Week 3 Blog _ Observing Communication

My parents have always told me that you learn a lot when you look and listen.  Thus, observation can be a powerful tool for increasing ones understanding of mindful communication and taking note of which communication strategies seem to work well and which ones do not. For this blog assignment, I observed my son and his coach communicating at my son’s basketball practice.  While my son was practicing, his coach noticed that he did not have much skill and kept getting frustrated.  So, his coach pulled him to the side and expressed to him that no one was perfect and that the object of getting better at basketball was to be determined and to practice, practice, practice.

It was at this moment that I noticed Jalen was happy and no longer frustrated.  He felt relieved that his coach showed interest in him. Based off of the communication strategies that we learned this week, I feel that the coach was more concerned about my son and his feelings as a whole verses winning. “To form a caring learning community where all children can learn and thrive means forging a working partnership based on what families wish for their child and what you believe is important for children” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011. pg. 39).  My insight with regard to how the communication interactions I observed may have affected my son’s feelings and had an influence is that he was more willing to listen to the advice and any constructive critism that the coach had to offer because, the coach did not yell out loud (causing any open confrontation).  Thus, my parents always said you get more bees with honey (when you are kind to someone, they respond better to that than hollering or being rude).

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc., (2011).  Strategies for working with diverse children: Building on children's strength.  Baltimore, MD: Author

Creating Affirming Environments - 6358 Blog #1 Post

This week I explored ways in which to create learning environments that reflect the diversity of the children and families with whom I work.  Thus, I have decided to open my own Family Child Care home. Reflecting on what my setting would look like, I will have bright colors of Orange, Blue, and green. The desk, tables, shelves and book cases will be   with lots of black and pink accents in the room. child care  expand and deepen understanding and respect for diversity, and promote strong family-teacher relationships.

Imagine that you want to open your own Family Child Care Home. Reflecting on what my setting would look like, the school classrooms will have elements of bright colors, funny shapes, fun objects, and lots of books for reading. My environment will be bright and warm for the possibilities of encouraging open learning and comfort to strive to ensure that every child and family feels welcome and respected.  I think bright colors encourage a happy mood and encourages one’s mind to think freely and openly to learn and reflect self-learning. “ The toys, materials, and equipment you put out for children; the posters, pictures, and art projects you hang on the wall; and the types of furniture and how you arrange them all influence what children learn” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 43).

Reference:

 

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