Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3 Unit 301. Explain Why Effective Communication Is Important in Developing Positive Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults

Level 3 Support Teaching and Learning 11/09/13
Unit 301 - Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults.
Outcome 1 : To understand the principles of developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults.
(1.1) Explain why effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children and adults.
Working with children requires us to build relationships with them quickly, but also in ways that are professional. The quality of relationships that we have with children and young people has a huge effect on the way in which we can work with them. When children feel comfortable with us 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 and feel safe and secure in their settings, they are less likely to show unwanted behaviour as we are able to recognise and meet their needs much more efficiently. In order for a child to feel safe and secure, there needs to be effective, positive communication in place at all times
Effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults because this encourages cooperation between pupils, parents and colleagues. It helps provide a challenging and stimulating learning environment which is accessible to all pupils. Everyone will feel welcomed and valued; everyone is respected as an individual. And finally, this will ensure a considerate and caring attitude is demonstrated towards pupils.
Within a school setting, I feel that one of the key ways to develop a strong and trusting relationship with the children in my care is to speak to them in an age appropriate way that shows them the correct grammar, pronunciation and tenses as well as tone. A Teacher or Teaching assistant needs to speak to the child positivily using expression and positive body language such as smiling and nodding. All adults in the setting need to lead by example and show the children how we expect them to behave and communicate.
Effective communication is not solely about the information with give out. Receiving information effectively has a very important role too. By taking the time to listen to others, we gain valuable knowlegde and understanding about them. It also gives the children positive reinforcements about being forward with their thoughts, ideas and opinions. If children feel they are not being listened to, or that their opinions are not important, they will be reluctant to partake in group session and may feel too self-conscious to put forward their ideas. Not listening efficiently can also lead to misunderstandings and upsets. This can create tensions and atmospheres in the setting.
As a Teaching assistant in a primary school it means I can plan more accurately alongside the lead teacher if I understand children’s developmental needs and know their interests. I am also able to respond to children more effectively because I can recognise their expressions and emotions easily.
Since working at my school I now realise that communication is not just about words it is also about our facial expressions, body language and gestures.
Communication
· A welcoming atmosphere with approachable staff helps to create effective communication.
· Effective communication means there is a two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise between parents and practitioners.
· All communication is important, including gestures, signing and body language.
· Communication is not just about giving information. Receiving information effectively is just as important.