Handout 3: Elements of Successful Communications
- How do we show respect for the other person in a conversation?
- How do we help keep a conversation open and moving forward?
- What should we avoid doing so that we don't block the progress of conversation?
- What cultural or personal factors do we need to take into account when we are having a conversation with someone?
Handout 3: Elements of Successful Communications (continued)
A Staff-Parent Conversation
Setting: The center during drop-off time
Staff member: Miss Pratt, the family service worker
Father: Mr. Bowen, the father of a child at Head Start
Miss Pratt's goal for the conversation: To enroll the father as a volunteer
Mr. Bowen's goal for the conversation: To voice concern about his son's ability to succeed in kindergarten.
Miss Pratt: Good morning, Mr. Bowen! You look so happy this morning.
Mr. Bowen: Oh, hi there, Miss Pratt. I'm just real pleased with how excited Jacob is when I bring him here.
Miss Pratt: He does love it. I know he's looking forward to kindergarten this fall.
Mr. Bowen: Yeah, so am I, pretty much.
Miss Pratt: Pretty much?
Mr. Bowen: To tell the truth, I am a little worried about something.
Miss Pratt: Can I help?
Mr. Bowen: I just don't know what to do to make sure he's ready for kindergarten. I'm not a trained teacher.
Miss Pratt: You know, in the parents' room we have take-home activities for you to do with your son. In fact, I'm looking for some volunteers to help me put together some new activities.
Mr. Bowen: See, one of my nieces is in kindergarten and her mother said she's not doing so well.
Miss Pratt: Oh?
Father: The teacher says she's not mature for her age or something.
Miss Pratt: Mature?
Mr. Bowen: (shaking his head): The teacher seemed to think she's going to have to repeat kindergarten.
Miss Pratt: Well, I stayed back in third grade and it didn't seem to hurt me. I wouldn't worry about it.
Mr. Bowen (looking away): I don't want Jacob to be held back!
Miss Pratt: Do you want me to show you those take-home activities now?
Mr. Bowen: Huh? No, that's okay - see you later, Miss Pratt.
Module 2| Handout 4
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