies heavily on eye contact; however, unlike the previous exercise, this one does not allow talking until the end.

Here’s how to give it a try:

The couple should be in a quiet and relaxing environment, with as few distractions as possible.
They sit in two chairs facing one another, near to one another but not touching.
The couple sets a timer for five minutes and settles in their respective seats, making and holding eye contact with one another. They will hold eye contact but refrain from speaking or touching until the timer goes off.
Both partners should be encouraged to note any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that come bubbling up during these five minutes.
Once the timer goes off, the two should try to guess what the other person was thinking and feeling during the five minutes. Once they have a chance to guess, they should discuss these things that bubbled to the surface as they maintained eye contact.

It might surprise some people to hear what their partner was thinking and feeling during the activity, but a strong relationship depends on understanding and empathizing with one another, making communication like this a necessity.

5. Send Me a Postcard

Although we’ve mostly focused on verbal communication and communications via body language, facial expressions, and touch, there is another form that we haven’t mentioned: written communication. This activity guides the couple in developing more effective written communication skills.

Both partners should have two blank postcards and something to write with for this exercise. On one postcard, each partner will write down a message to the other partner communicating a frustration, a feeling, or a desire. They should take a few minutes to create a thoughtful message to their partner.

Once they have their postcard ready to “mail” each partner will deliver their message to their partner without any verbal communication. They will both read their partner’s message and take a few moments to process. When they feel ready, they will use their remaining blank postcard to craft a response to their partner’s message.

When both partners have finished writing their response, they will deliver those messages to one another as well. After they have both read the response postcards, the couple can debrief and discuss their messages to one another.

5 Communication Exercises for Couples Therapy

If you’re hungry for more couples’ communication exercises, maybe these five exercises will hit the spot!

1. Active Listening

Active listening is not the easiest skill to master, but it is an important one to develop. This exercise from marriage counseling expert Racheal Tasker will give you a chance to practice it with the person closest to you.

The next time you and your partner are talking about something important or sensitive, put these tips and techniques into practice:

The speaker should remain focused on a single thought or idea.
The listener should listen attentively to the speaker, concentrating on understanding their perspective and attempting to gain new insights into their thoughts and feelings.
The speaker and listener should switch roles after a while to allow each to practice both types of communication.
Both partners should practice speaking and listening with patience and love, allowing their feelings for their partner to guide them toward true understanding rather than just reacting (Tasker, n.d.).

2. Sharing Emotions Freely

It can be tough to be truly open with our emotions, but it’s vital for effective communication and a healthy relationship. Try this exercise to work on this skill.

The couple should agree to try this exercise together and follow these instructions:

Decide on a specific time and place to put this exercise into practice.
Let your partner know what you need to feel safe sharing your feelings, and listen to what your partner needs to feel safe sharing his or her feelings.
Be sure to also ask your partner what would make him or her feel more comfortable as you share your feelings, as it can be just as difficult to hear as it is to share.
Share with your partner! If it helps, use a timer to limit how much sharing can occur and to ensure equal time to share feelings.
Listen to what your partner tells you and discuss what, if any, concrete steps you can take based on the information you’ve both shared. Commit to using the information you gained to improve your communication skills and your relationship in general (Tasker, n.d.).

3. Use Positive Language

Another great exercise from Racheal Tasker is focused on using positive language with one another. It can be surprisingly easy to slide into a pattern of mostly neutral or even negative language with your partner, but you can use this exercise to counter that tendency.

Here’s what to do:

Commit to using positive language when you communicate with your partner.
Ask your partner to make the same commitment to positive language.
Avoid being overly critical or negative when communicating with your partner.
Use a positive and encouraging tone when you speak to your partner.
Keep an eye on the words you use; try to incorporate words like “love”, “feel”, “appreciate”, and ditch words like “fault”, “never”, and “hate” (e.g., “I hate it when you do X!”).

As partners continue to practice this exercise on a regular basis, they will find that their communication style grows more positive with less effort, and their relationship will flourish (Tasker, n.d.).

4. Take a Trip Together

There’s nothing like traveling with someone to work on your communication skills! Making a trip successful requires tons of communication, coordination, and clear expectations, but it can also open you up to fun new experiences and relaxation. To practice communicating with your partner, try planning and taking a trip together.

Plan your trip with a focus on doing things you both like, going to a place you’d both like to visit, and trying new food, activities, and other experiences together. Getting out of your routine and into a novel environment can do wonders for your communication—not to mention your overall mood.

Use some of the other tips and techniques mentioned in this article when you are planning your trip and while you are enjoying your trip; you’re sure to see some improvements to your communication with your partner (Tasker, n.d.).

You can find this exercise at this link , second exercise from the bottom.

5. I Feel (Blank)

The final exercise from Tasker is called “I Feel _____” and it’s a simple one.

We often have trouble sharing our feelings, even (or especially) with those we are closest to. A great way to work on communicating your feelings more often—and more effectively—is to practice saying “I feel (blank).”

The next time you are experiencing strong emotions or discussing a sensitive or difficult subject with your partner, try beginning your sentences with “I feel…” and continue from there. So, if you’re upset with your partner for forgetting about an important appointment or canceling plans at the last minute, instead of saying “You don’t respect my time,” try “I feel like you don’t respect my time.”

Framing your discussion in this manner—as a statement of your feelings rather than a personal attack or blaming session—is not only conducive to greater understanding, it also shows your partner that you care about having a constructive conversation and that your intentions are not to hurt them but to help them see from your perspective.

According to researchers Peterson and Green (2009), family communication is so important because:

“…it enables members to express their needs, wants, and concerns to each other. Open and honest communication creates an atmosphere that allows family members to express their differences as well as love and admiration for one another.”

The benefits of high-quality communication make spending time on improving the way family members relate to one another a task that is well worth the time spent on it. If you’re interested in working on your communication skills as a family, give the following activities and exercises a try.

These 14 activities are great tools to use in family therapy, but you can also try them at home.

4 Group Exercises for the Family

These four group exercises are a great introduction to communication skill-building as a family. They’re fun, engaging, and good for all ages!

1. What If?

The best time to work on communication skills is when families take the time to just sit and relax together. This simple game is a great way to do that, allowing families to improve how they communicate with one another while laughing together and putting their imagination to good use.

You will need strips of paper, a pencil or pen for each family member, and two bowls.

Get two slips of paper and something to write with for each family member.
On the first slip, have each family member write a question off the top of his or her head; it can be silly, serious, or anywhere in between. Put all the questions in one of the bowls and give them a good mix.
On the second slip of paper, have each family member write an answer to the question they came up with. Place these slips in the second bowl and mix them up.
Pass each bowl around the room and have each family member take one question slip and one answer slip.
Have each family member read the question and the answer that they have in their hand. The questions and answers might fit well together or they may result in absurd combinations!
Continue the game with two more slips of blank paper. It may take a few rounds for everyone to get the hang of the game, but family members will get more comfortable with the game and enjoy it more as they go along.

Use the following questions to guide your discussion as a family:

Did the activity spark your imagination?
Why did the questions and answers get funnier after several rounds?

2. Expressing Individuality

Although families usually share values, norms, and beliefs, that doesn’t mean all family members will see things the same way. It can be hard for some family members to communicate their thoughts and feelings when they feel like the odd one out or a “black sheep” in the family.

To make sure your family is a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings, give the “Expressing Individuality” activity a try. It will help each family member understand that they are a valuable part of the family and that they are always free to share their unique perspective.

You’ll need about an hour for this activity, 15 minutes to make the dough and 45 minutes for the activity itself. Use one of the recipes below to make your own play dough as a family.

If you want to make reusable play dough, mix together:

1 cup flour
1 cup water (add food coloring to water if you want colored clay)
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon oil

After mixing these ingredients together, put over low heat and stir slowly. When the dough has formed into a small ball, remove it from the heat and knead while still warm. Store the clay in a sealed container.

If you plan on baking your designs at the end of this activity to preserve them, mix together:

½ cup water
Food coloring (if desired—you can also paint the figures after you bake them)

Follow these instructions to encourage each family member to express their individuality:

If you love Boy Scouts, you may want to mold the image of a person sitting on a log by a campfire.
If you received an award as the “Employee of the Month,” you may want to mold the image of something that represents hard work, or dependability.
If friendliness is a personal characteristic that you value, you may want to mold a face with a pleasant smile, or if you have a great love for animals, you may want to mold several of your favorite animals.
After creating your unique design, you can preserve it by placing it on a cookie sheet and baking it in the oven on warm for several hours (until hard). This will harden the clay hard so that it maintains its shape. If you did not use food coloring to color the clay, or if you like to paint, you could paint the hardened figure. Once everyone has completed a mold, display these molds in the home.

To continue working on communicating your individuality as a family, ask these questions and discuss your answers together:

Why did you choose to make what you did?
What does it mean to you?

