Observing Communication

This week we were asked to observe an adult communicate with a child. I watched a mother communicate with her two children as I walked my son to school this morning. She caught my attention because she was walking with her arms around both kids the whole way there. I love seeing this type of affection from parents! This family was only a few steps ahead of us, so I could hear everything that they were talking about. I heard her children talking to her about everything from what they were going to do after school to a favorite toy. The mother patiently listened the whole time. When they arrived at school, the Mom leaned down to kiss both of them good-bye and said, “Have a good day!”

I feel that I did witness some effective communication. I observed a lot of nonverbal communication which is in my opinion more important than verbal communication. This Mom patiently listened to her children without interrupting. She made them feel important. She also made them feel special and loved as she kissed and hugged them. Children made have their basic needs to survive, but the need love and affection to really thrive in our world. This Mom exhibited effective communication with her children.

The scenario that I witness did not really align with our topic of persona dolls this week, but it did align with everything that I have been taught so far in our Master’s program. I know how important nonverbal communication is, and I know that we need more parents like this Mom involved in our schools. Families are the backbone to a child succeeding. I do not believe this Mom could have done anything more to be more effective.

The children’s self worth should be pretty high from what I observed. I see this Mom walking her children to school every day as well as picking them up. She is very active in their academic learning because I have heard her ask about their school day on other occasions. These children know that they are loved by the affection that I have observed, and thus they must feel that they can conquer anything! Their hierarchy of needs is met, and they do have self worth.

This week I learned that I need to step back and do some more listening with my boys instead of doing all the talking. I was in awe of how patient and in tune this Mom was when listening to her children. I often do a lot of talking when my boys get home from school because I have to dig deep for answers. I realize now that they do want to talk, but it is not about school. I should let them talk about their interests like Eric Hoffman has shared with us this week, and then I can build on it. In my case, I can listen to them talk more about what they want to, and I bet they will talk to me about their school day when they are ready. Nonverbal communication truly goes a long way!

Creating Affirming Environments

This week we had to design an anti-bias environment for a home daycare. The following are some things that you will find in my home:

Family Photo Wall- Young children may have a hard time adjusting to school after they are dropped off, and a seeing a picture of their family can really bring a child comfort. Adriana had one at her center as well. This wall can also provide a clear picture of diversity to other students. Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) also recommends that children draw a picture of their family for homework.

Family Culture Display- I really liked this idea after looking at Adriana’s home daycare. She has one family bring in some cultural artifacts monthly that represent their family, and I would love to do this bi-weekly. Children would be able to really see a lot of diversity as well as learn more about where each student comes from.

Parent Bulletin Board- This is where my parents will find the schedule for the day and other pertinent information about my program. A copy of my diplomas will be posted so parents can see that their teacher is educated, and parents can feel confident in leaving their child with me. The schedule will be posted so parents know what children will be doing during the day and when is a good time to peak in on their child if they want. Children will be able to refer back to the schedule as well to see what is going to happen next.

Centers- My centers are one of the most important parts of my learning environment. Children do not have a very long attention span, so centers are pertinent so children can rotate every 15 minutes or so. My centers will include books that have people of all different colors and jobs. I may have a book with a picture of a male teacher or another book with a girl wearing a blue shirt. I will also have dolls in my dramatic play center that have different skin tones. Adriana also had colored dolls in one of her centers. I will have an art center with a lot of materials available to use in bins. Children will have the option to use their imagination to create whatever they want.

Exercise Balls- These balls are for students who need to get some energy out. I like to have these in the corner of my room so other children do not get distracted while doing work.

Family Potluck- I love this idea that Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) shared! I plan to invite parents in monthly or bi-monthly for a potluck lunch with our students. As a parent, I love to come into the classroom whenever I can. It is like an open house every month because parents can see what is going on in the classroom!

Parent/Teacher Log- When I was in the classroom, I sent home weekly log for the parents to see each day. It included the topics we learned about during the week as well as tips to help parents to help their child at home. This log has space for the parents and I to interact on a daily basis. Parents may be able to let me know that their child will have an early out, or I can share about the child’s day. I also make sure to at least once a week write a positive note about every student in their log!

Reference:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).