When working within a school you communicate with not only the children you work with but everybody around you. This could be the staff you are working with and the parents or carers of the children in your school.
You should always hold a professional relationship between yourself and the children, staff or parents. When doing so you will have a certain way to communicate with each individual.
It is important for a child to feel like they have a belonging at school and are valued as an individual by the adults around them. When developing relationships with children, it is always good to be positive, professional, not too distant but not ‘inappropriate’. You should be able to provide for the children’s physical and intellectual needs however, you should also be available for supporting them with any emotional needs they may have. Personal friendships between yourself and the child or the parents are best to be avoided at all times as this can cause complications within your professional role.
Some ways in which you could build a positive relationship with a child is something as simple as remembering their name correctly; being approachable and listening to what the child is telling you, giving each individual child your time, avoid holding stereotypical views, show the children you care and of course, see it from their point of view.
When talking to a child it is important to use the right type of language appropriate to their age, individual needs or abilities. You should be clear with what you are saying to the child and avoid jargon, remember to speak to the child using words and phrases they will understand. Always assure a child that you are listening to them by responding positively, asking questions and also answering them to prompt the child to appropriate responses. Some individual children may need...