If the idea of creating a figure out of play dough doesn’t appeal to you, you can also try these two alternatives:

You could draw pictures using plain white paper and colored pencils/crayons. Drawing may allow you to express more ideas than if you use clay. Make sure that you do not place an emphasis on artistic abilities. It is okay to draw simple stick figures that represent people or other objects.
You could cut pictures out of old magazines and paste them on a poster board. After each person has completed a mold, picture, or collage, allow each family member to explain how their collage, picture or mold represents them.

3. Hints of Anger

Anger is a normal human emotion, and we will all get angry at some point. Instead of trying to avoid or deny anger, it’s vital that families learn how to manage their anger and communicate it to others in a healthy way. This activity will help family members identify their anger cues (the signs that indicate they are getting angry) and help them regulate their emotions to ensure they don’t say or do something they will regret.

Here’s how to do this activity as a family:

Tell family members to think about a time when they were angry or upset, and consider how they felt.
Were your hands relaxed or clenched in a fist?
Was your heart rate normal or beating fast?
Were your muscles relaxed or tight with tension?
What kind of thoughts was going through your head?
As a family, discuss any discrepancies between what you think about your anger cues and what other family members think.
How did your body feel during this period of time?
In which scenario did you feel more comfortable, angry, or happy?
Discuss the importance of knowing when you are getting upset and might need to take a break and think.

After the activity, discuss these questions as a family:

Why is it important to recognize the signs that you are angry?
Why is it important to control your anger?
What do you feel like specifically, when you are upset?
What are the things you are going to do to manage your anger so it does not hurt your family relationships?
Can recognizing anger cues help in managing your anger?

4. Family Meetings

Family meetings are a good idea for a lot of reasons, but yet another benefit of these get-togethers is the potential for building and developing better communication skills as a family. Regular family meetings can help family members learn how to:

Make joint decisions
Plan together
Accept responsibility
Show concern for others
Spend some quality time together

Pick one night of the week when your family can consistently get together for a weekly family meeting that lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and make sure it’s scheduled on everyone’s calendar.

Here’s how to conduct good family meetings:

Set a regular time. Setting a regular time and place gives the family council a position of importance and results in it becoming a permanent part of family operations. If everyone knows that the family is meeting together regularly, they find that most problems can wait a few days to be discussed. For this reason, some families like weekly meetings.
Use an agenda. Post a paper during the week where family members can list concerns they want brought up (possibly, the message center). Discuss things in the order listed. This also reduces problems between meetings when parents can say, “List it on the agenda and we’ll discuss it at the meeting.”
Attendance is voluntary . All members of the family are invited to attend — but attendance is voluntary. However, if a member is not present, he/she is still expected to abide by any decisions made by the family council.
Each person has an equal voice . Everyone should be encouraged to contribute ideas and suggestions. All members must be treated the same, regardless of age. Using the steps of negotiation to (1) introduce the problem, (2) discuss solutions, and (3) vote on a solution. This gives everyone a chance to be involved. Councils do not always run smoothly. Teenagers are often suspicious that the new program is just another way for parents to gain compliance with their demands. In the first council meetings, rebelliousness may be exhibited to deliberately test whether parents are sincere about including them in family decision-making.
Use rules of order . If participation is to be equal, then some type of order must be maintained. If a person has the right to express himself, then he also has the right to be heard — which implies that others have the obligation to listen. Rules of order help this situation.
Rotate chairmanship . If the same person conducts all meetings, that person eventually begins to assume an air of superiority. To help maintain a feeling of equality, family members should take turns conducting the councils. This allows each person to experience the privileges and the responsibilities of this position.
Accentuate solutions . Family council should not be “just a gripe session” — a time to get together and complain. In order to prevent this, you may decide that the person presenting a problem must also suggest one possible solution. Family members could then discuss alternate solutions or modify the one presented. In practice, some solutions do not work as well as anticipated. As family members begin to live with a decision, they may decide it needs to be changed. This change, however, must wait until the next regular meeting. Children soon recognize a need for better solutions and they learn by experience to make wiser choices. When family council is held regularly, each member learns to project ahead and anticipate problems. When this occurs, the emphasis at council meetings shifts from problem-solving to problem prevention and planning. Family council can also be a time to plan fun things like vacations or family outings. Families can talk about different places to visit and how they want to spend the time available.
Decide on the authority level . The family council can be the final authority for the family, or a family can have a modified version of decision making. For it to be effective, however, most decisions made by the council need to be binding. If parents always overrule the council, children will soon lose interest.
Keep a record . There sometimes develops a difference of opinions as to who conducted the last meeting, what matters were discussed, and what plans were agreed upon. For this reason, a secretary to record minutes is most helpful. The secretary can rotate with each meeting.

After your first family meeting, discuss these questions as a family:

How did your first family meeting go?
What about the meeting was good? What was bad?
What do you want to incorporate in future meetings?

4 Active Listening Exercises

Active listening is a vital part of communication and can greatly improve relationships between family members. These four active listening exercises are a great way to boost your skills.

1. Precision Communication

Another activity that can help your family build and continue to develop good communication skills is called “Precision Communication.” It’s focused on active listening, which is a vital part of communication and conducive to better understanding and stronger, healthier relationships.

Here’s how to put this activity into practice:

Set up a maze in your home using furniture, such as kitchen chairs or other pieces of furniture that can act as a barrier.
Tie string or yarn between the furniture to create a clear path through the maze.
Select a family member that will try to walk through the maze blindfolded. This person must not see the maze prior to being blindfolded.
Have someone give voice instructions so the family member can be directed through the maze.

This activity’s aim is to see if the family member giving instructions can help the blindfolded family member get through the maze without bumping into the furniture, walls, or string. This means that not only must the speaking family member communicate clear and detailed instructions, but the blindfolded family member must also use their active listening skills to receive the instructions and implement them effectively.

Use these discussion questions to debrief and maximize this learning opportunity:

Why was clear detailed communication necessary for this exercise?
How important was it to listen carefully to the one giving instructions? Why?
What were some of the difficulties associated with helping a family member complete this exercise?
Using some of the ideas from this exercise, how can you, as a family, improve your communication skills?

If you want more from this activity, try this follow-up:

Draw a simple picture or pattern on a piece of paper. Without letting family members see the diagram, tell them what they need to do to make a copy of your picture that matches as closely as possible. After giving detailed instructions, see how accurately the pictures match up.

2. End of the Word—Beginning of the Next

This is a fun game on the Encourage Play website that can keep your kids actively engaged in building their listening skills.

Here’s how to play:

One person (probably an adult) starts the game by giving out one word—it can be any word, it just needs to be one that every family member knows how to spell.
The next family member must listen to the word the previous person said, then come up with a word that starts with the letter the last word ended with.

This is an easy game to play since you don’t need any materials, just a few minutes and the ability to hear one another! That makes it a great game for car rides, waiting in restaurants, or standing in a long line. To make it more challenging, give it a bit of complexity by limiting the words to a category, like animals or cities.

3. Red Light Green Light

Another exercise from the Encourage Play website is a familiar one. It’s based on the classic “Red Light, Green Light” game in which the leader gives instructions by color: saying “red light” means stop and saying “green light” means go.

To make the game a bit more challenging and really emphasize the importance of active listening, incorporate these three variations to the game:

Different colors refer to different types of movement; for example, yellow light could mean skipping, purple light could mean crab walking, and blue light could mean hopping.
Pretend to be a different animal for different colors (yellow = lion, green = bunny, purple = frog, etc.).
Use words that rhyme with red or green to see if the players catch the difference (e.g., “Bread Light! Teen Light!”).

4. Tell a Group Story

Group stories are a great way to practice active listening with the whole family. It also gives kids a chance to be creative and silly, which helps to keep them engaged in the activity.

The first person (probably an adult) starts a story with just one sentence (e.g., “Once upon a time, there was a very curious brown bunny”).
The next person adds onto the story with just one sentence as well (e.g., “This bunny lived with her mother and father in a cozy little burrow under a willow tree”).
The story continues until everyone has contributed at least a couple of sentences to the story.

This activity boosts active listening skills because it requires careful and attentive listening to what has already been said in order to make a good contribution to the story.

3 Assertive Communication Exercises

One of the best skills to teach your kids is how to be assertive instead of aggressive or passive (or passive-aggressive). Use these three assertive communication activities to help them learn this important skill.

1. Assertive Communication Worksheet

This worksheet is a great way to help older kids understand the difference between types of communication and to learn how to communicate assertively.

The worksheet first provides a good working definition of assertive communication:

“A communication style in which a person stands up for their own needs and wants, while also taking into consideration the needs and wants of others, without behaving passively or aggressively.”

It also outlines the traits of people who are assertive communicators, including:

Clearly state needs and wants
Eye contact
Listens to others without interruption
Appropriate speaking volume
Steady tone of voice
Confident body language

Next, it shares four tips on communicating assertively:

Respect yourself—your wants and needs are as important as everyone else’s.
Express your thought and feelings calmly rather than using the silent treatment or yelling and threatening.
Plan out what you’re going to say before you say it.
Say “no” when you need to, say it clearly, and do it without lying.

