Tda_Communication

TDA 31-1.1 Explain why effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults. In order to contribute to positive relationships we will need to demonstrate and model effective communication skills in our dealing with others. This means that we should consider both how we approach others people and how we respond to them. We are more likely to communicate information to one another if we have positive relationships. Parents and other adults who come into school are more likely to give beneficial support if communication is strong and effective, this in turn benefits pupils. It is also important for pupils that we model effective communication skills. This means checking what we are saying sometimes in moments of stress or excitement, so that they understand what our expectations are in school. If we ask pupils to behave in a particular way when communicating and then forget to do so ourselves, they will find it harder to understand the boundaries of what is acceptable. Effective communication and positive relationships do not happen by chance. We should think about the way we relate to others and the messages that this sends out. In situations where communication breaks down, misunderstandings can lead to bad feeling. Communication is about more than words. We communicate through tone of voice, gestures and especially our body language. Listening can be verbal or non-verbal. Body language is key; if a person feels that what they say is valued this will be conducive to a positive communication experience, this can be shown by nodding, leaning forward, good eye contact and facial expressions. A person needs to be shown that they have your full attention; repeat, react, question and respond to what has been said and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings. There are many similarities between communicating with adults and with children – always maintaining eye contact and interest, responding to what they are saying, and treating them with courtesy and respect. However, when communicating with children, we also need to think about how we maintain the relationship of carer to child and what this means in a school context. When communicating with children, we also need to be very clear and unambiguous in what we say. They need us to communicate what is expected of them so that they can learn to communicate well themselves. Also praising them when they have done something good will build up their confidence, not just telling them off but making them understand the impact of their behaviour on themselves and others. We should always motivate them and encourage them to develop a positive atmosphere in school. As children’s language skills improve (from about the age of three) children begin to chat and express themselves and they begin to expect adults to listen and provide answers to questions they may ask. It is by questioning that children learn and the more you talk to children the more likely they are to approach you. Children will soon be aware of adults who will spend time listening and talking to them and this will make them feel valued and part of the school community. By modelling the norm of conversation children will learn to work in groups, pairs, as a class and listen to each other. As children grow and develop they become less spontaneous and will often need time to think and reflect before communicating. It is important that time is given for this and as adults we take time to listen and allow children to seek reassurance or it can result in a loss of trust and confidence. During the ages of 7 – 11 years children are beginning to form their own opinions and it is important that we respect those opinions and communicate that to them, so that they become confident and self assured and are capable of making their own choices and decisions Once children progress towards their teenage years they begin to go through many significant changes both mentally... 1. ------------------------------------------------- No comments Join Now For Free TDA31-1.2 Explain the principles of relationship building with children, young people and adults. Communicating effectively One of the most important aspects of building a relationship is to find ways of communicating effectively. . Communication is not just about words ; it is also about our facial expressions, body language and gestures Identifying and sorting out conflicts and agreements Groups of children, like adults, will have their disagreements. As children become older these can become more serious and are not simply squabbles. In order for children and young people to trust us, it is important that we can identify difficulties and help them wherever possible to find ways through them. It is essential that children and young people perceive our way of doing this as fair. Being consistent and fair Children and young people rely upon us. This means that it is essential that day a_er day, we are consistent. Consistency means not just keeping behavioural boundaries in place, but also making sure that we do not have significant mood swings, for example one day being excitable and funny and the next being quiet and withdrawn. Children also need to know that we will be fair with them. We will listen to what they have to say before jumping to conclusions and we will try to make sure that their needs are taken into consideration. Fairness is also something that adults need as well. Parents will want to see that the way that their family is being treated is comparable with others, while staff members need to feel that their workplace is a fair one where everyone is expected to pull their weight. Showing respect and courtesy Children and young people will need to receive respect and courtesy from us in order that they can extend these skills to others. From the earliest age, we should be using markers of respect in English such as saying please and thank you. We should also speak to children and young people using voice tones that are warm and courteous. Keeping confidentiality as appropriate While we can never promise to maintain confidentiality if children reveal that they have been abused, or that there is a danger that they may be harmed, keeping confidentiality is an important part of working with children, young people and others. Confidentiality is essentially about trust and respect. Parents and other professionals will o_en give you confidential information on the basis that it will be helpful to you when you work. They do so trusting that this information will not be passed on to others, to become the source of gossip or interest. If you breach confidentiality, you will break that trust. When trust between you and others breaks down, so too does the relationship. Key Monitoring the impact of your own behaviour on others Part of working professionally with children, young people and their families is to monitor and then, if necessary, adapt our own behaviour. term TDA31-1.3 Explain how different social, professional and cultural contexts may affect relationships and the way people communicate