Children's comprehension of lessons, correlation with communication skills

- Focus on child-rearing allowance recipient households -

Abstract

　Based on the self-evaluation of parents and children of households receiving the child-rearing allowance, this study conducted secondary analyses on data obtained from "Survey on lifestyle value of parent and child, 2011" (Office for the General Promotion of Policy on Youth Affairs and Child-rearing) on lesson comprehension, communication skills and circumstances.

　Results hinted that communication with children might be affected by living circumstances with their parents and the time spent with children. Also, children in households receiving the child-rearing allowance were notably observed to be unable to comprehend lessons from elementary school. When Children who did not do well since elementary school also did not do well in junior high school. When asked to explain their thoughts, they self-evaluated themselves to have poor communication skills such as listening to others. Results showed that such children continued to do poorly throughout their school years and experienced difficulties in listening to others, expressing their opinions and ideas, asking questions and making presentations.

　Children of households receiving the child-rearing allowance have shown to be unable to comprehend lessons right from elementary school levels. From this point, there is a need to address cooperation between elementary and junior high schools. Further, consistent guidance and cooperation from supporters and elementary schools through junior high schools are required for the learning support given to junior high school students of families receiving public assistance entering senior high schools.