After some examples of assertive communication, we get to the active part of the worksheet. It’s geared toward adults, but the scenarios can be tweaked to fit kids as well.

There are four situations presented and space to write out your own assertive response to each. These situations are:

Your partner says, “ I know you have plans for the weekend, but I really need you to watch the kids. I have a friend coming to town, and we made plans .”
Situation: You’ve just received your food at a restaurant, and it was prepared incorrectly. Your sandwich seems to have extra mayo, instead of no mayo.
Your friend says, “ Hey, can I borrow some money? I want to buy these shoes, but I left my wallet at home. I’ll pay you back soon, I swear. It won’t be like last time .”
Situation: Your neighbor is adding an expansion to their house, and the crew starts working, very loudly, at 5 am. It has woken you up every day for a week.

Working through these scenarios as a family can help your kids see what healthy assertive communication looks like and show them that it’s okay to say “no” sometimes.

2. The Aggressive Alligator

The Aggressive Alligator is a great tool from Kristina Marcelli-Sargent, for teaching assertiveness over-aggressiveness or passiveness. It makes what can be a dry and boring subject more interesting and engaging.

Start by giving simple definitions to the terms “passive,” “aggressive,” and “assertive.” Next, show them a list of animals or a bin of small stuffed animals and allow them to choose an animal that they feel represents each definition. The aggressive animal doesn’t need to be an alligator, it can be anything that makes sense to your children.

After your kids have chosen an animal for each term, describe some social situations and instruct your kids to act them out with their animals. Each animal should act according to the definition it represents (e.g., the aggressive alligator should act aggressively, the passive panda should act passively, and the assertive anteater should act assertively).

Once all scenarios have been acted out, talk to your kids about how the outcomes differed between the three animals. Point out which one(s) resulted in a positive outcome and which one(s) should probably be avoided. In the future, you can refer back to the assertive anteater to remind your kids to be assertive instead of passive or aggressive (Sargent, 2015).

3. Keeping Cool

A great lesson for kids to learn is that assertive communication is about being firm and direct without being angry or upset. This activity will help you teach healthy assertiveness to your kids or students.

Here’s how to go about it:

First, ask your kids how people might feel when they are bullied. If they have trouble coming up with answers, talk about how people might feel angry, scared, sad, upset, embarrassed, or confused.
Next, ask your kids what kinds of things people want to do when they feel this way. If they can’t think of things people might do when they feel upset, angry, or sad, mention that they might yell, throw something, hit something, hide, cry, or do something else to make another person feel as bad as they feel.
Ask your kids if they think these are good or helpful things to do. Explain how everyone has strong, negative feelings like this sometimes, and that it’s okay to feel them. These feelings have a purpose; they tell us that something is wrong or that something needs to be fixed, but they can also encourage us to do the wrong thing unless we learn how to keep a cool head.
Close your eyes and take several slow deep breaths
Count to ten
Relax the muscles in your face and body
Talk silently to yourself and repeat a soothing phrase, such as “Keep calm” or “I control my feelings”
Get a drink of water
Go sit by a person you trust

Discuss these options with the whole group and decide together on what the best techniques are, then practice using them together.

Click here to read about this exercise from the Education Development Center’s Bullying Prevention program.

3 Nonverbal Communication Exercises

Finally, although verbal communication is generally the focus of skill-building exercises and activities, nonverbal communication is also a vital skill to develop.

Use these 3 exercises to help your kids build their nonverbal skills.

1. Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

Things like tone of voice, facial expressions, body posture, and hand gestures are all non-verbal, but they are hugely important in our communication with others. If we say one thing with our words and another with our face or body, we can end up giving mixed messages and confusing others.

To make sure we are saying what we want to say with our words and our face, body, and tone, help your kids learn how to understand and “speak” non-verbal communications.

Here’s s description of this activity:

“As a family, make a list of different non-verbal actions. For example, folding your arms, snorting, frowning, etc… Select a TV program or a segment of a video. Watch about 5 to 7 minutes of the program with the volume off. While watching the program without volume, identify the different non-verbal messages, especially the feelings that are expressed. After 5 to 7 minutes, turn off the TV and discuss what you observed. You could even carry on the discussion as the program continues.”

To get the discussion started, use questions like:

What were the non-verbal messages that you observed?
How important do you think the non-verbal messages are in helping you to enjoy the movie and understand what was going on in the movie?
Did you observe any confusing non-verbal messages?
What feelings were expressed through non-verbal communication?
What were some of the difficulties of this activity?
What can you do to be more aware of non-verbal messages?
Did everyone think the non-verbal message meant the same thing?
Are non-verbal messages always obvious in real life?

If you want more from this exercise, try this follow-up activity. Seat two family members away from each other and have them carry on a conversation about giving directions to somewhere or explaining how to do something. As they talk, they should focus on trying to understand the other person’s feelings.

After doing this for a few minutes, the two should turn around, face each other, and continue the discussion—they will likely find it much easier!

Use the following questions to guide your discussion after the follow-up:

When you had your backs to each other, did a lack of non-verbal communication affect your ability to communicate with the other person? If so, how?
What feelings did you experience as you communicated with your back to the other person?
When you spoke to the other person face-to-face, did this improve your ability to communicate and understand the other person’s feelings? If so, how?
Did face-to-face communication improve your ability to understand the other person’s feelings?
How can you increase your awareness of non-verbal messages you do not mean to be sending?
How can you be aware of how we may misinterpret someone else’s non-verbal messages?”

2. Charades

Charades is a popular game with kids since it’s fun, easy to play, and can result in some seriously silly situations.

Here’s what you need to do:

Animals: Monkey, dog, cat, rabbit, kangaroo, snake
Activities: brushing teeth, playing cards, shining a flashlight, fishing, playing frisbee
Emotions: scared, sad, bored, angry, happy, wary, proud

Acting out these prompts will give kids an opportunity to practice communicating non-verbally, a skill that they can easily build over time (Simmons, n.d.).

This nonverbal communication activity is available from Sue Simmons at Equinox Family Consulting.

3. Silent Snack

Finally, another activity from Sue Simmons is called “ Silent Snack ” and it gives young children a chance to have fun while building their nonverbal communication skills.

Follow these instructions to give it a try:

Put out a few different snacks in individual bowls.
Tell everyone it’s “Silent Snack Time,” meaning there’s no talking allowed!
Offer each person a taste of each snack.
Each player should take turns sharing their opinion on each snack. They can use indicators like thumbs up and thumbs down or facial expressions to communicate their opinions.

It’s a simple activity, but an effective one! Give it a try at your next snack time.

17 Exercises To Develop Positive Communication

17 Positive Communication Exercises [PDFs] to help others develop communication skills for successful social interactions and positive, fulfilling relationships.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

I hope you leave this piece with a treasure trove of new resources you can use to improve your own life or the lives of your clients.

Communication skills are one of the most important skills a person can have, making it well worth your while to devote some time and energy to develop them.

What are your favorite ways to work on communicating with your spouse? Do you schedule a time to talk about how your relationship is doing or do you just let it flow naturally? What do you think are the best ways to build, enhance, and maintain your communication skills? Let us know in the comments section.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Communication Exercises (PDF) for free .

Abass, S. (n.d.). 3 benefits of effective communication in a relationship. Lifehack. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/509189/3-benefits-effective-communication-relationship
https://defeatingdivorce.com/communication-exercises-for-couples/
Fleming, G. (2018). 4 helpful nonverbal communication activities. ThoughtCo. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/nonverbal-communication-activities-1857230
Heitler, S. (2010). What does communication have to do with a good relationship? GoodTherapy. Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-does-communication-have-to-do-with-good-relationship
Lee, T. R., & Pyfer, T. (n.d.). Helping youth succeed: Strengthening family ties: A workbook of activities designed to strengthen family relationships . Utah State University Extension. Retrieved from https://www.families-first.net/uploads/userfiles/files/FL_Youth_02.pdf
Mendler, A. (2013). Teaching your students how to have a conversation. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/teaching-your-students-conversation-allen-mendler
Norman, B. (2018). Trainers’ tips: Active listening exercises. Training Zone . Retrieved from https://www.trainingzone.co.uk/develop/cpd/trainers-tips-active-listening-exercises
Peterson, R., & Green, S. (2009). Helping Youth Succeed: Keys to successful family functioning: Communication . Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/350/350-092/350-092_pdf.pdf
Reichmann, D. (n.d.). 5 communication games guaranteed to bring you closer. Engaged Marriage . Retrieved from https://www.engagedmarriage.com/5-communication-games/
Rosenberg, M. B. (1999). Nonviolent communication: A language of compassion. Del Mar.
Sargent, K. M. (2015). The aggressive alligator: Fun ways to teach assertiveness to children. Art of Social Work . Retrieved from https://kristinamarcelli.wordpress.com/2015/10/21/the-aggressive-alligator-fun-ways-to-teach-assertiveness-to-children/
Simmons, S. (n.d.). Nonverbal games: 10 simple activities . Equinox Family Consulting, Ltd. Retrieved from https://equinoxfamilyconsulting.com/communication/nonverbal-games-10-simple-activities/
Stanfield, J. (2017). 8 tips to teach effective communication skills. James Stanfield. Retrieved from https://stanfield.com/blog/2017/11/8-tips-teach-effective-communication-skills/
Sott, A. (2018). Teaching communication skills. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-communication-skills
Tasker, R. (n.d.). 6 amazing couples therapy exercises for improving communication . GuideDoc . Retrieved from https://guidedoc.com/couples-therapy-exercises-for-improving-communication
Victoria Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Relationships and communications . Better Health Channel. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/relationships-and-communication

Share this article:

Article feedback

What our readers think.

