Effective communication is vital when developing positive relationships with children young people and adults. Some people really struggle with their learning or they may have confidence issues, these issues may stop them from communicating freely. Treating them in a calm, friendly, positive, and praising manner could mean the difference between them trusting me and closing down completely and giving up. It is important to have a positive relationship with children and young adults because if they feel comfortable and secure with the adult and their setting whether it is a childminder, a nursery or a school they will separate more easily from their parent or carer. If they feel emotionally secure they are more likely to participate in the play and learning activities.
Another reason it may be hard to verbally communicate is if English is not their first language and you will have to use body language and maybe actions, especially to help the children understand what you are saying, and also speak very clearly in a friendly tone. Always approach individuals in an open, friendly manner. Observe their facial expressions, if they look puzzled try to explain more clearly and in detail, if they look upset try to give them reassurance and encourage them to express their feelings, but not too much as this may offend also. If they move away slightly respect their decision as they may feel a bit uncomfortable. Always ask if they have any questions and that you would be happy to answer.
1.2 DESCRIBE WITH EXAMPLES HOW TO BEHAVE APPROPRIATELY FOR A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON’S STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT? First impressions are important for everyone not only child but for parents and people we work with. Children of different age will need varying levels of attention; some may be more advanced than others. Children with “special needs” will need more help. When we work with infants at nursery to help them with basics vocabulary and numeracy we need to choose media that will help them understand.
If you appear angry and unfriendly, then the child will try to avoid any contact with you or will just stay quiet when you ask them a question. Linked into this attribute would be humour. Children love laughter and it can also help increase their attention span during lessons, as the children will be concentrating on what you say, just in case you say something funny. Building a good relationship with the children also has a serious side as they will begin to feel comfortable coming to you if they have any problems. It could be from issues with their school work, to something more serious and personal.
Unit 137 OUTCOME 4.3 BY DEBRA PRICE Children and young people need to trust adults in order for them to be able to answer their questions. The answers should always be answered honestly, and in some instances children will ask many questions as they come to terms as to what may be happening to them. This can be very difficult as adults like to see children happy rather than upset adults do not always listen to children correctly and acknowledge their feelings. Listening to children is critical as we can then learn what they are thinking and how they feel, they could be feeling resentful or have feelings of anger and disappointment, children should be encouraged to speak openly without feeling they have to hold back e.g. “you don’t mean that” attitude .
Give positive encouragement, always using positive words rather than negative. This will in turn make them feel confident, valued and encourages good self esteem from an early age. Identify two ways that an adult's behaviour at work could negatively influence the development of children. 1) If you are feeling down and unwell, children and young people that you are working with are able to pick up on this and it could cause them to become unhappy and perhaps uncomfortable. This may then result in them not wanting to join in in activities or even find it as an excuse to play up.
This is often an important way of communicating where there is no language used for the child’s needs to be understood. Gestures, rhymes, songs, finger plays, drawings and representation, is a fun way of communicating with the children. Where some children may not have any language skills they could use the songs, rhymes and actions to communicate their needs by using facial expressions e.g happy, sad, tired. Also children could draw a picture of how they are feeling or what they want. Augmentative communication is a way to help with language disorders.
I try to be polite and friendly in order to create trust, people feel that you are approachable and tend to communicate better when they trust you. When communicating with the children I make sure that I am approachable, I feel that it is important to smile around the children as this can help them to feel comfortable around you. When communicating I need to make sure that I use the correct tone of voice. I like to get down to the child’s level so I don’t seem intimidating. By using their interests I can bond with the children to create a positive
Supporting the development of new play skills After identifying what the child is trying to communicate through their behaviour we can identify what new skills the child needs to learn. E.g. unable to listen to a whole large group story but through observations we know the child is able to listen to a story in a one to one situation. We can teach the child with small steps to listen to a group story. First small step is for the child to sit with one or two other children.
When talking or listening to children, always maintain eye contact, concentrate on what the child is saying and physically lower yourself to the child’s level. Children always imitate adults’ behaviour, by being a good role model: polite, honest, fair and respectful to children, there is more chance that they will act the same towards you and other adults Fairness allows a child to explain their version of events; however it is important to be consistent in situations, for example, if two children break the same rule it would be unfair to punish one and not the other, this would result in lack of respect from the children. With adults, you can communicate using more complex language. It is important for them to feel comfortable with you, since you are working closely with them. You have to be caring, respect them, be polite, give all the support they need, listen to their views, ask questions on a need to know basis and always try to handle disagreements with adults in a way that will maintain a positive relationship.