CPD 5: Maintaining Relationships with children and young people.

JUSTTEACHERS CPD- PAUSE POINTS

Pausing for...

MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

This pause for learning introdu ce s Teaching and Suppo rt Staff to the topic of mai ntaining re lat ions hips w ith children and young peo ple.

The first learning intent ion i s to u nde rstand e f f e ctive communication with children and you ng pe ople .

VERBAL & NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION Every interaction you have with children and young people is a form of communication. It’s not just about the words we use, but the tone of voice, our facial expressions, the way we stand and the gestures we make which all convey a message. The ways that we, as adults, communicate with children and young people not only sets the tone of the classroom, but teaches them how to communicate with others. It shapes their emotional development and also shapes how they build, sustain, and when necessary repair, relationships now and in later life.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of communication: verbal and nonverbal .

Verbal communication is the way we communicate with words and includes: The pitch and tone of voice The words you use The ways in which we ensure that children feel valued, are treated with dignity, and that their emotions are validated, using words that they can understand.

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Nonverbal communication is both intentional and unintentional communication through body language and includes: Facial expressions Eye contact Personal space Hand gestures Physical touch like a hug Non-verbal communication is not easy to describe, but we certainly know it when we see it, or experience it. A gentle, enquiring, curious, nodding, perhaps smiling, respectful gaze makes children (and adults) feel valued and respected.

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JUSTTEACHERS CPD- 5. MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

There is a world of difference between raising your voice to attract the attention of a large group (sometimes noisy, especially when they are learning) of children with a carefully pitched “stop talking please” or “listen please” and shouting at an individual child. Rather than raising their voice, many experienced classroom practitioners may make a gesture (such as raising their hand and waiting for quiet) or have a clapping routine, for example, that the children have learned. This may be a prompt for them to stop talking, stop what they are doing and repeat the clapping, ready for the next set of instructions.

The words we use obviously need to be understood and although there are important times when we want to extend children’s vocabulary, there is precious little point in telling a child “behave!” if we’re not really clear about our behavioural expectations.

What is it we want them to do?

Effective communication with children and young people also means being self-aware, and not assuming that they respond in the same way we do. For some children, either because of their neurological constructs (the way their brain works) or some cultural groups, “Look at me when I’m talking to you” may be really hard to understand, or simply not appropriate.

In conclusion, using different forms of communication, such as verbal communication, non-verbal communication, written communication, and visual aids, can help meet the diverse needs of children and young people. By using a range of communication methods, teaching assistants can ensure that all children and young people are able to understand and participate in learning activities.

Reflection Time: REFLECT ON YOUR OWN PROFESSI ONAL PRACTI CE AND THI NK OF TWO CONTRASTI NG EXAMPLES OF WHEN YOU HAVE USED VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNI CATI ON EFFECTI VELY.

JUSTTEACHERS CPD- 5. MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

COMMUICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE Dr Dan Siegel, a leading child psychologist, has said that to feel emotionally secure, and to be able to learn, children need: to be seen (recognised and acknowledged not just within sight of an adult) to be emotionally soothed (not frightened or worried by anything) to feel emotionally and physically safe

Essential component

Examples of actions to ensure this

Seen

Greet each child by their name every morning

Safe

Prevent bullying behaviour

Soothed

Take time for a break and snacks

Seen

Safe

Soothed

Secure JUSTTEACHERS CPD- 5. MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

JUSTTEACHERS CPD- PAUSE POINTS

Educators can communicate effectively with children and young people by actively listening, using clear and simple language, providing positive reinforcement, showing empathy and understanding, using non-verbal communication and encouraging open communication.

These strategies can improve academic performance, behaviour and overall well-being: Active Listening: One of the most effective ways to communicate with children and young people is to actively listen to them. This involves giving them your full attention, maintaining eye contact and responding to what they say. By doing so, you can show that you value their thoughts and opinions, and create a safe and supportive environment for them to express themselves.

Clear and Simple Language: It’s important to use clear and simple language when communicating with children and young people. This helps to ensure that they understand what you are saying and can follow instructions easily. Avoid using jargon or technical language that may be confusing for them.

Positive Reinforcement: Encourage positive behaviour by providing verbal praise and reinforcement. For example, when a student does something well, you can say, “Well done, that’s fantastic!”. This helps to build their confidence and self-esteem and reinforces positive behaviour.

Empathy and Understanding: Try to understand the perspective of the child or young person you are communicating with. This involves being empathetic, acknowledging their feelings, and showing that you care about them. By doing so, you can create a positive relationship and build trust.

Non-verbal communication: Non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, can also be used to effectively communicate with children and young people. For example, a smile or nod can show that you are listening and engaged in the conversation.

Open Communication: Encourage open communication by creating a safe and supportive environment. This involves being approachable, non-judgmental, and showing respect for the child or young person’s opinions and feelings. By doing so, you can foster positive relationships and help children and young people feel comfortable expressing themselves. By using these strategies, you can help to improve their students academic performance, behaviour, and overall well-being.

TASK WRITE DOWN TWO OR THREE COMMUNI CATI ON STRATEGI ES YOU HAVE USED THAT CAN IMPROVE ACADEMI C PERFORMANCE, BEHAVIOUR AND OVERALL WELL-BEI NG.

UNDERSTANDI NG POSI TI VE RELATI ONSHI PS WI TH CHI LDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

As an educator, building and maintaining professional relationships with children, young people and adults is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. Here are some ways you can build and maintain positive & professional relationships:

1. Communication Effective communication is key to building professional relationships. Educators should communicate clearly, actively listen, and show empathy towards others’ needs and concerns.

2. Active listening It is important to actively listen to children, young people and adults to understand their needs and concerns. This can be done by giving them full attention, asking open-ended questions and clarifying any misunderstandings.

3. Respect Showing respect towards others is crucial for building positive relationships. This can be done by using appropriate language, addressing individuals by their preferred name, and showing consideration towards their culture, beliefs, and values.

4. Collaboration This is essential for building professional relationships.

Educators should work collaboratively with teachers, parents and other professionals to support the learning and development of children and young people.

5. Professionalism Maintaining a professional attitude, being punctual, reliable, and respectful towards others’ time and efforts are key to building and maintaining professional relationships.

FINAL THOUGHTS HOW DOES THIS LINK TO CLASSROOM PRACTICE? LEARNING ABOUT MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IS VITAL FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. IT GIVES YOU A BACKGROUND OF THE KEY ASPECTS THAT WILL GOVERN ALL ASPECTS OFYOUR WORKING PRACTICE AND EVERYTHING YOU DO AS AN EDUCATOR. THANK YOU FOR READING!

NEXT STEPS: TO DEMONSTRATE YOU HAVE LISTENED, READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS PAUSE FOR LEARN DOCUMENT AND PODCAST CPD, EPISODE 5, PLEASE COMPLETE OUR ONLINE WORKBOOK HERE. YOUR CONSULTANT WILL DISCUSS YOUR RESULTS WITH YOU!