Very good exercises. Thanks for sharing.

Let us know your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Analyzing & Interpreting Your Clients’ Body Language: 26 Tips

Darwin was one of the first individuals to explore the concept of body language in Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. He studied [...]

How to Say No & Master the Art of Personal Freedom

In a world that often values compliance over authenticity, the notion of personal freedom becomes not just a luxury but a necessity for our wellbeing [...]

Conflict Resolution Training: 18 Best Courses and Master’s Degrees

All humans have some things in common. We all need air to breathe and water to stay alive. We are all social beings, and if [...]

Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Open access
Published: 03 July 2024

Internet use and frailty in middle-aged and older adults: findings from developed and developing countries

Liang Li 1

Globalization and Health volume 20 , Article number: 53 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

With increasing trend of internet use in all age groups, whether internet use can prevent frailty in middle-aged and older adults remains unclear.

Five cohorts, including Health and Retirement Study (HRS), China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), and Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), were used in this study. Internet use, social isolation, and frailty status was assessed using similar questions. The Generalized estimating equations models, random effects meta-analysis, COX regression, and mediation analysis were utilized.

In the multicohort study, a total of 155,695 participants were included in main analysis. The proportion of internet use was varied across countries, ranging from 5.56% in China (CHARLS) to 83.46% in Denmark (SHARE). According to the generalized estimating equations models and meta-analysis, internet use was inversely associated with frailty, with the pooled ORs (95%CIs) of 0.72 (0.67,0.79). The COX regression also showed that participants with internet use had a lower risk of frailty incidence. Additionally, the association was partially mediated by social isolation and slightly pronounced in participants aged 65 and over, male, not working for payment, not married or partnered, not smoking, drinking, and not co-residence with children.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the important role of internet use in preventing frailty and recommend more engagements in social communication and activities to avoid social isolation among middle-aged and older adults.

Introduction

Frailty, characterized by a decline in physical function across multiple physiology systems, is a worldwide burden with main implications for clinical practice and public health. With the progress of population aging, related financial costs and uses of medical resources have to be further aggravated because all older adults are vulnerable to developing frailty [ 1 ]. People with frailty are more like to increase the risk of adverse outcomes, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality [ 2 , 3 ]. Although diverse evaluation criteria about frailty status were reported [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], a frailty index, using a series of age-related health deficits, had an amply robust performance in predicting frailty status compared to other instruments [ 7 ]. Additionally, recent studies found that frailty was a dynamic process over time and could be transformed into non-frailty by specific interventions and prevention actions [ 1 , 8 ]. Therefore, identifying the potential factors to prevent the incidence of frailty is urgent and crucial, which would protect the target population from suffering.

Over the past decade, the increasing trend of internet use was unstoppable in all age and gender groups while middle-aged and older adults remained the largest proportion of the digital divide [ 9 , 10 ]. Digital technology is in favor of employability and communication for the individual of digital inclusion but provides few benefits to those with digital exclusion [ 11 ]. A growing number of studies reported that internet use was associated with the incidence of chronic diseases, healthy status, functional limitations, cognition declines, and depression [ 9 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Those health deficits could be used to construct a frailty index according to a standard procedure, [ 4 ] but few studies have focused on the health effect of internet use on frailty. A prior study conducted a similar analysis to explore the protective effects of internet use on frailty based on frailty phenotype assessed by weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slow walk speed, and low physical activity [ 16 ]. However, the cross-sectional design and small sample size limited the generalizability of the final findings. Besides, the pattern of association of internet use and frailty might be different between developed countries and developing countries as the rate of internet coverage varied tremendously across the countries [ 13 ]. Furthermore, possible mechanisms by which internet use reduced the incidence of frailty were unclear although some reasonable explanations were that the internet could provide healthcare services, maintain social connection, and decrease loneliness [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Previous studies indicated that internet use could improve health status and reduce depression mediated by social participation [ 21 , 22 ]. Meanwhile, people with internet use were more likely to participate in social activities including participation in social clubs, religious activities, voluntary groups, life-long learning, and exercise clubs [ 23 ]. , and then engagement in social activities was associated with a lower risk of frailty [ 24 ]. So it was necessary to figure out whether social isolation, the opposite of social engagement, mediated the association between internet use and frailty status.

To fill the knowledge gaps, we performed a cross-cultural and muti-cohorts longitudinal analysis to explore the association of internet use and frailty status among middle-aged and older adults from global perspectives, as well as the mediating role of social isolation, based on large sample sizes from developing countries including China and Mexico and developed countries including the United States, England, Israel, and 27 European countries.

Study design and population

Data were obtained from five international longitudinal cohorts targeting middle-aged and older populations: Health and Retirement Study (HRS), China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), and Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. These surveys were intended to provide comparable results for addressing aging issues, which all provided information on internet use, social isolation, and frailty index. In this study, data from approximate time ranges were used, namely, wave 11-wave 14 (2012–2018) for HRS, wave 1-wave 4 (2011–2018) for CHARLS, wave 5-wave 8 (2013–2019) for SHARE, wave 6-wave 9 (2012–2018) for ELSA, and wave 3-wave 5 (2012–2018) for MHAS.

We only included participants aged 50 and over, and further excluded those with missing information regarding internet use, frailty index, or covariates. Hence, 62,932 observations (23,074 participants) from HRS, 36,866 observations (17,690 participants) from CHARLS, 124,926 observations (87,517 participants) from SHARE, 27,146 observations (9869 participants) from ELSA, and 34,273 observations (17,545 participants) from MHAS were available for the main analysis (Supplementary Fig. 1 ). To explore the mediating effects of social isolation, participants with missing information on social isolation were also further excluded.

Since we used secondary-analysis data from public datasets, including HRS (approved by National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration, NIA U01AG009740), CHARLS (approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Perking University, IRB00001052-11015), SHARE (approved by the Ethics Council of Max Planck Society), ELSA (approved by National Research and Ethics Service Committee South Central-Berkshire), and MHAS (approved by National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Ageing, NIH R01AG018016), So the detailed ethical approval could be found on respective origin surveys. Meanwhile, written informed consent was also obtained from any participant.

Exposure variable

Information on internet use was collected through self-reported questionnaires. In HRS, participants were asked: ‘‘Do you regularly use the Internet (or the World Wide Web) for sending and receiving e-mail or for any other purpose, such as making purchases, searching for information, or making travel reservations?”. In CHARLS, participants were asked whether they use the internet in the past month. In SHARE, the independent variable was constructed based on the following question: “In the last 7 days, have you used the Internet at least once for e-mailing, searching for information, making purchases, or for any other purpose?”. In ELSA, the participants were asked about the frequency they use the internet, and the responses ranged from 1 = ‘‘Every day, or almost every day’’ to 6 = ‘‘Never.’’ In MHAS, participants were asked whether they could assess internet service at home. The response “yes” (HRS, CHARLS, SHARE, and MHAS) or a frequency of at least once a week (ELSA) was classified as internet use, while the response “no” or a frequency of less than once a week was defined as digital exclusion [ 10 ].

Outcome variable

Frailty was evaluated by the frailty index, which was calculated as the accumulation of age-related health deficits [ 4 ]. According to previous research, we chose some items that could be available for five cohorts [ 24 , 30 ]. After screening the data, 30 items in HRS, CHARLS, SHARE, and ELSA, and 28 items in MHAS were selected to construct the frailty index, which included multiple chronic diseases, self-reported healthy status, functional limitations, depression, and cognition (Supplemental Table 1 ). Participants with any missing items of 30 items in HRS, CHARLS, SHARE, and ELSA, and 28 items in MHAS were excluded from the procedure of computing the frailty index.

