"Words, language, communication, and expression all create an intricate web: at the center, on the fringe, and woven into the web is the relationship," observes Laura Mickley in her Exchange article, "Building Bridges through Words," which serves as the basis for the Exchange Out of the Box Training Kit by the same name. She continues...
"The words you choose and how you use them either facilitates positive, effective relationships with children and families or impedes those relationships. As early care and education professionals, it is our responsibility to express an interest in families and children. We need to acknowledge children and families’ strengths and the ways in which they are effective. When working with children, we need to accept the presumptions that all people are basically good, and families want what is best for their children. Upon those presumptions we can build a relationship, the very foundation of which is communication. New children and families will look to you to set the tone. Effective, positive communication will help to build that base. Positive and affirming words will make you approachable.
"Building these relationships with children and families starts at registration and continues with each interaction. We need to express an interest in the whole family, point out their strengths at opportune moments while using communication to establish that foundation."
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Comments (1)
Displaying 1 CommentBright Horizons
Washington, D.C, United States
I believe that family partnerships are extremely important to the growth and care of children as well as the trust and relationships between parents and family members. The best way to get a clear vision of what children need and what parents want for their individual child, is to be open, approachable, and transparent. Knowing when a parent is out of town, when a child has been fighting a cold, or various things that happen over a weekend's time period can help a teacher gain the knowledge they need to help a child and/or to scaffold upon various things learned. I totally agree with this article!
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