TDA 2.3 – Communication and Professional Relationships with Children Young People and Adults Interacting with and Responding to with Children and Young People

2.2 Describe with examples the importance of recognising and responding to concerns about children and young people’s development

Unit 3.3.1 – How communication with children and young people differs across different age ranges and stages of development

As child practitioners we must work on our skills in communicating with children because the way we communicate with them is important not only for their communication and language development, but also the development of our relationship with them. Young children often aren't able to express their thoughts and feelings in words, or express them poorly. Because of this, it's important that child practitioners can listen carefully and help children to learn how to express themselves and also provide what they need.

I am of the opinion that as a child practitioner an essential part of our work role will involve actively seeking to evolve and where apt build relationships. Consequently having a significant impact on children and young people’s lives.

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.

However, with children and young people it is important to remember your relationship to them as a professional care giver. For children and young people an essential part of communication is praise and encouragement, and this helps to build self-esteem and confidence. There are four methods that can be used –

1.1 Explain why positive relationships with children and young people are important and how these are built and maintained

In a role as a professional adult working with children you will need to remember that you need to be a positive role model for children,this means you will have to show them how to communicate and get along with others at all times through your own relationships and communications with other adults and children.It is very important for children to see adults behaving appropriately and proffesionally in schools.We build relationships with others daily in a diffrnt number of ways children will always respond positively to positive communication and realtionships they are more likely wanting to be in schools and to learn if they have good relationships and are supported by adults around them who get along with each other.

Communication plays a massive part once building a relationship in the work setting. By regularly keeping effective communication between practioners, parents/careers and children makes a positive working environment. The relationships are mostly based on the type of communication between one another, communication is not just by verbally but also the body language we show, facial expressions and our gestures.

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.

The vital thing is to be aware of their abilities and, as I have said above, be clear when communicating, keep in mind what the child is capable of. Speak at their level and with eye contact. Always encourage them to respond and answer questions, this will help with confidence. When they get something right, praise them and make them feel good, this will also give them confidence. Also if they get something wrong, or misbehave, explain what they have done wrong in a positive way and explain what they could do to make it right. Repeat things if necessary and ensure that the child has understood. Ask questions in a way that encourages children and young adults to answer in full sentences which shows that they have understood what is being asked.

Communication is very important to meet the needs of children, with families and other members of staff on a daily basis to ensure effective team working. It also ensures any health and safety issues are recognised and reported. People communicate with each other for different reasons;

Communication is extremely important in the workplace as it is essential that you develop good communications with everyone. This will then ensure that you develop a strong positive relationship, work well together and be able to share and gain information with each other. This will mean you can all work together to meet the needs of the children, young people and adults in the setting. If you do not have good relationships then it may cause bad feeling and a divide between colleagues. It may be the case that you will all not work well together or be able to share information then the parents and children may suffer. It is important to have good communication with the children in the setting as this ensures you have a good relationship with them which will help them feel more comfortable with us, which will help them settle in or provide reassurance during transitions in their lives as well as supporting them in their play and learning. It is also important that we remember that we are a role model to children and what behaviour we expect of them must be remembered by ourselves. Failing to do so will cause problems for children to understand the boundaries of what is acceptable. If parents see that you have a good relationship with the children it will help them feel more relaxed and helps them to trust us to care for their children.

Try not to interact with the children (unless it is a participant observation), but if they do address you be polite and respond positively e.g. explain to the children simply what you are doing and keep your answers short.

I handle disagreements in several different ways. One of the ways that I handle disagreements is by stepping back and relooking at the matter at hand. I then look at both perspectives and try to resolve the disagreement. Another way that I handle disagreements is by respectively disagreeing with the person or agreeing to disagree. There are several other ways to handle disagreements like removing yourself from the situation, being cautious with what you say, and by putting the situation behind you. All of these actions are effective ways to handle disagreements. As an educator it is our job to chose which ways is the most effective way to handle the situation at hand.