Why small chats make a big difference

When your child talks, do you pause to listen and respond with a follow-up question? When they ask ‘Why?’, do you wonder aloud together? These everyday exchanges have a bigger impact than you might realise. Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that conversational ‘turn-taking’ between adults and children boosts brain activity in language areas more than simply hearing lots of words. It is the interaction - not just the talk, that matters most.

Other studies show that back-and-forth conversations expand vocabulary, strengthen memory and build the skills children need to read, write and think critically.

At Home

• Ask open-ended questions that invite more than a yes or no answer; 
• Follow your child’s interests in the conversation; 
• Listen fully before responding; and 
• Model curiosity - explore answers together.

At School

At Living Faith, we design lessons with deliberate opportunities for students to speak, listen and respond to one another. Strategies like ‘think-pair-share’ and collaborative group work help students practise turn-taking every day. 

This links directly to two of our new school values: Better Together, which celebrates learning through connection, and Be Curious, which inspires students to ask questions, explore ideas and seek deeper understanding. Back-and-forth conversations nurture both - helping students build respectful relationships while developing a love for learning. 

The Australian Curriculum: English recognises that oral language is the foundation for literacy and lifelong learning. Its ‘Interacting with Others’ and ‘Language for Interaction’ outcomes guide our teaching, ensuring every student has opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills. 

So tonight, perhaps start a conversation and see where it takes you. You might just be shaping your child’s brain, one turn at a time.

Jaki Graham 

Director of Junior Primary