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COMMUNICATION: HOW TO TALK WITH TODDLERS
May 19, 2021
- Take the conversation to your child’s level. Conversations can sometimes be above the younger children’s level of understanding; therefore, it is important to bring the conversation in line with a level they would understand.
- The way we talk to our kids has a significant impact on their learning and ability to listen to us. We are continually modelling to our children how to act and behave, and the way we talk to them fits right into this category. The way we speak to them and others is showing them how we want them to respond to us and others.
- Make conversation a priority with your children. This is especially important when there is more than one child in the house. Using language and vocabulary that is age appropriate is really important to mould a rich language environment for your child. It will also build confidence, self-esteem and good relationships.
- Tune in and listen to what the child says. It is important to be attentive and show your child that you are interested in what they are saying. This also model good behaviour and manners you would like to teach your child for future reference.
- Take turns talking. Showcase a conversation and respond age appropriately to what is said. Don’t interrupt. Don’t scold your kids when they are telling you a story. They will lose interest in sharing their feelings with you in future if you shift away from their story. Rather use this opportunity to engage with your child and use the content as a teaching moment. Remember the exchange are not only about words but about feelings, about paying attention to that little person’s story.
- Talk about what the child is doing, what the child is looking at, or what the child is interested in. Ask open-ended questions to develop curiosity. Adding words or questions to what the child says will model new language and enrich your child’s vocabulary.
- Ask questions that relate to the child’s experiences or interests. This will help develop critical thinking skills and give the child a moment to think about different scenarios and how to approach or react to it.
- Give the child enough time to respond. For children who do not have language yet or is shy in nature, this may be a nonverbal response, like a gesture or a look. Allow your child to find his/her voice.
- Some children find speaking and listening harder than others. They might find it hard to understand what words and sentences mean. Some struggle to find the right words and sounds to use and put them in order. So, be considerate and patient. You can use your child's imagination to your advantage by making a game out of telling funny stories or jokes. Ask them to tell you a joke or teach you about their favourite toy, which will require them to put their thoughts into words. But even if your child experiences some language delays, this doesn’t always indicate a serious problem. If you worried because they are not speaking, see an expert.
- During difficult times, it is always harder to remember to acknowledge your child, but if a child can hear anything during a temper tantrum, it reassures them to hear our recognition of their point-of-view. Most parents talk too much or use unclear language when they discipline a small child. Too many words and vague complaints only confuse and overwhelm them, so be prepared when speaking to your little one.
- Reading to your child as much as possible every day is one of the best things you can do to encourage language development, imagination development and creativity.
Mindfulness A fast-paced workplace where one is always overwhelmed with packed schedules, deadlines to meet and never having downtime, can contribute to burnout and ineffective discharge of duties. One of the ways in which this can be mitigated is by practicing mindfulness . What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is an act of meditation which teaches the practitioner to be present and not to let their mind wander. Practicing this form of meditation can bring many benefits and help reduce stress and improve memory. Through mindfulness you may be able to focus on the positive things in your life and give less energy to the things that may be harmful to you either mentally or physically. If left to its own devices, the mind will wander, and this can be a problem if you are trying to complete tasks to your full potential. If you can condition your mind to focus, you will be able to give everything you do a lot of attention, and this will help in creating the best output. The mind needs to be trained and mindfulness is a good practice to train your mind to focus on one thing at a time and give it your all. Mindfulness can be done to help you connect with yourself and your inner peace. It is beneficial to everyone; whether spiritual, religious or those who do not believe in a higher power at all. It is just a way to connect with yourself. Some experts believe that through mindfulness you will be able to accept your life experiences and work through them rather than avoiding them. You can couple this with therapy and be able to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. The beauty of this practice is that it can be done at any time, once you start getting used to the action. The easiest way to start is to find a quiet place and focus on your breathing. You have to breath intentionally and do not be hard on yourself if your mind starts to wonder, just bring yourself back to focusing on your breathing. The Benefits of Mindfulness Some of the benefits of mindfulness are that it improves mental health , it can help to reduce stress and even elevate your mood. It has been known to be used in the treatment of anxiety or depression. If you can live in the moment, it can help you not over to think situations or dwell on negative experiences. You can also control your emotions through the practice of mindfulness which can help if you have anger issues or have problems managing your stress levels. It is also helpful for lowering your heart rate because you will be breathing deeply therefore preventing health issues. The other benefits are being able to be calm in different situations and this type of focus can help you perform better at work or at school. Being able to be present allows for better performance because you will not be easily distracted and can complete the task at hand. Mindfulness also helps with creativity which can be a benefit when it comes to problem solving. You will be able to come up with new ways to help yourself and others. Furthermore, mindfulness can help you sleep better. If you are not constantly thinking about random things you will be able to fall asleep quicker and get an adequate amount of sleep which is important for mental health. According to Harvard health, mindfulness can improve physical health too, it can help reduce chronic pain and improve inflammation. In conclusion, mindfulness is a great tool to help heal your mind and body subsequently, increasing the quality of life and making it easier to handle stressful situations. Through mindfulness you can become an overall better person.
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In the dynamic realm of education, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping instructional methods and the learning experience at Gaborone International School (GIS ). From early childhood to higher education, technology permeates every facet of modern learning and unlocks diverse possibilities. 1. Early Computing Exposure: In the past, computer literacy was delayed to later schooling stages, but GIS prioritises early technology exposure. Even our youngest learners engage with educational software , mastering fundamental computer skills before literacy in traditional subjects. This early exposure not only equips them with essential tools but also cultivates comfort and adaptability in the digital era. 2. Online Research Integration: The internet allows GIS students to explore diverse subjects and access academic resources beyond textbooks. Platforms like Google Scholar empower students to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. 3. Educational Video Utilization: Platforms like YouTube serve as invaluable educational resources, offering diverse content across subjects. Supervised video viewing supplements classroom instruction, catering to various learning styles. For example, science teachers use YouTube to demonstrate chemical reactions, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation among students. 4. Robotics Integration: GIS' Science and Technology lab transcends theoretical learning, incorporating robotics for practical application. Students engage in experiential learning by building and programming robots, honing problem-solving skills across physics, engineering, and programming. 5. Enhanced Parental Engagement: Technology bridges school and home , facilitating smooth communication and parental involvement. Online platforms enable virtual school meetings, real-time access to academic reports, and effortless communication with teachers, strengthening the home-school partnership. In conclusion, technology has become integral at GIS , reshaping education and enriching the learning experience. From early childhood to advanced learning, technology empowers students to thrive in the digital age and beyond.
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