I find myself communicating and interacting with different
groups and different cultures all the time. I work in a city school where many
families are low SES and culturally diverse and all of my students have special
needs. These are the three strategies I try to make sure I am using so I can communicate effectively
with my families.
1.
Be mindful of who you are interacting with.
·
Is this a single mom who will view my questions /concerns
as me judging her?
2.
Develop creative flexibility.
·
Working
in the city has really made me flexible. I often say to new therapist, “welcome
to the city.” We have to change our mentality when working with families from a
city culture.
3.
Become other-oriented.
·
I often think to myself, what are these families
experiencing? Again, most of my families are from low SES and all of them have
children with special needs. I have to try to put myself in their shoes.
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Chapter 4, "Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to Others"
(pp. 85–114)
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI, also, believe "becoming other-oriented" is an excellent strategy for effective communication and culture. In most of my communication, I use this strategy. I communicate with certain individuals differently because my main focus when talking with those around me is to make them feel comfortable and understood. I have a lot of people whom confide in me because whatever that person tells me, I am not the one to judge nor the one to repeat what has been said. I always remain more of a listener than talker. Thank you for sharing!
Monique
You are very welcome.
Delete
ReplyDeleteEmily,
Your strategies are excellent and very helpful! Thank you for sharing your experience. I know following your blog I will gain a first had view of what it means to be a dedicated early childhood professional. I can tell by reading you blog that you love working with children and families as well as strive to make a real and genuine effort to do the right thing in regards to communication and communication. I am glad to have you added you to my blog list and I am looking forward to hearing more about your knowledge as an early childhood professional.
Jennifer Pfeiffer
Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteGreat information and tools I can use with everyday communicating with those I come into contact with. THANKS!!
You are welcome
DeleteHello Emily,
ReplyDeleteBeing mindful is very important in the field of early childhood. Educators know families often monitor every word we say and actions. If we choose to use a certain type of language and how it is presented could easily impact the feeling of parents (ex: a teacher says a comment about a child’s behavior sends a message to the parent to question their parenting skills.).
Tanya Terrell