Most items were categorized as 0 or 1 according to the specific cut-off value. The value of 0 indicated the absence of the deficit, and 1 indicated the presence. Some conditions including self-reported general eyesight, hearing, healthy status, and cognition were in the range of 0 to 1, the high value indicated a worse deficit. In our study, the frailty index was calculated as the sum of present deficits divided by 30 or 28 and multiplied by 100. Therefore, the frailty index was theoretically a continuous variable ranging from 0 to 100. In our study, frailty status was a dichotomous variable including frailty and non-frailty. According to the suggestion of previous research [ 3 , 30 ], frailty was defined as the frailty index ≥ 25, while non-frailty was the frailty index < 25.

Mediation variable

We created an index of social isolation using a 5-item scale according to previous studies (Supplementary Table 2 ) [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Participants were assigned a social isolation score based on these criteria: (i) unmarried, (ii) lived alone, (iii) less than weekly contact with children, (iv) less than weekly contact with parents, relatives or friends, (v) did not participate in any groups, clubs, or other organizations in the past month (HRS, CHARLS, and MHAS), past year (SHARE and ELSA). We only calculated scores for participants providing information for at least 3 of 5 items. Hence, the score range was 0 to 5, with higher scores meaning greater social isolation. We followed the previous study [ 32 ] to define participants in the top quintile of the score as social isolation (≥ 2 in HRS, CHARLS, ELSA, and MHAS, ≥ 3 in SHARE).

Covariates were identified through literature reviews. We included age, gender, educational levels, work for payment, married or partnered, household wealth, smoking, drinking, and co-residence with children. Age was calculated by the time of the interview and birth date. The gender was reported as male or female. According to the International Standard Classification of Education 1997, educational levels were a three-tier variable, including less than high school, high school, and university and above. Work status was identified as whether the participants engaged in work for payment. Marital status was a binary variable of whether or not participants were married or partnered. The level of household wealth has been divided into tertile levels of non-housing financial wealth. Smoking was described as current smoking behavior while drinking was about whether participants ever consumed any alcohol. Co-residence with children was viewed as a binary question, and children missing was viewed as no co-residence.

Statistical analysis

All continuous variables were described as mean ± standard deviation or median (Q1-Q3), and categorical variables were reported as numbers (percentages).

To handle the correlation across repeated measures, we utilized generalized estimating equations (GEE) models fitting with logit distribution with unstructured correlation and calculated odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to investigate the association of internet use with frailty status in middle-aged and older population. We used three models in the analysis, of which model 1 was a crude model. In model 2, we accounted for age and gender. Model 3 was fully adjusted, further controlling educational levels, work for payment, married or partnered, household wealth, smoking, drinking, and co-residence with children.

To ensure the robustness of our findings, we did six sensitivity analyses. Firstly, we repeated the GEE models with the continuous frailty index as the outcome variable. Secondly, we exclude separately the participants with severe cognitive impairment and memory disease to reduce the recall bias. Thirdly, we conducted inverse probability weights GEE models to deal with biases due to dropout. Fourthly, E-values for exposure-outcome association were calculated to quantify unmeasured confounding based on the risk ratio scale. Fifthly, we further explore the association of internet use and specific domains, including general health, physical function, depression, and cognition, of frailty. Finally, to avoid possible reverse causation, we used a COX regression to further discover the association between internet use and frailty status after excluding participants with frailty at baseline.

We performed stratified and multiplicative interaction analyses by some covariates as modifiers to assess the potential difference in the effect of internet use across different subgroups. The GEE models were repeated after stratifying by age, gender, work for payment, married or partnered, smoking, drinking, and co-residence with children, respectively. The product terms of internet use and those covariates (e.g., internet use × age) were constructed to assess the multiplicative interaction in Model 3.

Furthermore, the mediating effect of social isolation in the association of internet use with frailty status was explored using the mediation analysis. The mediation proportion was calculated by dividing the indirect effect by the total effect. Directed acyclic graphs were used to visualize the results.

Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the ORs and corresponding 95% CIs from five cohorts to derive overall effect estimates. The heterogeneity test of effect estimated across cohorts was conducted using Cochran Q test.

All the analyses were performed in SAS 9.4 and Stata 18. The statistical significance of the study was determined with a two-sided P-value < 0.05.

Table 1 shows the characteristics of observations in the five cohorts. The mean ages of HRS, CHARLS, SHARE, ELSA, and MHAS ranged from 62 to 68 and the male participants were about 43%. The median scores of frailty index were in the range of 12 to 18. (Supplemental Fig. 2 ) More than 65% of the participants reported non-frailty according to repeated measurements. The proportion of internet use varied widely across countries, ranging from 5.56% in China (CHARLS) to 83.46% in Denmark (SHARE). Additionally, the overall proportion of internet use in SHARE was 52.21%, while the rate was 58.01% in HRS, 72.35% in ELSA, and 39.37% in MHAS (Supplemental Tables 3 and Fig. 1 ).

The proportion of internet use and frailty status

According to Table 2 , internet use was associated with a lower risk of frailty in all models. In fully adjusted model (Model 3), those association remained statistically significant in HRS (OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.74, 0.80), CHARLS (OR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.54, 0.70), SHARE (OR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.76), ELSA (OR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.66, 0.77), MHAS (OR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.76, 0.85). After meta-analysis, the pooled result from five cohorts was significant (OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.67, 0.79). When the frailty index as an outcome variable was utilized in GEE models, participants with internet use had a lower frailty index, namely less healthy deficits (Table 3 ).

In sensitivity analyses, the association in main results remained statistically significant among all cohort surveys after excluding participants with severe cognitive impairment and memory disease separately (Supplementary Tables 4 and Supplementary Table 5 ). In inverse probability weights GEE models, the associations were similar to the main results (Supplementary Table 6 ). Besides, we calculated the E-values, which represented the minimum strength that unmeasured confounding fully explained exposure-outcome association based on the risk ratio scale, to evaluate robustness in the association of internet use with frailty status (Supplementary Table 7 ). Again, internet use was inversely associated with poor physical health, function limitations, depression, and cognition score (Supplementary Table 8 ). Finally, after excluding participants with frailty at baseline, the association remained significant in HRS, CHARLS, SHARE, and MHAS, but not in ELSA (Supplementary Table 9 ).

Mediation analysis pointed out that social isolation partially mediated the association between internet use and frailty status in HRS (17.68%, p < 0.001), CHARLS (5.08%, p = 0.035), SHARE (10.04%, p < 0.001). ELSA (5.13%, p = 0.030), and MHAS (18.33%, p = 0.034). After meta-analysis, social isolation still mediated the association of internet use with frailty status (Fig. 2 ).

Association between internet use, frailty, and social isolation. βA represents the effects of internet use on social isolation; βB represents the effects of social isolation on frailty; βC’ represents the effects of internet use on frailty with social isolation; βC represents the effects of internet use on frailty without social isolation. HRS: Health and Retirement Study; CHARLS: China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study; SHARE: Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe; ELSA: English Longitudinal Study of Ageing; MHAS: Mexican Health and Aging Study

Figure 3 and Supplementary Table 10 presented the potential difference in the effect of internet use across different subgroups. In general, the pooled results revealed a slightly stronger effect in participants aged 65 and over, male, not working for payment, not married or partnered, not smoking, drinking, and not co-residence with children.

Stratified association of internet use and frailty status. HRS Health and Retirement Study; CHARLS China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study; SHARE Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe; ELSA English Longitudinal Study of Ageing; MHAS Mexican Health and Aging Study. All models adjusted age, gender, educational levels, work for payment, married or partnered, household wealth, smoking, drinking, and co-residence with children

In this study with harmonized cohorts, internet use rates ranged from 5.56% in China, 39.37% in Mexico to 58.01% in the United States, 72.35% in England, and 83.46% in Denmark (SAHRE). We found developed countries are more digitalized than developing countries. Besides, middle-aged and older participants with internet use reported a lower prevalence rate of frailty compared to those excluded from digital in both developed (HRS, SHARE, ELSA) and developing countries (CHARLS, MHAS).

To our knowledge, this study was the first to explore the longitudinal association between internet use and frailty status in middle-aged and old adults. Previous research has indicated that internet use was inversely associated with frailty in postmenopausal women [ 16 ]. However, the small sample size and cross-section design might limit the reliability and robustness of the findings. In addition, more studies focused on whether frailty status influenced internet use and reported inclusive conclusions, while it was not the concern of our study [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. With the rapidly growing proportion of the population engaging in the internet over the past decade, researchers in the field of digital technology gradually explored the potential health effects of the internet [ 37 ]. Nevertheless, the rate of internet use in older adults remained relatively low, especially in developing countries such as China and Mexico. With technology advancing and population aging, the trend of the internet as a platform for providing health services and monitoring poor lifestyles was unavoidable worldwide. A scoping review supported digital health interventions among people would be beneficial for the frailty status, although the initial purposes of those interventions were various [ 38 ]. Population with frailty considered internet access maintained a social connection with friends and relatives and engagement in their daily lives, which reduced social isolation and loneliness [ 39 ]. Utilizing the available multi-country population-based cohorts, we could investigate whether the effect of internet use on frailty differed in the context of developed and developing countries as well as the mediating role of social isolation.

