Observing Communication
Communication is all about passing information, it also
helps to develop a common understanding between individuals. Communication
occurs both verbally and non verbally, but the most important thing about
communication is the ability to be “other” oriented. I have learnt that in
communicating with children, I have to listen to them most of the time in other
to go into their world of imagination.
Recently I observed a little girl narrating to her mother how
a butterfly transforms from its cocoon stage to a real butterfly. The 4 year
old girl demonstrates this transformation using a play dough that she rolled up
to look like a worm and eventually turns into a butterfly. One of the amazing
thing about the little girls expose, was how she molded the butterfly in its
cocoon stage and also another image of a butterfly that was transformed
already.
The little girl was so confident about what she was doing
and I could see how delighted the mum was, paying so much attention to her, and
from her body gesture you could tell that she was all up for a breath taking
expose.
What I notice between this adult and the little girl was
that, the adult was so patient with the girl, taking her from one stage of
transformation to another, and the unique thing about this was how the girl’s
vocabulary has improved as it concerns butterfly. So it got me thinking that as
early educators we can make children initiate a discussion based on what they
like and at the same time help build their vocabulary in that context, and this
process will be an ongoing one as we introduced different topics.
Hi Patience,
ReplyDeleteYour observation was inspirational to read, it motivated me to stop and direct my focus to the way I communicate with the children I teach. "Teacher talk is a powerful classroom tool" (Rainer Dangei, & Durden, 2010, p. 74). Therefore, as early childhood educators we must keep in mind that verbal communication is enhanced by being an effective listener therefore, using this skill will strengthening the relationship. As well as, the ability to effectively communicate between one another will deliver a clear message. Enriching the communication bond that is needed for children to be successful. Thank you for sharing!
Nydia
Reference
Rainer Dangei, J., & Durden, T. R. (2010). The nature of teacher talk during small group activities. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 74-81. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Education Research Complete database. http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=47964033&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Hi Patience,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post. Communication is indeed one of the most effective means to convey a message,not only that it is one of the most effective methods teachers utilize in the classroom. " Teacher talk is a powerful classroom tool (Rainer & Durden, 2010)." Additionally , communication is an essential part of healty child development. It is important as educators to choose wisely what we say and how we say it because what we say today will make an impact on the future of the children we serve.
Rainer Dangei, J., & Durden, T. R. (2010). The nature of teacher talk during small group activities. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 74-81.
Hello Patience
ReplyDeleteI agree communication is the way we send and receive messages. It is so important that we make sure we are comprehending message correctly when we received it. As educators we must be able to communicate with children so they can understand the messages we are giving them. The little girl that you observed that gave her mom the stages of the butterfly. When the teacher had discussed the stages of the butterfly she had her listening ears on. As educator we must have patience to listen to children, and not to rush them, so that we do not miss the opportunity to learn from them. We need to give children the opportunity to explain, communicate with each other, and solve their own problems Thanks for posting.