Laser Lessons - Lesson

Know how to interact with and respond to children and young people

Table of Contents

In this tutorial you will learn:

It is important that interactions with young people and children are kept on a sound and professional footing, and that every child is treated with equal respect.
The importance for teachers and teaching assistants to provide children and young people with an environment that is positive.
How to establish respectful professional relationships with children and young people.

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

Laser Learning reading text
‘Why is it important for teachers to have good communication skills?’ on the Chron: Small Business website
‘Effective communication and engagement with children, young people and families’ by the Children’s Workforce Development Council
‘Safeguarding: Maintaining professional boundaries’ on the Headteacher Update website
‘Guidance for safe working practice for adults who work with children and young people’ from Tameside Metropolitan Borough
‘Children and conflict in the classroom’ from the Community Playthings website

Presentation

Click to launch this lesson's presentation on relationships in the classroom.
Alongside the presentation, look through the National Strategy document 'Relationships in the classroom'.

Good Practice Example
Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

Observe a teacher or senior teaching assistant interacting with children.Is he / she getting involved?How do the children respond?Can you see how he / she is extending their ideas and encouraging them to join in?What does his / her body language suggest? Is he / she relaxed, happy, tense?
Observe a group of children playing alone. How do they respond to each other?Is there an obvious leader? Why do you think this is?Do they communicate with words only?What else do they use to assist their developing communication skills?
Read the National Strategies Early Years document '‘Social and emotional aspects of development’. Click to read this advice for EYFS practitioners.
Think of ways in which adults can respond and interact with children positively and appropriately. Make a poster for the staff room to get your points across.
Research 'Persona Dolls' on the internet, and consider how these could be used in developing positive relationships with children.
Find 'Supporting every child' by Anita Walton and Gillian Goddard, published by Jessica Kingsley, and read:Chapter four 'Supporting the whole child'Chapter five 'Inclusion and SEN'Chapter six 'Behaviour for learning' N.B You should be able to find a copy at your local library service.
Click to visit the website of the Young Minds organization, which contains resources about maintaining positive, supportive and understanding relationships with children whilst managing behaviour.
‘Communicating with young people’ from the Youth Affairs Council in Victoria.

Think And Challenge