Communication is both dynamic and complex. In time it can be learnt, understood and eventually mastered. Why then do we expect children to be able to communicate with us correctly all of the time?Working with children requires us to build positive relationships with them quickly, but also in ways that are professional.The quality of the relationships that we have with children and young people has a huge effect on the way in which we can work with them.Positive relationships with children and young people are important as when children feel comfortable they can separate more easily from their parents and children are more likely to participate in the play and learning activities if they are secure emotionally.When children have positive relationships they are less likely to show unwanted behaviour as their needs are recognised quickly and their language develops because they feel confident communicating with us.Read more: Identify different reasons why we communicate essayAs a Learning Support Assistant in a High School I can only carry out my role to the best of ability if I understand children’s developmental needs and know their interests.I am also able to respond to children more effectively once I can recognise their expressions and emotions.I think that one of the most important aspects of building a relationship is to find ways of communicating effectively. Since working at in a school setting I have now realise that communication is not just about words it is also about our facial expressions, body language and gestures.Also by helping to create a welcoming atmosphere and being an approachable member of staff you are helping to a positive atmosphere which aids create effective communication.The listener should always become involved in the communication process. Listening is not passive process; rather, it is as active, and behavioural, as speaking. The main indicator of displaying that you are an active listener is that you will be actively responding.Ways in which we communicate verbally and non-verbally:•The way we speak
•Tone of voice, clarity, volume
•Body language
•Posture
•Language Facial
•Expressions
•Sign Language – Makaton
•Gestures
•Eye contact
•Appearance
•Touch
•Personal SpaceMain Text
Effective communication is very important in building a positive relationship with anyone, from a child to young person and adults. The way in which we communicate with all of these different groups can be vary greatly, but each will have the same basic fundamental principles.An example of this; a student who some members of staff may deem to be challenging or noncompliant frequently called me “Miss”, as quite a few students do that are used to only encountering female members of staff. After a few weeks of this the student became embarrassed by her mistake. Recognising this I simply said “it’s ok Bob” this put her at ease and it became a usual greeting. The first time I encountered this student being somewhat volatile towards a few members of staff she was on the verge of becoming out of control. By using my “hey Bob what’s up?” greeting it distracted and then calmed her in seconds. In reply I got a cheeky smile and a “Hiya Miss”.Having built up, and still learning, ways of effectively communicating with the most challenging of students enables me to be able to help reduce the stress of a situation whilst enabling the student(s) to feel at ease.Relationship problems can develop when individuals have a lack of communication, or do not have the skills to communicate effectively. These skills would include clear expression, good listening skills, and being able to adapt to different situations and scenarios.To develop a positive relationship using effective communication it is important to establish trust. The person we are communicating with needs to feel at ease and to be given the opportunity to communicate with you feeling comfortable and confident. It is vital to listen whilst using positive body language, such as nodding, to use the appropriate facial expressions and maintain eye contact where appropriate. It is also imperative that any possible cultural differences are respected.Adults need to show positive relationships with each other in front of children and young people so that the child can copy this behaviour this helps to demonstrate what is expected and acceptable in relationship building.If good communication exists between everyone involved, the child, staff and parents/carers, it will help avert any misunderstandings and unnecessary worry. For example if a child is having problems at home which is not being communicated to staff then it may affect that child’s behaviour or attitude to school. By being open to all involved, you can prevent this and be immediately aware of any issues and therefore assist that child in coping. If communication is effective parents/carers are more likely to contribute to and offer support to the school.Also Communication is important because it provides you with a link to between people. It is important that this link and method of communication meets the requirements of all parties and also takes into account their needs. These could range from disabilities; blind, deaf, differing home language (EAL), family background or age. Whilst it is important to communicate effectively with parents and pupils it is also of equal importance to communicate with colleagues and other staff. In this way we ensure that everyone is aware of issues that could affect a child’s learning, interaction with other pupils or behaviour. Pupils being reassured that you are supportive of their welfare may feel more at ease when they come into school. In conclusion effective communication with children, young people and adults is fundamental to developing relationships. It should be remembered that whilst it is important for me to communicate effectively with others it is equally important for me to listen to others to further develop the relationships I have.It is important to build positive relationships with children, young people and adults not just within a learning environment but within any social setting, as this forms strong interactive social skills throughout their lives. Children will build from the skills we demonstrate to them because as adults we are their role models. You should always take into account how you approach someone and respond to them as this will determine how they respond to you. Everyone must be given opportunities to establish trust and to feel at ease.Children are social learners and it is crucial that all adults working with them need to model good communication through listening and speaking which will aid the development of the child’s friendships, confidence and self-esteem.At times children cannot express their thoughts and feelings. Through gaining their trust they will begin to feel at ease with us. One way of helping to gain their trust is to praise them for giving input or good work, even for how smartly dressed they are or happy they look. Receiving praise helps raise your self-esteem. A student who feels wanted and appreciated will begin to trust you as well as feeling valued both of which will help form a positive relationship. Probing questions are also important as a positive relationship exists between the frequency of teaching probing questions and the amount of student’s oral participation.Playing games with children can help build their confidence to be able to communicate. This positive relationship can also be built on and enhanced further by using open questions to encourage the student(s) to develop their own knowledge whilst becoming comfortable in talking in front of their peers. If a student is struggling to answer but you know they know the answer then by using simply prompting the student helps alleviate their uncertainty and any embarrassment and results in a happy and proud student who has overcome their nerves and uncertainty and given valuable input.