This paper discusses several studies related to the interplay of verbal and nonverbal communication in young children and presents educational implications of this research. Two areas of nonverbal communication are considered: kinesics, or the use of body movements as displays of affection and emotion and as regulators of communication, and proxemics, the human use of and perception of space. Evidence is given to illustrate that learning to talk with others involves the acquisition of verbal and nonverbal behaviors called "conversation skills." The paper also investigates sex differences in nonverbal communicative responsivity in the context of social perception and interpersonal adaptation. References are made to recent research on verbal and nonverbal interplay between the adult and the child where findings are as yet inconclusive. A list of references on child development and communication accompanies the paper. (MAI)