Observing
Communication
I
observed teacher communicating with a kindergarten student during recess. One of the bilingual students went to a
teacher on duty to tell her someone had pushed her on the slide. This teacher did not realize the child spoke
limited English. Unfortunately, the
teacher did not take the time to listen or even try to understand the
situation. The little girl walked off
with a sad look on her face.
I
have noticed that this happens more often than not. I am even guilty of quickly trying to resolve
problems and move on. I have learned
throughout my Walden courses that this form of communication or lack thereof
becomes very ineffective. An educators need
to take the time to listen and be respectful to our little ones. They need to be heard. We need to be a role model for proper
communication in order to build a child’s self-confidence and self-worth.
In
the above interaction, this child most likely felt as if their problem was not
important. In addition, she may have
felt that the adults she trusts did not want to help her. As a mom myself, I have learned children are
very perceptive. Our tones and reactions
with children leave an impression – positive or negative. As a result, children will learn to act they
way they have observed the adults around them.
I
believe this teacher should have taken a moment to find a student or teacher
that could interpreted for the little girl.
This information would have helped the teacher be more empathetic with this
child. She could have reassured her that
she understood and help her feel better.
Furthermore, the teacher probably should have taken the time to visit
with both students and help them resolve the pushing issue. Over the past year, I have noticed I tend to
do the same thing – “fix” the problem and move.
Unfortunately, I am not truly correcting the issue. I am just pushing it aside. This reaction may have shown my students that
I do not care. On the contrary, I care a
great deal, but I have been ineffective.
In
conclusion, I think this would be a great topic to discuss with my students
using persona dolls. Persona dolls help children in the following
ways: they help children consider
feelings, ways to help others feel better about themselves, and dealing with
conflicting opinions; they support
children in considering fair ways to share and get on with each other; the
dolls help children to learn positive attitudes and challenge negative
attitudes and stereotypes; and they are a fantastic way to help young children
develop empathy for others, be inclusive and to think critically (Persona Doll
Training, 2009). I hope to begin
including persona dolls in my classroom.
I use a panda bear named K.B. (short for Kinder Bear). The children love when I use him for
instructional purposes. I need to expand
my collection.
Reference
Personal
Doll Training (2009). Retrieved from
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI too feel that the teacher's communication with the little girl was very ineffective. The little girl walked away feeling sad and more than likely felt unimportant. The teacher should have taken the time to get down to the child's level and show an interest in the little girl's concern. Children need to see that the adults in their lives truly care about them. If the teacher could not understand the little girl, I agree that she should have asked another child or adult to assist. We must remember that the way we speak to children, our body language, and the way we listen are all important to building children's self-esteem. Thank you for sharing this observation!
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI agree and believe it is imperative as educators we “need to take time to listen and be respectful to our little ones.” Our interactions and exchanges with young children can in fact have lifelong ramifications and affect whether they trust others to help them in times of stress or adversity and how they see themselves—I am worthy or undeserving of being listened to. I enjoy your thoughts and ideas—thank you!
Cindy- this unfortunately is more common than we think especially in the elementary schools. I have noticed a huge difference in teachers who have elementary degrees and those who have early childhood degrees. Early childhood takes the time to help teachers know how to effectively teach young children, the whole child. With elementary degrees the focus is more on curriculums, assessments, and ways to teach the different subjects. On top of all of that our ELL students are not being respected as they should because many of our teachers did not have to take any type of courses on diversity. I am glad that you saw this and that it was a concern for you, thanks for sharing your blog!
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you shared this experience because I have witnessed the same type of exchanges at my school. From what you described, the child never had her problem addressed and her feeling weren't validated. I have to agree with Elizabeth because it does seem like there is a lack of respect towards our ELL students. It really bothers me and I really don't think my school system is doing a good job to address it. Using your persona doll to address the topic would be great! That would be a good way for children to understand how they are making a child in this situation feel.