Communication

1.3 Explain how different social, professional and cultural contexts may affect relationships and the way people communicate.

When communicating with other professionals in school our language and behaviour should be more formal and official when speaking to other professionals or senior members of staff, over time this form of communicating will become automatic to that of informal or casual conversations of that in the staff room.
I am aware that my job and social role may leave me open to parents approaching me to ask questions but more importantly, I am more aware of the confidentiality policy within my school and what I must do in cases like this.
When communicating with different cultures we need to be aware of our body language and how we speak. Many cultures have different views and values on personal space as well as on non verbal behaviour which may include; hand gestures, body language and eye contact. When communicating with children with communication barriers breaking sentences down into 2 word syllables may help as well as using simple sign language such as Makaton; a language programme that uses signs and symbols as a way of communicating. Although this resource is typically used for working with children with special educational needs, it could also be used as a tool in communicating.

Explain how to adapt communication with children and young people.

A. The age of the child or young person; children of different ages will have various levels of attention and requirements than that of an older child, younger children who are starting school will require lots of support and reassurance in order for them to adjust to a school environment and develop their independence. We can help with this by encouraging them to build up friendships with other children or children they may not usually associate with. When communicating with younger children it is essential that we are at the same eye level as the child and use simple instructions broken...