I do find myself
communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I
think the one thing I do is talk to them like I would with any other person who
speaks English. I use more hand gestures
and facial expressions at times as well. I make eye contact and greet them
every morning and afternoon in the classroom.
I am blessed to
have a bi-lingual aide in my room this year and she is able to translate
information for me in case there is a question or problem. It has been
wonderful and she has taught me simple words and phrases to use with the
children as well.
This week, the Platinum
Rule, being aware of verbal and non-verbal communications, and translation of
information were three strategies that I found extremely useful.
References:
Beebe, S. A.,
Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication:
Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post, I thought about how I communicate with the children that do not speak much English and I find that I also use more hand gestures and facial expression when I talk to them. I know a few basic Spanish phrases so we are doing alright, but I wish I knew more. I worked in another program where we had bilingual aides and it was wonderful.
My daughter is in her first year of high school and she is learning spanich this year. I have been attempting to pick up where I left off in Jr High and learning it all over. She learn to speak turkish in Jr hig and tried to teach me a few word. I have a desire to learn a second language ans I think Spanish is the easiest. The eye contact and gestures are agood start. I usually just speak in my native (English)language many cannot speak the language but they do understand it. And the had gestures are always good.
ReplyDeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you have a bi-lingual aid to help out in the class room. I find it easier pick up phrases when they are used in a real dialong instead of a text book.
Thank You,
Schlee