Tracy: What is communication?

Saturday, March 3, 2012

What is communication?

The person that comes to mind when I think about effective communication would be the new principal of my school. He is always so cheery, gives the other person credit for everything, encourages the best out of his staff and the students of the school, chooses positive words and actions. He is inspirational in his conversations and makes you want to take on more and never give up. Recently he was sick a was still very postive and upbeat even though you could tell he was very sick. He makes it fun to go to work and be a teacher.

I have known this person a very short time and already think about him a great deal when I am having conversations. I think about his positive words and how he would handle a particular situation. I find my conversations with co-workers and parents are more productive and taking the postive approach makes a sometimes difficult job a lot easier.

2 comments:

AnonymousMarch 3, 2012 at 2:42 PM
Tracy:

Isn't great when you find someone who can change the mood by his or her positive demeanor. I am also impressed by those who can find a reason to smile even in adversity. I think these characteristics in a leader makes it easier to approach him or her. I think of the days when a leader of mine is stressed, tired, or sick. It can be uncomfortable to have conversations with her on these days. I try to remember it is about her and not me; I don't take it personally. I also sympathize in that being a leader means you always have to be aware your mood, attitude, or other negative situation affects others. It's almost as if you can't be human.

Thanks for your post,
LouAnn
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Amanda MartinMarch 4, 2012 at 6:50 PM
Tracy,

It is very important to have someone from whom you can get new ideas on communicating more effectively with others. It helps that the person you have found is in a supervisory position as well. Supervisors who are capable of being positive and bringing out the the best in their employees are few and far between. I'm glad that your paths crossed and that you have found a respect for his communication. He seems to be aware of what works and what does not work in communication and you have recognized those skills as well. Thank you for sharing your post. It is inspiring.
Amanda
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"My Connections to Play"

Two quotes:

Vygotsky - "Children use private speech in play to regulate behavior"

"Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy children."
Almon, K. (2002) The vital role of play in early childhood
education. Gateways, 43.

My family, especially my mom, was very supportive of play. She recognized its importance. My sister and I loved to play with our friends. She would take us to the community pool and parks and we would play all day. When we got a little older we got a trampoline and jumped on it for much of the day. We had a playroom above our garage in Tennessee and we played there for many hours even though it got very hot at times. My sister and I loved to play with dolls. My mom always said she would be my best friend and as we got older did not encourage many outside friendships. I think that hurt our social skills a little. Now we talk every once in a while, have very different lives and see each other about 2-3 times per year. Even though we are still very close and had many years of play as children, we have drifted apart. My dad was really good at playing with us also. He took us on our boat all the time and encouraged more of the rough and tumble type of play. Both my mom and taught us to be resourceful and take care of ourselves, almost to a fault.

As I attempt to write my blog assignement I feel play has changed a great deal since when we were younger. We would go all day without seeing the inside of our house and find things to play with. All three of my boys are sitting around my table asking me questions and saying they are bored. I live about 2 blocks from one of the most beautiful lakes and beaches in the country and 1 block from an elementary school playground. There are children all over this neighborhood to play with and they are asking me what they can do. Where have I gone wrong in this scenario? They have come to rely on me as their "social director" and I have probably enabled that. Play is very different. I am going to cancel cable and hide the playstation and nintendo ds's for the summer. My kids are older and possibly beyond help. I hope that young children will be pulled away from the computers, tv and other electronic devices. I hope they will be in a safe place to be able to venture out and make friends. Parents need to be more confident in their childrens ability and need to become independent players. I think sometimes parents protect their children and don't let them make mistakes at an early age.

I have included pictures of my boys below at the beach. This is what we love to do these days. This was on a spring break vacation. My youngest sons favorite toy was a palm branch he found the first day. Again, an item from nature that I didn't have to purchase that entertained him. Nice!!