By including five longitudinal cohorts from 32 countries, internet use was discovered to be inversely associated with frailty in middle-aged and older adults. Previous studies found internet use had a protective effect on multiple chronic diseases (stroke, hypertension, eyesight, etc.), self-reported healthy status, functional limitations, depression, and cognition [ 9 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 21 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. However, few studies have combined those health deficits to evaluate the association between internet use and frailty. The present results indicated the protective effect was more pronounced in developed countries except for China. One possible explanation was that China experienced rapid economic development and increasing technological levels in 2011–2018. With the coverage of the internet, online health services such as purchasing medicines and asking for medical advice provided a chance to maintain self-health status in middle-aged and older adults [ 43 ]. Meanwhile, internet access as a common tool is quietly changing the traditional channels of obtaining medical services and work information. We also found the most notable association was reported in participants from SHARE and the highest rate of internet use in Denmark (SHARE). Compared to developing countries, more comprehensive health management systems and enriched online medical knowledge were implemented in developed countries. The findings suggested the requirements of enhancing internet access and refining online services to prevent the incidence of frailty, especially in developing countries. Moreover, bridging the digital divide in an aging society would reduce the health disparity in frailty status between developed and developing countries.

We further explored the potential mechanism, social isolation, to explain the association between internet use and frailty status at a population level. According to the mediation analysis in our study, the negative association of internet use with frailty was partially mediated by social isolation. The internet as a virtual world played a role in providing the available resources to bring people closer together. Active internet users effectively maintained connections with friends and expanded social networks, [ 44 ] which could reduce loneliness and depression, especially in older adults [ 45 , 46 ]. At the same time, loneliness and social isolation would be confirmed to accelerate the progression of frailty based on the population from ELSA [ 47 ]. Previous studies reported that the internet facilitated interaction with relatives and friends, and improved engagement in social groups. Community-related organizations and volunteers [ 48 , 49 ]. Social activities, especially high-frequency ones, significantly decreased the frailty among middle-aged and older adults from CHARLS [ 24 ]. In particular, The internet also provided opportunities for online social engagement and support in the special populations with disability or function limitations.

Besides, other possible mechanisms based on previous studies were able to interpret the current health effects of internet use on the prevention of frailty. Older adults expressed a positive mindset towards the internet infrastructure as an instrument of achieving convenience and relaxation [ 50 ]. Additionally, middle-aged and older adults also tended to search for healthy diets, exercise, online medical information, and remote health services because they were concerned about their health [ 18 ]. For instance, short health videos on social media platforms were extremely popular among Chinese aging women [ 51 ]. Handy and unrestricted internet access encouraged people to recognize healthcare knowledge regardless of time and place, which would be an inexpensive way to improve the life of quality, particularly among the population with health-related difficulties [ 52 ]. On the other hand, middle-aged and older adults expected to modify the unhealthy lifestyles associated with frailty through the internet [ 53 ]. Regular internet users were more inclined to adopt healthy lifestyles including vegetable and fruit eating, not smoking, and not binge drinking [ 54 ]. Notably, to prevent the incidence of frailty in this way would need a powerful self-management capability.

Although the present findings implicate that internet use was beneficial for preventing the incidence of frailty, what cannot be ignored is that the situation of problematic internet use and internet addiction might spread among older people. Previous studies also supported that excessive time spent on the internet had a high risk of depressive symptoms [ 55 ]. In addition, there was a large proportion population with lower educational attainment in developing countries, who contributed to less help from the internet. In particular, our study has shown that the low educational level and high rate of internet use existed simultaneously in Mexico, which explained the protective effect of internet use was minimal compared to other cohorts to some extent. Under-educated people might be excluded from healthy information websites because a high school level or greater reading ability was required [ 56 ]. In addition, based on the population from CHARLS, the low-literacy older adults were less likely to search for health services [ 57 ]. So, relevant strategies for internet education and health literacy promotion to encourage effective internet access should be underscored in developed and developing countries.

In summary, our findings have some public health implications and practical value. First, internet had the potential to provide various opportunities for preventing frailty in middle-aged and older adults. Relevant workers in health field should promote internet penetration and provide more easy-to-read health information, especially for under-educated older adults. Moreover, social isolation played a mediated role between internet use and frailty status, which implied that maintaining social connection and communication via the internet might be a crucial pathway to prevent frailty. Furthermore, Well-established evidence showed that digital interventions have successfully emerged as a vital part of healthcare service, which facilitated the utilization of medical resources. For instance, a systematic review of randomized controlled studies demonstrated that the behavioral intervention using mobile health applications to manage chronic diseases had promising aspects [ 58 ]. Another recent review revealed that e-health and m-health technologies increase physical activities, which could improve frailty status [ 59 , 60 ]. Therefore, internet access among middle-aged and older adults would help build a healthy aging society.

Our study had some strengths. We included five national representative and longitudinal cohorts from developed and developing countries with large sample sizes. The five surveys were cross-cultural comparable at the beginning of the design. Besides, sufficient items from multiple repeated measurements to construct the frailty index and diverse sensitivity analyses enable the reliability and robustness of our results. Finally, The GEE models could effectively deal with the correlations from longitudinal panel data to reduce the error of the results.

Several limitations should be also aware in this study. First, recall biases were unavoidable because most variables selected for our study were determined based on self-reported information. Second, heterogeneity among HRS, CHARLS, SHARE, ELSA, and MHAS remained due to the different evaluations of internet use, social isolation, and frailty index, especially between MHAS and other cohorts. Specifically, internet use was measured at the household level in MHAS, but other cohorts were from the individual level. Meanwhile, the number and description of items constructing the index of social isolation and frailty were not the same. Third, the dimensions of internet use, including frequency and purpose, were not considered as the lack of data availability. Fourth, unmeasured confounding including sleep and genetic susceptibility remained while the E-value was calculated. Hence, further research should be implemented to confirm the benefit of internet use based on other populations and determine the bi-directional causation between internet use and frailty status. Additionally, the dynamic change in internet use and frailty status should be also explored, which contributed to healthy policy development.

In conclusion, we found internet use inversely associated with frailty, as well as mediated by social isolation. With the increasing trend of internet use, the digital era has become inevitable even in middle-aged and older adults. Balancing the pros and cons of the internet should be carefully considered in developed and developing countries. Grasping the opportunity to avoid social isolation via the internet would decrease the incidence of frailty and address health concerns.

Data availability

The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available from the websites of HRS at https://hrs.isr.umich.edu/ , CHARLS at https://charls.pku.edu.cn/en , SHARE at https://share-eric.eu/ , ELSA at https://www.elsa-project.ac.uk/ , and MHAS at http://www.mhasweb.org/ .

Abbreviations

China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Confidence intervals

English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Generalized estimating equations

Health and Retirement Study

Mexican Health and Aging Study

Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe

Hoogendijk EO, Afilalo J, Ensrud KE, Kowal P, Onder G, Fried LP. Frailty: implications for clinical practice and public health. Lancet. 2019;394:1365–75.

Article PubMed Google Scholar

He D, Li J, Li Y, Zhu J, Zhou T, Xu Y, et al. Frailty is associated with the progression of prediabetes to diabetes and elevated risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes: evidence from two prospective cohorts. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2022;194:110145.

Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar

Fan J, Yu C, Guo Y, Bian Z, Sun Z, Yang L, et al. Frailty index and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Public Health. 2020;5:e650–60.

Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Searle SD, Mitnitski A, Gahbauer EA, Gill TM, Rockwood K. A standard procedure for creating a frailty index. BMC Geriatr. 2008;8:24.

Rockwood K, Song X, MacKnight C, Bergman H, Hogan DB, McDowell I, et al. A global clinical measure of fitness and frailty in elderly people. CMAJ. 2005;173:489–95.

Fried LP, Tangen CM, Walston J, Newman AB, Hirsch C, Gottdiener J, et al. Frailty in older adults: evidence for a phenotype. J Gerontol Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001;56:M146–156.

Article CAS Google Scholar

Si H, Jin Y, Qiao X, Tian X, Liu X, Wang C. Predictive performance of 7 frailty instruments for short-term disability, falls and hospitalization among Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a prospective cohort study. Int J Nurs Stud. 2021;117:103875.

Albert SM. The dynamics of Frailty among older adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2:e198438.

Li P, Zhang C, Gao S, Zhang Y, Liang X, Wang C, et al. Association between Daily Internet Use and Incidence of Chronic diseases among older adults: prospective cohort study. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e46298.

Yoon H, Jang Y, Kim S, Speasmaker A, Nam I. Trends in Internet Use among older adults in the United States, 2011–2016. J Appl Gerontol. 2021;40:466–70.

Exploring the UK’s digital divide. - Office for National Statistics [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 28]. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/householdcharacteristics/homeinternetandsocialmediausage/articles/exploringtheuksdigitaldivide/2019-03-04 .

