Laser Lessons - Lesson

Understand the principles of developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults

Consider whether the ethos of your school encourages respect towards all adults. Ask to see your school’s policies which relate to equal opportunities and developing good relationships with staff and parents. These policies help to make sure that all parents and adults in your school feel included and welcomed.Does your practice reflect your policy?Share your findings with your staff team at your next staff meeting and find ways to develop and improve what you do.

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

Laser Learning reading text ‘Positive relationships’
‘Improving communication: Developing effective communication skills’ from Skills You Need.
‘Barriers to effective communication’ from Skills You Need.
‘Non-verbal communication’ from Skills You Need.
‘Why is it important for teachers to have good communication skills?’ on the Chron: Small Business website
‘Safeguarding: Maintaining professional boundaries’ on the Headteacher Update website
‘Effective communication and engagement with children, young people and families’ by the Children’s Workforce Development Council

Presentation

Click to launch this lesson's presentation on 'Communication'.
Click to launch an additional presentation on 'Effective communication'.

Good Practice Example
Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

Look at notices around the school that are written for staff or parents.Are the notices written in a friendly, respectful and non-confrontational way?Could they be re-worded to promote the same message but to portray a different and more respectful attitude towards others?
The Speech and Language UK website is from I CAN, a UK children’s communication charity focusing on development of speech, language and communication skills with a particular emphasis on those with communication difficulties.
Click to read 'Communicating with children' by Unicef. This document provides guidance and practices on communicating in a positive way with children.
Think about the information parents might want to know about their children when they come to pick them up each day. Do you communicate this information clearly?Ask them if they feel you keep them well-informed and if there is anything else they would like to know.
Click on the icon to visit a website with various good quality articles about communication in the workplace.
Find and read ‘How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk’ by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, published by Piccadilly Press.
Click the icon to the left to view the National Strategies document 'Every lesson counts: Communications toolkit'. Pick out some ideas to share in your school.
Consider whether the ethos of your school encourages respect towards all adults. Ask to see your school’s policies which relate to equal opportunities and developing good relationships with staff and parents. These policies help to make sure that all parents and adults in your school feel included and welcomed.Does your practice reflect your policy?Share your findings with your staff team at your next staff meeting and find ways to develop and improve what you do.
Find and read a copy of ‘The Equal Opportunities Handbook’ (4th revised edition) by Phil Clements and Tony Spinks, published by Kogan Page.
Look on the internet to find websites that provide information about speech difficulties.Could you learn Makaton speech and sign, perhaps?What else can you discover that helps your understanding of others and the way they communicate?

Think And Challenge