Kindergarten is a place of introduction and transition into the school system. It’s our role as educators to help, guide and instruct students to interpret and assimilate into this new environment; to instill definitive attitudes, behaviours and skills essential for success.
Before venturing further into this module be sure to have read and implemented the Kindergarten Building Community Module.
Kindergarten is the time and place to set the foundation for effective communication. It is essential that children are aware that communication involves a sender and a receiver. Explicitly modeling and teaching students early the skills of active listening and assertive communication will benefit them greatly as they move forward.
The first thing for children to understand when they are learning effective communication is that communication involves BOTH a speaker and a receiver and that each one has an important job. The speaker’s job is to be as clear as possible with their message and the receiver has to do their best to listen and understand what the speaker is saying.
INTRODUCTION TO ACTIVE LISTENING: We have to teach it and help children understand that it is NOT just being quiet. It’s about hearing the words and thinking about what is being said.
Topics to promote effective communication at the Kindergarten level include:
Talking
Primary students are learning when and how to speak so they can best deliver the message they want others to receive.
Listening
Primary students need direct teaching and modeling of listening skills.
Body Language
Students learn about the non-verbal messages they give and receive with their body.
"I" Messages
The “I” message is a statement that promotes non-defensive communication, helping students move away from blame to taking responsibility for clearly communicating their feelings in a situation.
Conflict Resolution
Kindergarten students need to learn a variety of strategies they can use to solve conflicts that come up with peers and adults in respectful and satisfying ways.