Hong YA, Zhou Z, Fang Y, Shi L. The Digital Divide and Health Disparities in China: evidence from a National Survey and Policy implications. J Med Internet Res. 2017;19:e317.

Lu X, Yao Y, Jin Y. Digital exclusion and functional dependence in older people: findings from five longitudinal cohort studies. EClinicalMedicine. 2022;54:101708.

Kim YK, Han SH. Internet use and cognitive functioning in later life: Focus on Asymmetric effects and contextual factors. Gerontologist. 2022;62:425–35.

Wang Y, Zhang H, Feng T, Wang H. Does internet use affect levels of depression among older adults in China? A propensity score matching approach. BMC Public Health. 2019;19:1474.

García-Vigara A, Cano A, Fernández-Garrido J, Carbonell-Asíns JA, Tarín JJ, Sánchez-Sánchez ML. Non-use of information and communication technology as a predictor of frailty in postmenopausal midlife and older women. Maturitas. 2022;156:60–4.

Choi NG, Dinitto DM. Internet use among older adults: association with health needs, psychological capital, and social capital. J Med Internet Res. 2013;15:e97.

Sun X, Yan W, Zhou H, Wang Z, Zhang X, Huang S, et al. Internet use and need for digital health technology among the elderly: a cross-sectional survey in China. BMC Public Health. 2020;20:1386.

Heo J, Chun S, Lee S, Lee KH, Kim J. Internet use and well-being in older adults. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2015;18:268–72.

Xie B, Wang M, Feldman R, Zhou L. Internet use frequency and patient-centered care: measuring patient preferences for participation using the health information wants questionnaire. J Med Internet Res. 2013;15:e132.

Hou B, Li Y, Wang H. Internet use and health status among older adults: the mediating role of social participation. Front Public Health. 2022;10:1072398.

Du X, Liao J, Ye Q, Wu H. Multidimensional Internet Use, Social Participation, and Depression among Middle-aged and Elderly Chinese individuals: Nationwide Cross-sectional Study. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e44514.

Chiu C-J. Relationship between Internet behaviors and Social Engagement in Middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16:416.

Sun J, Kong X, Li H, Chen J, Yao Q, Li H, et al. Does social participation decrease the risk of frailty? Impacts of diversity in frequency and types of social participation on frailty in middle-aged and older populations. BMC Geriatr. 2022;22:553.

Sonnega A, Faul JD, Ofstedal MB, Langa KM, Phillips JWR, Weir DR. Cohort Profile: the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Int J Epidemiol. 2014;43:576–85.

Zhao Y, Hu Y, Smith JP, Strauss J, Yang G. Cohort profile: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Int J Epidemiol. 2014;43:61–8.

Börsch-Supan A, Brandt M, Hunkler C, Kneip T, Korbmacher J, Malter F, et al. Data Resource Profile: the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Int J Epidemiol. 2013;42:992–1001.

Steptoe A, Breeze E, Banks J, Nazroo J. Cohort profile: the English longitudinal study of ageing. Int J Epidemiol. 2013;42:1640–8.

Wong R, Michaels-Obregon A, Palloni A. Cohort Profile: the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). Int J Epidemiol. 2017;46:e2.

He D, Qiu Y, Yan M, Zhou T, Cheng Z, Li J, et al. Associations of metabolic heterogeneity of obesity with frailty progression: results from two prospective cohorts. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2023;14:632–41.

Silva P, Delerue Matos A, Martinez-Pecino R. The contribution of the internet to reducing social isolation in individuals aged 50 years and older: Quantitative Study of Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. J Med Internet Res. 2022;24:e20466.

Steptoe A, Shankar A, Demakakos P, Wardle J. Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013;110:5797–801.

Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar

Crowe CL, Domingue BW, Graf GH, Keyes KM, Kwon D, Belsky DW. Associations of loneliness and social isolation with Health Span and Life Span in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. J Gerontol Biol Sci Med Sci. 2021;76:1997–2006.

Article Google Scholar

Shorthose MF, Carter B, Laidlaw J, Watts N, Wensley S, Srivastava S et al. A multicentre cross-sectional observational study to determine the effect of living with frailty on digital exclusion from video consultations: (Access-VIGIL). J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2023;S1525-8610(23)00793-4.

Lee H, Choi J-Y, Kim S-W, Ko K-P, Park YS, Kim KJ, et al. Digital Health Technology Use among older adults: exploring the impact of Frailty on utilization, purpose, and satisfaction in Korea. J Korean Med Sci. 2024;39:e7.

Keränen NS, Kangas M, Immonen M, Similä H, Enwald H, Korpelainen R, et al. Use of Information and Communication technologies among older people with and without Frailty: a Population-based survey. J Med Internet Res. 2017;19:e29.

Álvarez-García J, Durán-Sánchez A, Del Río-Rama M, de la Correa-Quezada C. Older adults and Digital Society: Scientific Coverage. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16:2010.

Linn N, Goetzinger C, Regnaux J-P, Schmitz S, Dessenne C, Fagherazzi G et al. Digital Health Interventions among People Living with Frailty: A Scoping Review. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Jan 28];22:1802–1812.e21. https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(21)00390-X/fulltext .

Chen AT, Ge S, Cho S, Teng AK, Chu F, Demiris G, et al. Reactions to COVID-19, information and technology use, and social connectedness among older adults with pre-frailty and frailty. Geriatr Nurs. 2021;42:188–95.

Ren Z, Xia S, Sun J, Wang D, Du Y, Li N, et al. Internet use, cardiometabolic multimorbidity, and death in older adults: a multi-cohort study spanning developing and developed countries. Global Health. 2023;19:81.

Zhang C, Wang Y, Wang J, Liu X. Does internet use promote mental health among middle-aged and older adults in China? Front Psychol. 2022;13:999498.

Md Fadzil NH, Shahar S, Singh DKA, Rajikan R, Vanoh D, Mohamad Ali N, et al. Digital technology usage among older adults with cognitive frailty: a survey during COVID-19 pandemic. Digit Health. 2023;9:20552076231207594.

Shim H, Ailshire J, Zelinski E, Crimmins E. The Health and Retirement Study: Analysis of Associations Between Use of the Internet for Health Information and Use of Health Services at Multiple Time Points. J Med Internet Res [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Feb 28];20:e200. http://www.jmir.org/2018/5/e200/ .

Marziali E. David C, Burdick, Kwon S, editors. Gerontechnology: Research and Practice in Technology and Aging. New York: Springer. 2004. Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement [Internet]. 2006 [cited 2024 Feb 29];25:237–8. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/canadian-journal-on-aging-la-revue-canadienne-du-vieillissement/article/abs/david-c-burdick-and-sunkyo-kwon-eds-gerontechnology-research-and-practice-in-technology-and-aging-new-york-springer-2004/C0CC75FBAC1EC7E9CD2E153A8779871D .

Cotten SR, Ford G, Ford S, Hale TM. Internet use and depression among retired older adults in the United States: a longitudinal analysis. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2014;69:763–71.

Ea RN, Jt N. C. Loneliness and Social Internet Use: Pathways to Reconnection in a Digital World? Perspectives on psychological science: a journal of the Association for Psychological Science [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Feb 29];13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28937910/ .

Gale CR, Westbury L, Cooper C. Social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for the progression of frailty: the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Age Ageing. 2018;47:392–7.

Sun K, Zhou J. Understanding the impacts of internet use on senior citizens’ social participation in China: evidence from longitudinal panel data. Telematics Inform. 2021;59:101566.

Filsinger M, Freitag M. Internet use and volunteering: relationships and differences across age and applications. Voluntas. 2019;30:87–97.

Seifert A, Schelling HR. Seniors online: attitudes toward the internet and coping with Everyday Life. J Appl Gerontol. 2018;37:99–109.

Liang H, Pang H. The cognitive, behavioral and interpersonal impacts of virtual practice with short health videos on Chinese Ageing women: a Discursive Approach. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19:7173.

Ang S, Lim E, Malhotra R. Health-Related Difficulty in Internet Use among older adults: correlates and Mediation of its Association with Quality of Life through Social Support Networks. Gerontologist. 2021;61:693–702.

DeClercq V, Duhamel TA, Theou O, Kehler S. Association between lifestyle behaviors and frailty in Atlantic Canadian males and females. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2020;91:104207.

Peng Y-I, Chan Y-S. Do internet users lead a healthier lifestyle? J Appl Gerontol. 2020;39:277–84.

Mu A, Yuan S, Liu Z. Internet use and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: two sides of internet use. Front Public Health. 2023;11:1149872.

Berland GK, Elliott MN, Morales LS, Algazy JI, Kravitz RL, Broder MS et al. Health Information on the Internet: Accessibility, Quality, and Readability in English and Spanish. JAMA [Internet]. 2001 [cited 2024 Mar 1];285:2612–21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4182102/ .

Zeng Y, Xu W, Tao X. What factors are associated with utilisation of health services for the poor elderly? Evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal survey in China. BMJ Open. 2022;12:e059758.

