Understand the Principles of Developing Positive Relationships with Children, Young People and Adults

It is important that I build positive effective relationships with the children, young people and adults that I work with, to do this I need to be able to demonstrate and model effective communication skills in my dealings with others. I must always consider how I approach people and also how I respond to them. I will

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.

Body language has a great deal to do with communication and it is believed that body language is

They say a picture paints a thousand words, and the same can be said for Body language. Body language definitely plays a big role in influencing communication, by observing body language alone it makes it easy for you toidentify whether somebody shows interest or puts value in what you are saying. It also allows you to make pre judgements about an individual. For instance an audience or an individual can perceive a speaker/someone as arrogant based on the body language he makes and not the content. Making body language a priority for effective communication.

Positive body language and gestures are important too and being on their level allowing them the opportunity to see they have your full attention.

It is essential to establish respectful and professional relationships with children and young people in the role of Teaching Assistant. There are certain strategies which enable such a valued and trusted relationship be established. A relationship in which a child trusts and respects their TA and feels comfortable in their company, allows the TA to offer a supportive and caring environment in which the child can learn and develop.

• Non-verbal – eye contact, smiling, turning towards them to show you are interested • Symbolic – stickers, smiling faces, merits, house points, stars etc.

Effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults alike. It is the central key to establishing and maintaining such positive relationships. It means listening, questioning, understanding and responding to match each individual’s stage of development, their age, personal circumstances and their needs. It is important for the communication to be on the same level as the person you are speaking to so that neither person seems to have more power than the other. Good communication is not just about listening and speaking, it is also about watching and feeling. Excellent communication builds trust in relationships with all.

Children, like adults will have their disagreements. As children get older their arguments can become more serious and are not simple squabbles. In order for children and young people to trust us, it is important that we can identify difficulties and help them wherever possible to find ways through them. It is essential that children and young people perceive our way of doing this as fair. When you have a conflict with a child, there is an opportunity for learning about how to solve problems. Conflicts help children to understand that other people have different thoughts and feelings to their own. Listen to the child and try to understand their point of view, and help them to understand yours. Then together, try to think of ways to solve the problem that you are both happy with. It might take a while but it will be worth it, and will help to build your relationship.

Nonverbal communication or body language makes up 55% of effective communication. This plays the biggest part in communication, and it shows the client or colleague more information than words alone ever could. Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, body movement and gestures, head movements, eye contact, posture, and the use of distances and space. Understanding and using nonverbal communication can enhance the connection between you and others, navigate challenging situations and well as expressing interest in the conversation. this can also established effective rapport between you and the client or colleague.

Communication and language needs and preferences include: the individual’s preferred spoken language and the use of signs; symbols; pictures; writing; objects of reference; communication passports; other non verbal forms of communication; human and technological aids to communication.

To communicate effectively with anyone, you need to speak clearly, using different pitch and tone to create interest. You should talk at a pace that is neither to slow or monotonous, nor so fast that others can’t understand it. It is important to know the stages of language development. You should also be aware that if you are working with a pupil with special needs, their communication development will be different; this could be for reasons such as autism, speech and language problems, or a hearing impairment.

This quote helps us understand how children (and adults!) really want to be listened to:

Effective communication, and respectful relationships are vital when talking with children, young people, and adults as they both allow accurate gathering of information and feelings and the subsequent passing along of any issues that may need to be followed up on.

A) Explain why effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults.