Communication

Ruth 26th September First Draft Unit 1 AC 1.1 Explain why effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults. What is Effective Communication' Communication is a two-way process that involves speaking, listening, hearing, understanding and replying. Communication can be both verbal (speaking) and non -verbal (body language). Both forms are powerful tools and can be used with great skill in our interactions with others. When working with children, adults and/or young people communication is the most important thing to building a positive relationship. Having good communication skills will help us develop better relationships especially with younger people. Some students who lack in confidence may find it hard to communicate at all with us, so if we come across to that student in a positive and gentle manner they are more likely to open up to us and talk. We would not like to be spoken to in a negative way so therefore we should also be careful of how we speak to others. Communication can be divided into 3 categories body language, words and tone. As the pie chart below shows words play only a minor role. Body Language This is also known as non verbal communication. Using body language, we can interpret how a person is feeling without the use of words. We give messages using our eyes, facial expression, gestures, touch, stance and the angle of our head. We also use signs and symbols to provide extra visual clues. For example road signs, computer icons and logos, etc When looking at effective communication we have to be aware of the different age groups involved. This can be divided into 3 groups: 1) Children aged 4-11 years 2) Young people 11-18 years 3) Adults – for example teachers, school nurse, parents etc What are positive relationships' Human relationships within the setting based on mutual respect and valuing others so that everyone can work together in a harmonious environment based on good communication. Children flourish when they feel relaxed with the people who are caring and educating them. Tassoni, Beith, Bulman, Griffin (2010) state that “children flourish” when relaxed. Therefore this shows the importance of developing positive relations with children, young people and adults. Taking all these into consideration they are important in promoting trust, understanding and security and helps build up good relationships between children, young people and adults. You also need to show a good working relationship with all, in turn this creates a happy and welcoming atmosphere which forms a positive environment for children, young people and adults. Tassoni et al (2010) also stress that the “emotional backdrop” in any setting is crucial in forming relationships.