Observing Communication
Observation is a unique way to
learn more about a child’s needs and what a child lacks. Observation is also a good way to understand how
children think, how children respond, and how children communicate with others
including adults. Every word and every
action will not be said or done perfect as we expect them to be but if we open
our eyes as well as our ears and look through the eyes of a child and listen
with those same childlike ears we will be able to get a better grasp of a child’s
conversation.
I had the perfect opportunity to
observe the Head Start orientation this past week. As you can imagine many tears were flowing
not only from the children but from some parents as well. This was their first experience with formal
education and to say the least, this experience was overwhelming for many. Each family set in a small group and they
began to introduce themselves to the others in the circle. Both
teachers value small group activities as ideal opportunities to talk with and listen
to children. They intentionally plan activities
that encourage not only conversation but also thinking. They set up conditions and activities that
give children concrete experiences and require their participation (Rainer
& Durden, 2010). The teacher
announced the first time around everyone would say just their name in the good
morning song. The second time around the
parents would use one word to describe their child but it had to start with the
same letter in their child’s first name.
Confusing, but interesting! This
activity brought ease to the atmosphere and what was supposed to be an
icebreaker ended up taking pretty much the time.
Then
it was picture time as this is where I felt the parents were engaged in making
sure their child knew they belong in this classroom and this was their
classroom. Every parent and grandparent
went before their child and the children had an opportunity to push the button
on the camera to take the picture of their parent. One of little boy told his mom, “Take that
frown off your face. Your picture is
going to be ugly.” The mom grab a kleenex,
wiped her eyes, and smiled from ear to ear.
The little boy responded, “That’s more like it mom!” Every time a new parent approached the camera
their smile had been practiced over and over again. I’m sure the message was understood well.
References
Rainer Dangei, J., & Durden,
T. R. (2010). The nature of teacher talk during small group activities. YC:
Young Children, 65(1), 74-81. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the
Education Research Complete database.
