Cultural Diversity and Communication Strategies

Teaching a very diverse population of children and working with diverse families, I realize the significance of communicating effectively with all children and families.  To ensure that I communicate effectively with children and families with value and honor, I feel that Gonzalez-Mena's (2010) strategies for communicating and working with diverse families will be beneficial. 

First, it is important to recognize and acknowledge that each child / family has their own reality is crucial to effectively communicate with diverse children and families.  Gaining a deeper understanding of the children and families you communicate and interact with allows you to be culturally responsive.  It is also important to be conscience of how individualistic and interdependent patterns of meaning differ.  Being conscience of patterns of meaning will allow you to understand what they are doing through their eyes.  It is just as important to not be judgmental or make assumptions about children and families.  Children and families have their own reasons why they do the things they do.  As an early childhood professional, I feel that is critical for the health, well-being, and development of young children and families to appreciate, value, and honor each child and family for who they are by understanding and perceiving things as they do. 

References

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families.  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

After watching the television show Hot in Cleveland, I realized what a large role nonverbal skills / cues influence communication.  There is so much that can be said with body language, eyes, facial expressions, touching, and proximity.  There were times during the show when I was unable to identify whether or not the characters were friends or not because of the nonverbal skills / cues used.  Most of the time it seemed like the characters were troubled.  Verbal skills / cues are only a part of communication. 

The characters of the show are close friends or family members who are comfortable with one another.  I do not believe my assumptions would have been accurate if I had watched a show I know because I would of had preconceived notions and perceptions about the show. 

Effective Communication

The person I think that demostrates competent communication is a colleague named Ella.  She is on my first grade team.  She always exhibits effective behaviors when communicating with children, families, colleagues, and adminstrators.  She is friendly, courteous, considerate, and caring.  When communicating with children, she speaks to them on their level making sure they understand what is being communicated. Ella is respectful and listens carefully.  She always exhibits care and respect for others when communicating.    Ella participates in making decisions and always volunteers to help.  When communicating with others she uses spoken words, body language, expression, gestures, and / or eye contact. 

I would want to to model some of my own communication behaviors after Ella because she communicates in an effective manner.  She is respectful and compassionate when communicating with others. She is understanding, honest, and able to connect with people on a personal level (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012).

Resources

O'Hair, D. & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford / St. Martins.