Communication skills key to strong foundation phase learning, says education expert
Education experts warn that weak communication skills in the early grades could have long-term consequences for learners’ academic success.
“Foundation phase education is often framed as the place where learners learn to read, write, and count.”
This was said by Caroline Miller, principal of the foundation phase at Centennial Schools in Sunninghill.
Miller believes that beneath these visible milestones lies a more fundamental skill that determines whether or not these abilities take root: Communication. “Listening, speaking, understanding, questioning, and expressing ideas form the cognitive foundation on which all later learning depends.”
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She said global and local research underscores the urgency of getting this right, adding that the latest findings, presented at the 2030 Reading Panel Conference and based on the department of basic education’s Funda Uphumelele National Survey, revealed that only 30% of learners in grades 1 to 3 are reading at grade level in their home language.
“In some languages, up to 25% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word, while 15% scored zero in reading assessments. The data paints a stark picture of early literacy foundations, which are far more fragile than they should be.”
These reading gaps have measurable consequences for learners’ educational progression. “South African research shows that early literacy performance is strongly linked to grade repetition, with learners who repeat Grade 1 being 22% more likely to repeat Grade 4.
“Similarly, learners who receive a condoned pass at the end of Grade 3 are 31% more likely to repeat Grade 4, highlighting the long-term impact of unresolved foundational gaps.”
Miller said communication is also central to future-ready education. “As learners progress, they encounter increasingly complex problem-solving tasks in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (Steam subjects).
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“These subjects demand more than procedural knowledge or aptitude; they require reasoning and the ability to explain thinking clearly in collaborative settings. Coding and digital literacy, often viewed as technical skills, are also deeply dependent on structured language and logical expression.
“Quite simply, learners who can sequence ideas, ask precise questions, and articulate reasoning are better equipped to engage confidently with technology and, indeed, all learning.”
She said the emotional and social dimensions of communication are equally important. When learners are able to express themselves, they develop confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging.
“The ability to explain ideas and describe challenges reduces frustration and supports emotional regulation. In early education settings, structured opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and questioning help learners develop both academic competence and interpersonal skills.”
Miller said early intervention is particularly powerful. She said when communication gaps are identified and addressed in the first years of schooling, they are far less likely to compound into later academic challenges.
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