Who am I as a communicator?

I chose a staff member/friend and my daughter to evaluate me. Both had similar answers to mine. It was nice to see consistency. I was low in communication anxiety, moderate in verbal aggressiveness scale and people oriented in listening styles. 

Communication and Culture

There can be many barriers to effective communication age, gender, race, ability, or culture. Differences may cause anxiety or stress  in situations. It is important to be open and honest and gain an understanding through communication.  Generally I speak differently with different groups of people. I speak differently with staff, parents/families and children. Communication needs to be considerate of individuals and situations.
 My three strategies:
1.Keep the message simple, but deep in meaning.
2. Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in all communication with children, their families, staff,  and others
3. use communication to develop and maintain effective relationships, make efforts where language barriers exist, to communicate in the most effective way possible.


References:
http://sielearning.tafensw.edu.au/MCS/9362/Sterilisation%20disk%203/lo/7373/7373_00.htm
http://blogs.hbr.org/2011/08/eight-ways-to-energize-your-te/

Thought for Today:

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Communication Skills and Styles

I watched a show called "Good Luck Charlie". In the opening scene it seemed to be a mother son relationship by facial expressions and body language. It appeared as though the mother was asking the son to do something and he dismissed her and then walked away.

The next scene seemed to be a brother sister relationship it was difficult to figure out what was happening.
The next scene was a young daughter- father, the father appeared to be a tad upset as he was talking to the little girl. She then climb up onto the couch and gave him a hug.

It was a mother and son discussing that he should be put his laundry away. His phone rang and he ignored and walked away.

They were a brother sister and the sister asked if she could use his apartment for a slumber party to get away from their Mom.

The Dad was upset his former employee left and started the same business. The young daughter comforted Dad with a hug.

I was shocked as to how much disrespect was shown toward the mother. I am concerned as to what youth is watching on the Disney Channel.

Competent communication

I attended a Creative Curriculum training this past week. The presenter was

Kendra Curtiss-Tomaski, MA

kcurtiss@midmich.edu

Ms. Curtiss-Tomaski has been an Early Childhood Education adjunct instructor at MMCC for nearly 20 years. She has held a variety of positions in this field and is a Conscious Discipline Trainer. She brings professional experience to her teaching role in the classroom. Ms. Curtiss-Tomaski is currently the Early Childhood Director at Clare-Gladwin RESD.

I did ask her if I could use her in this blog. She replied "Thank you" and "yes".

Kendra was warm and welcoming. Throughout the presentation Kendra was prepared, knowledgeable and shared her personal experiences. She walked the room and  made eye contact with group. She asked questions and listened to the responses of the group. She showed respect to the group and in return the group was respectful of her. They were attentive and participated in the training. Kendra showed great qualities in communication throughout her presentation.

I enjoyed the review of Creative curriculum and  was impressed at the skills that Kendra showed in being a competent communicator.  I will used this experience in the future in doing my own presentations with staff and families.

 

Professional Hopes and Goals

I have wanted to understand and meet the needs of the children and families that I serve. With new information I look forward to beginning this school year and sharing what I have learned. I believe that understanding our children and families is much bigger than what I have done in the past!
I have staff meetings prepared to introduce materials to gather information.

I want to "Thank" my classmates, group, family, and Dr. Schonleber  for all of their help and support over the past eight weeks.      

 I have been working on my new home! and have had a great summer with family.

 

 

 

                                  

 

Family Reunion 4 of my children

 

 My daughter's new puppies

 3 weeks old

Milford Criterion 2013 our home town. My son finished 3rd with family cheering at the finish line!       Very proud Mom!

I look forward to the next class. One more step to the finish line.

Masters Degree

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Syria

 

The five ways that I would prepare my self to be culturally responsive towards any family

1. To learn the family primary language.

             Arabic is the official language. . The Syrian dialect is similar to Jordanian and Egyptian and varies little from Modern Standard Arabic.

2. To learn the families ethnic relationship.

The majority of the country is Arabic and Sunni Muslim. This makes for strong cultural unity. The most important observation in the Islamic calendar is Ramadan.

3. I would want to know who cares for the children and what their goals are for their child.

    Children are considered a blessing and highly valued. A great deal of affections is shown toward children. There is a special bond between mother and son. (Especially with the oldest son).

4. I would want to learn about family eating habits and foods that the family eats.

 Wheat is a staple food. Dairy, fruits ( figs, dates, plums & watermelon)  and vegetables are eaten. Lamb and chicken is eaten and prepared specially “halal”. Some dishes include  hummous  , a puree of chickpeas and  tahini  (ground sesame paste);  baba ganouj,  an eggplant puree; meat rissoles; stuffed grape leaves;  tabouleh  (a salad of cracked wheat and vegetables);  falafel  (deep-fried balls of mashed chickpeas); and pita bread. Olives, lemon, parsley, onion, and garlic are used for flavoring. Food is an important part of holidays and celebrations.

 

5. I would ask the family for family pictures and information that they would like to share with our program.

: http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Syria.html#ixzz2cGJw16pp