Observing Communication

My observation was conducted as a preschool. I asked if I could sit in during the morning just to observe the class. During my observation, it was picture day on a Friday morning. All of the children from ages 3 had to wear uniforms. The children all sat around the table eating their breakfast and talking. Before breakfast was over, there was one child that seemed very upset. The child starting crying out of nowhere and the teacher asked "what's wrong." The child stated "I don't want to take my picture." The teacher asked "why" the child then just fell out on the floor and starting kicking and screaming. The teacher stayed very calm and went over to the child and picked him up and sat the child on her lap. The teacher was trying to comfort the child and calm him down. It was amazing because the teacher treated the child as if the child was her own. The child eventually calmed down. Once the child had calmed down. The teacher told the child "it will be ok" do you want me to stand beside you while you take your picture?" The child said "yes." The teacher then asked "are you afraid to take your picture?" The child responded "yes". The teacher then asked "why are you afraid"? The child stated "I don't like when everyone stares at me." The teacher told the child "it is ok, everyone just want to see your pretty smile." The child said "is that why"? The teacher said "yes because you have a beautiful smile." This made the child feel better and the child took his picture with no problem.

 The communication between the teacher and the child was awesome because she listened, understood and was very empathetic. The observation of this type of communication is what children need to make them feel comfortable and safe, their needs are being met and that they are special regardless of who they are, what they wear, or what they look like (Laureate Education, Inc, (2010). The observation and communication helped build the child's self esteem and motivated the child to feel good about themselves. I have learned that it takes a good listener to be an effective communicator, and ask questions so that you can respond appropriately to the question or issue. I have learned that I have always been a good listener, a positive role model and a person who can enlighten a situation by focusing on something positive regardless of what is going on.

Laureate Education, Inc (2010). "Communicating with Young Children"