Talking over dinner ‘helps children do well at school’

A quater of children do not chat to their family over dinner, leaving them too shy to talk to teachers confidently.

New research from the National Literacy Trust found that children who talk to their parents at meals are more assured communicators than those who do not.

The trust today called on parents to talk to their children more in a bid to boost their school results.

The study of nearly 35,000 youngsters also found that almost one third of children spend more time online or watching TV than talking to their family.

Those who eat in silence do not like speaking in front of a group and do not enjoy putting their hand up in class or working in a team. They could be marked down under a new national curriculum which focuses more heavily on speaking and listening skills.

Trust director Jonathan Douglas said: “Our research shows just how vital conversation at home is to the future success of our children.”