Lee J-A, Choi M, Lee SA, Jiang N. Effective behavioral intervention strategies using mobile health applications for chronic disease management: a systematic review. BMC Med Inf Decis Mak. 2018;18:12.

McGarrigle L, Todd C. Promotion of Physical Activity in Older people using mHealth and eHealth technologies: Rapid Review of Reviews. J Med Internet Res. 2020;22:e22201.

Zhao W, Hu P, Sun W, Wu W, Zhang J, Deng H, et al. Effect of physical activity on the risk of frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2022;17:e0278226.

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the all participants, related workers in data creating and cleaning, depositors and funders of HRS, CHARLS, SHARE, ELSA, and MHAS.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, ShenYang, China

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

LL designed the study, managed and analyzed the data, and prepared the first draft and reviewed. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Liang Li .

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate, consent for publication.

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary Material 1

Rights and permissions.

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver ( http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ ) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Li, L. Internet use and frailty in middle-aged and older adults: findings from developed and developing countries. Global Health 20 , 53 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-024-01056-6

Download citation

Received : 20 March 2024

Accepted : 24 June 2024

Published : 03 July 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-024-01056-6

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Internet use
Frailty index
Middle-aged and older adults
Multicohort
Mediate analysis

Globalization and Health

ISSN: 1744-8603

Submission enquiries: [email protected]
General enquiries: [email protected]

IMAGES

Top 8 Language Activities For Toddlers
14 Tips for Nurturing Young Children’s Communication & Language Skills
Help your Baby's Communication Development
Parents' Guide to Baby's Communication
Brazelton
Baby Language Development: What You Need To Know

VIDEO

Cute Babies Activities
Moo's Bakery, Kids Game, Dr. Panda
Baby Sign Language 101: Enhancing Communication with your Baby
Baby Teamwork (Sharing Because They Want To)
activities Babies Monkey Nearly Mother & Cleaning Baby Body
Beautiful Baby Monkey Nacy ! Best activities Babies Video

COMMENTS

21 Kids Activities to Encourage Speech Development
21 Kids Activities for Speech and Language Development. 1. Animal Jam. Simply say phrases like: A cow goes 'moo'. A duck says 'quake'. A chicken goes 'cluck'. This helps your baby recognize the names of common animals along with their unique sounds.
34 Language Activities for Babies and Toddlers
Sing, Read, Narrate Everything. Perhaps one of the more fun and enjoyable ways to support children's language skills is to incorporate music into everyday activities and routines. Singing and listening to songs can give children the opportunity to practice hearing and use new sounds and words.
Help your Baby's Communication Development
Receptive and Expressive Communication Skills. From birth, babies begin to develop two sets of communication skills: receptive skills and expressive skills. Receptive communication is the ability to receive and understand a message from another person.When babies are listening, they turn their head toward your voice, and will then respond to simple directions, often with vocalizations.
Communicating with Baby: Tips and Milestones from Birth to Age 5
Here are some communication milestones typically expected by 3 months of age: Hearing & Understanding. Startles at loud sounds. Quiets or smiles when you talk. Seems to recognize your voice and quiets when crying. Talking. Makes cooing sounds. Smiles at people. Has different cries for different needs.
Communication and Baby Language Activities for Babies
Simple games such as peek-a-boo or singing nursery rhymes can help babies learn to communicate non-verbally and understand the importance of turn-taking. Using simple and clear language during interactive play helps them understand communication and encourages them to start babbling and eventually forming words.
39 Communication Games and Activities for Kids and Students
Telephone is a common "playground game," and also a powerful metaphor for teaching miscommunications and the practice of sharing information. The rest of the games, like Telephone, are also quite fun. 1. Telephone. Have students gather together in a circle.
Activities to Encourage Speech and Language Development
Tell them who or what you will see. Point out colors and shapes. Count what you see. Use gestures, like waving and pointing. Talk about animal sounds. This helps your baby connect the sound and the animal. Use words like "The dog says woof-woof." Add on to what your baby says. When your baby says, "Mama," say, "Here is Mama.
Communication & talking: babies & toddlers
Newborn babies communicate by crying. This is how they let you know that they're hungry, uncomfortable, in pain or need comfort. Sometimes babies cry for no obvious reason. During the first 3 months, babies begin to use their voice and body to communicate. For example, they'll smile, laugh, make cooing sounds, and move their arms and legs ...
0-3 Month Communication Activities Video
Check out these videos! Communication Activities for 4-6 Months. Communication Activities for 7-9 Months. Communication Activities for 10-12 Months. To learn more about language and speech development by age, visit our Communication page. This page dives into topics like how babies communicate, expressive and receptive language skills by age ...
Supporting babies' early communication skills
Here are some tips to support your baby's communication skills: Be face to face: Your baby will learn a lot from looking at your face and body language when you talk. Make it easy for your baby to see and hear you by getting down onto the floor with them and being face to face. Take turns: Copy the sounds and actions that your baby makes.
19 Activity ideas for outstanding communication and language
Finally, the activities, consider all aspects of communication when planning engaging activities for the children. You may find it useful to unpick a planned session during staff meeting time or encourage your apprentice to use some of their 20% off the job hours to reflect on the even spread of communication activities.
40 Conversation Games for Kids that Encourage Communication
33. Guess that Sound. Guess that Sound is a conversation game for kids where one player makes a sound, and the other players must guess what it is. The player who guesses the sound correctly gets to make the next sound. The game can continue for as long as the players want to keep playing. 34.
10 Games and Activities that Foster Communication Skills
8. Obstacle Course. 9. Exact Instructions. 10. Role-Playing. Communication and Lingokids. Communication is one of the most important aspects of our relationships with others—especially our children! Children begin to develop communication skills from the day they are born and start interacting with their caregivers.
4-6 Month Old Communication Activities Video
Yes! Check out these fun communication activities to help with 4-6 month old language development. At 4-6 months, you will see baby babbling and laughing. Use these tips to help develop baby's skills: Read to baby by talking about the pictures in the book. Have "conversations" by asking questions and answering them yourself.
Communication and Language Activities for Babies
Simple games such as peek-a-boo or singing nursery rhymes can help babies learn to communicate nonverbally and understand the importance of turn-taking. Using simple and clear language during interactive play helps them understand communication and encourages them to start babbling and eventually forming words.
8 Activities for Baby Language Development
Play Copycat With Your Baby. Babies love to mimic their mothers and other caregivers. This can be a good idea to build their language development too. Simply spend time copying your baby's expressions, babbles, sounds, etc. Also create your own expressions and sounds when playing this game with your baby. 4.
25 Exciting Communication and Language Activities for Toddlers
Sensory play is not only enjoyable for toddlers but can also be used to promote communication and language development. Fill a tray or container with sensory materials such as rice, sand, or water. Add in letters, small objects, or picture cards related to a specific theme. Let your toddler explore the sensory materials while engaging in ...
17 Kids' Activities to Encourage Speech-Language Development
Play Peek-A-Boo. This speech-language development activity is for children younger than one year. Use sheets, towels, or even your hands to play peek-a-boo with your child. Make sure they are having fun. When they laugh, laugh with them. Simple games like peek-a-boo will strengthen your child's cognition.
12 Best Communication Activities for kids of All Ages
Discuss how giving and receiving compliments made them feel, reinforcing the value of positive feedback. 9. Interview Each Other (6-12 years) Pairing up for interviews is one of the best activities to improve communication skills, teaching kids to formulate questions, listen actively, and learn about their peers.
7-9 Month Communication Activities Video
Communication Activities for 10-12 Months. To learn more about language and speech development by age, visit our Communication page. This page dives into topics like how babies communicate, expressive and receptive language skills by age, and communication and language activities for babies. Baby should be developing communication skills quickly.
7 Communication Activities for Kids
Communication games can be beneficial for children of all ages, but they are particularly valuable for kids between the ages of 2 and 10. However, many games can be adapted to suit different age groups and skill levels. Can communication games help children with special needs or language delays? Yes, communication games can be especially ...
15 Communication Games and Activities for Kids and Students
Networking Events and Business Simulations. Communication Workshops and Team-building Retreats. Nonverbal Communication Activities. Active Listening Games and Exercises. Assertive Communication Activities for Teens. Follow All Instructions Activity. Famous Pairs and The Enigmatic Self. The Guessing Game and Study Groups.
49 Communication Activities, Exercises & Games
To get started improving your (or your team's, or your student's) communication skills, give these 5 activities a try. 1. Card Pieces. This exercise from the team at MindTools is a good way to help participants develop more empathy, consider other perspectives, build their communication and negotiation skills.
Internet use and frailty in middle-aged and older adults: findings from
With increasing trend of internet use in all age groups, whether internet use can prevent frailty in middle-aged and older adults remains unclear. Five cohorts, including Health and Retirement Study (HRS), China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), and Mexican Health and ...