Observing Communication

 

As we have learned, observation can be a powerful tool for expanding our understanding of mindful communication. For this Blog Assignment, I had the opportunity to observe an adult and young child communicating and reflect on how the ways in which the adult engages in interactions demonstrates the kinds of effective communication I have been learning about this week.

 

I observed my friend and her daughter in their backyard as she was playing with her brother. Kylah and Gryffin played on their fourwheelers and followed each other around their run, laughing and smiling. They were happy and enjoyed the beautiful fall day. As they drove around, the children would look at their mom (Cheray) for her approval and made sure that she was watching them. When they would go past, Kylah yelled “Hi Mama!” and Cheray acknowledged her daughter and son by waving, smiling and told them they are doing a great job.

There were many connections between what I observed, and the effective communication strategies presented in this week’s learning resources including listening. Cheray as an active listener and was very responsive to her children’s signals and cues (Stephenson, 2009).

The communication interactions I observed may have influenced the children’s sense of self-worth because they wanted to show their mom how they were able to be independent and drive their fourwheelers in the yard and when their mom responded with positive feedback, it boosted their self-esteem.  

Overall, I have learned the importance of observing, listening to children and then responding. Listening is essential skill that we need to really focus on when communicating with children and families.

 

Reference

Stephenson, A. (2009). Stepping Back to Listen to Jeff: Conversations with a 2-Year-Old. YC: Young Children, 64(2), 90–95.

Creating Affirming Environments

My Family Child Care Home will consist of an environment that reflects diversity, includes all cultures that are represented in my population, and promote strong family-teacher relationships.

I will strive to ensure that every child and family feel welcome and respected by building positive relationships with each child and their family, staying in constant communication, and inviting families to be active members in their children's learning environment. I will communicate in person, by emails, phone calls to reach families in different ways depending on what they prefer and/or the day. At sign-in, I will have an area where the family can write about how their morning went, how did the child sleep and any extra information they would like to share with me (Laureate Education, 2011).  In the media segment, Anti-Bias Education in a Family Child Care Home, Adriana mentioned that she also uses it which I think is very helpful in understanding why the child may be having a hard day.  I also will incorporate time in my schedule where we can all gather, caregivers included to connect and talk with each other ( Laureate Education, 2011). I really like this idea from Adriana because it is not structured so it is an open, relaxing, opportunity to build stronger relationships and get to know each other. 

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author

 

What I Have Learned

 Over the last eight weeks, I have learned so much from this course- EDUC-6357 Diversity, Development, and Learning. It has been such a positive experience with you all and having Dr. Parrish as our instructor. 

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is to always be mindful of their culture, respectful, and to have patience. 

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to provide more training on bias and trauma and how to support children and their families during those challenging times or discrimination. 

Thank you to my colleagues for learning with me, supporting me, and for your suggestions on resources that will support me through this journey. Best of luck to you in your next course and I hope I get to work with you again.