Have you ever interact with a kid, notice how they response and the way they interpret themselves in front of you?
From verbal to non-verbal, children are always expressing themselves when they are in need of attention and expressing themselves.
From my experiences while working with the kids, I realised that they interacted with a different form. Through their body language, I can somehow understand their needs and attention. From the way they stick to me, it kinds of indicating they want the love and attention more than the other kids. From the way they reacts to their surroundings can show their character as well.
Well, different kid would express differently. Some would express loudly, while some would express quietly. For me, I have to understand most kids so as to communicate in a better way for them through different methods to let them adapt to the new surroundings and also to let them feel comfortable.
If you were the one to handle kids, how do you manage it through communication to allow them feel more comfortable with you? :)
I've had to work with primary and secondary school kids for most of last year, but I've always kept them at arms' length as much as possible. That being said, I've been forced to sit through lessons on how to handle them in the past, so I can use my knowledge to keep them away...
ReplyDelete1. Use simple words and logic
Highlight every step of the logical sequence when teaching a concept, and always amplify with simple words, rather than condense. Take more time to explain the hows and whys, and make sure the kid understands what to do before proceeding to the next step.
2. Lean slightly forward and/or bring yourself down to their eye level
This will make you look less intimidating because you now don't loom over them like some threatening giant.
3. Smile
Just like trying to form a first impression on a new acquaintance. You will be interpreted as someone open and friendly, and therefore easier to talk to. Also, smiling uses 15 facial muscles, while frowning uses 43. Less strain on your face keeps you looking young longer. (=
4. Listen
I sometimes think women are better at this than men. That being said, I'm usually the one trying to stay awake through a conversation, so... In any case, listening to what the child is trying to tell you and contribute a few words where appropriate. The other party (not just for children) will appreciate this.
5. Non-verbals
Be careful not to fold your arms and/or lean back. Also, try to maintain eye contact. There's a very simple trick to look as though you're interested, but obviously I'm not going to reveal it here. Where possible, lean slightly forward and try to nod at appropriate intervals, and paraphrase the question being asked to show that you're listening.
Hi, I'm intrigued by this post and feel like talking about my experience with kids.
ReplyDeleteI don't know exactly what I will do to handle kids, but as young, there is this ability in me that seems to attract kids and I actually felt that is an irritating part of my life before.
I see that children likes to come surrounding me and talk to me, sometimes, they even do what i tell them too. There was once, a bunch of them followed behind me taking whatever i have in my hand the same way and walk together everywhere with me. When I look back now, i wonder; what is it that make this possible?
Another situation is that; the kids from my relatives side during chinese new year likes to fight for my attention.No, I ain't bragging about this kind of things; in fact, I feel weird! It is because i have never done that at all to anyone when I was a kid myself. So, as i was saying, the kids fight for my attention and wants me to play with them. To make it possible I will tell them not to fight and we can all play together. But no matter what happens all of them has to fight over something each time as the game proceeded. They fight over sitting beside me, having the "closest relation" between me in a game, getting my attention more and ecetera. It probably is amusing to you, but it was never that much of a fun for me because I, the only human, have to satisfy the needs of a few of them. It wasn't an easy thing to do.
Then i realise, what is it that makes the kids like me so much. It is because I smile and laugh a lot, and am willing to listen to them talk. I try my best to give them my attention even if it was for awhile. Lastly, I do not have an authourity in front of them. I do not say things like; "I am older than you, so you have to listen to me!" and that kind of sentences. I will play with them like their friends and talk with the like their peers. I will also not hit them or do anything that will make them cry and take really good care of them. It is just what i do as an older child towards the younger ones. It's like a natural thing to do. However, I do not have any siblings.
Ashley (thefivewrite.wordpress.com)