1.1 – Identify different reasons why people communicate.
There are many different reasons why people communicate such as: building relationships with others and maintaining them, to help with needs and give support, developing learning skills or to exchange and receive information. There many reasons why people communicate, whether verbal or non-verbal communication is vital for society to learn and grow a better understanding of are surroundings. Verbal communication entails talking using the spoken word, such as talking face-to-face or on a telephone. Non-verbal communication entails using sign language, body language or (PECS) Picture Exchange communication. As a classroom assistant I communicate with young adults and staff members I come into contact with. I use communication to greet them, help them do their work by explain the task to them and to help them with any issues that may arise. The young adults and staff I work with use communication to greet me, tell me what to do and where they need me, to ask for help, and share any issues that they may have. Communication is vital for are development as a society we all need communication weather verbal or non verbal for us to expand a wider knowledge and understanding of the world.
1.2- Explain how effective communication affects all aspects of own work.
‘’Listening is one of the most important aspects of effective communication. Successful listening means not just understanding the words or the information being communicated, but also understanding how the speaker feels about what they’re communicating’’. Online - www.helpguide.org/mental/effective_communication_skills Accessed 30/09/14.
Effective communication this is a two way process where your communication is clearly delivered then received and is understood by others. We develop our needs and understanding of others whilst building trust and helping support others, prevents misunderstandings and support the development of our own knowledge .e.g. if a child has any allergies to nuts, wheat or milk the parents would have to tell the staff that the child is allergic to these, That member of staff would have the responsibility to inform dinner ladies and other staff members and depending on the severity of the allergy other parents to stop them bringing those types of food in . As a trainee class room assistant need to have good effective communication skills so I can build relationships and meet their individual need as a person. Some of the young adults I work with have communication difficulties; one young adult I work with has Autism so when I am communicating with them I must speak slowly and clearly, also give them time to respond whilst watching their facial expressions and body language. By watching their facial expressions and body language I can tell whether this person has fully understood my question or request. Through body language and facial expressions I can tell whether this young adult is happy (big smile on their faces), sad (crying being quiet or just don’t seem themselves) or distressed (looking withdrawn, agitated or upset). Children and young adults will learn to trust and respect you by communicating effectively with them; you can develop better relationships with the children, young adults, parents and staff.
1.3– Explain why it is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating with them.
“Observing the reactions of other individuals –you need to be able to observe and to interpret the reactions of those whom you are communicating. This includes noticing their facial expressions, their body language-and also what the individual is saying. Certain expressions and reactions may