Observing_an_Individuals

B4 1.3 Explain why it is important to observe an individual’s reaction when communicating with them. An individual’s observation in all settings is a very important process. Communication with an individual’s is a two way process is not only about sending information, but also about knowing if the receiver has understood the message. During observation we need to pay attention to other peoples facial and bodily reaction because only 70%-80% of communication is verbal. Some people with learning difficulties cannot use words. They will communicate with us using their bodies and facial expression. It’s exactly the same situation with children, when they are very young they can’t use the words, so we need to observe them to find out about their needs. When we communicate with a child we need to make sure that she/he can understand what we are saying. Some young children may not have an idea what we try to explain to them (this may happen if the child is too young, too sad or too tired). If this happened we need to repeat what we’ve said before (maybe using shorter sentences and age-appropriate language) or we can use our imagination and try to make colourful posters so the child can understand us better. During observation we can find out if a child is happy or sad or if there is anything what may bother them. During child observation we can find out if child have any special needs or learning difficulties ,we can find out as well about how the children skills are developing or how their approach learning (for example their attitudes and learning styles). During observation we will be able to understand the child’s needs, any background or emotional problems. Also we will be able to help the child understand the world better (maybe during special activities involving the child’s interest). Observing parents is also an important part of our work. During observation we can find out if parents are interested in their child’s developing stage or if they have any background problems. Sometimes if English is the parents second language and they can’t understand us good, we can offer them help (for example advise them to take ESOL courses or ask someone who speak their language to help us communicate better). During parents observation we can find out if they are happy with us and if there is anything they’re not one hundred per cent sure about. Also we can see how they get on with their children and how they manage their kids behavior. For example, yesterday I went to the medical centre, in the waiting room I saw a Polish family who had two children, one of them was 19 months and other one 4 years old. Their parents were playing with them and communicate in good age-appropriate language, those children know the rules and was listening parents carefully all the time. Also yesterday I saw in the town centre a mother with a 4-5 years old girl who was being pulled by the arm in the street. She was in tears and screaming like she was having a tantrum. Her mum not really help her apart from shouting at her and use physical abuse. If I would be in her mum’s place I will ask the girl what is wrong and I will try to find the best way to help her by talking (not shouting), or just simply by cuddling her and letting all her emotion come out). If parents have any problem with managing kids behavior or if they don’t know why child is acting in a particular way, we can offer them help and advice. We can help them understand their child better. During parents observation we will be able to build trust between us so parents will feel more comfortable during a conversation with us or any different staff member. Observing staff members will help us learn more about our role. We will be able to observe how different staff members manage the children’s behavior, how they communicate with children in setting. Also what they do in difficult situation (for example when child is crying, when children are fighting or when child is isolated by a group of children). Observing staff members will help us identify any problems and let us share our ideas and opinions. We will be able to share information with them and build good working relationships. B5