Reflecting on Communication in the Early Childhood Field

I want to say "Thank you" to my classmates and a special "Thank you" to Dr. D. for her patience and understanding! Week one begins with excitement and nerves in meeting a new professor and classmates. There is always the hope of a classmate from a previous course. Our group had some great discussion and I appreciate the sharing of experiences.  This  past 8 weeks was very unusual with challenges of balancing work, school and personal. September was very busy with the start of the 2013-2014 school year and my oldest sons wedding. I need to say "Thank you" to my family and staff throughout this time they have been a great support system to me encouraging me to continue my dreams!

My awesome children!

 

 My son and his beautiful bride.

 

Team Work

• Stage 1: Forming- I joined this group called early childhood development some 23 years ago. I have met some of the most wonderful people with the common goal of what is best for children. I have worked on many projects and hope to continue to work on more.
• Stage 2: Storming- I have shared my ideas learned new ideas and to problem solve with and from others. I accepted my responsibilities in each different role. In hopes of being successful in this group.
• Stage 3: Norming- This is the time that working as a group has been a natural where we have learned to trust each other and work for the common goal. This is where we have seen progress in our efforts.
• Stage 4: Performing-Over my many years of working in this group I have had the opportunity to on many projects this shows by the team working as a well- oiled machine.
• Stage 5: Adjourning- I feel that retirement will be my adjourning time with this group. Over the years I have had the great fortune of celebrating many victories while continuing to work through many challenges.
• Working in my most recent group of early childhood professionals has been the with the wonderful group through Walden University. I have formed new relationships shared experiences and worked towards a common goal to teach in the field of early childhood. I feel at this point that there is not a "good-bye" it is a "until we meet again".
• .

Conflict

Since this school year began I have had an on going issue with a staff person. She has continued to compare me to her past supervisor. In face to face communication I expressed that I was not that supervisor and that supervisor chose to support and supervise in their own way. We have had this discussion many times over the past 3 months. Since taking this course I chose to take a different form of communication. I wrote an email stated the same concerns and expressed my feelings. I then offered her support in compromising part of our conflict. She replied back that she understood and that she was willing to work with me in my way of supervising.
From this
to this!

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.