Communication is central to human relationships. However, our communication skills have evolved so much so that we often take it for granted unless we are faced with people who cannot communicate with us due to physical or other types of disability. I came from a mostly oral tradition. Therefore, we value the ability to effectively communicate with peers, adults, and elders. Great communicators are respected whether they are adults or children and often given the privilege to transmit our cultures and beliefs.
One competent communicator I knew was my grandfather. He was excellent in human relationships. He had the knack of making each one of us special. In fact, each one of us used to think he or she was his favorite. He would face you, hold your hand, and definitely look you in the eyes with a relentlessly honest smile. And he would listen and listen and listen. One could not but feel his desire to connect. Just writing about it makes my heart warm with Joy. When he would talk to you nothing else mattered at the moment. You had his undivided attention. He made you feel special. Even in group settings, you would feel like you were the only one he was talking to. He would tell us stories before bed and he always left me wondering hours after the story ended. He could capture my attention, imagination like no one else could. He was a great communicator indeed.
I have learned from my grandfather the fact listening and connecting with people is crucial in conversation. Likewise, that you have to be present in order to effectively communicate. In my profession, I make it a point listen to children, staff, and families. I try as much as I can, to give my undivided attention. I want to make people feel valued and respected when I talk to them because as the great Maya Angelou once said “People will forget what you said but will always remember how you made them feel”. Communication that is based on respect and openness is crucial in early childhood settings as it enables the development of trusting relationships with the children, families, and staff.
Eye contact is a great point when discussing communication. It is difficult to see the honesty if the individual cannot look you in the eye when talking to you. Maintaining eye contact can also show the individual that you are listening to what they say and care about their thoughts and opinions.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote from Maya Angelou. Your grandfather sounds like he was a very special person. It also sounds like you learned a great deal from him.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should have a grandfather like yours! What a beautiful post. I think it is significant that you state you came from an "oral" tradition. Sadly, that seems to be rare these days. In my preschool class, we have a story time every day when, instead of reading aloud, we pull the shades to darken the room, light a "story candle" and tell a story. This is always a magical time. Sometimes we do a "roundabout" when I start a story and each child adds to it as we go around the circle. It is my favorite part of the day!
ReplyDeleteJulia,
DeleteI love that you have story telling time in your preschool. Unfortunately, we undermine its importance nowadays. It is such a great tool to develop children’s imagination. I remember as a child lying in bed and just wondering! The great thinker, Aristotle, once said that the love of learning starts in wonder. And I am one a firm believer. Please keep it up and thank you for your post.
Nar
Nar, very inspiring post. I especially love the quote from Maya Angelou. It is ture, eople may not always remember your name, but they will always remember how you make them feel. This is why it is imperative to treat every family and child with dignity and respect regardless of where they come from.
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