Effective ways to communicate with kindergarteners

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You probably know how to communicate with adults, but do you know how to talk to kids?
Have you ever had this moment that doesn't know how to handle it after you turn down a child's
unrealistic request, they suddenly begin to cry?

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Creating an environment that kids feel comfortable talking to you is the first step to know about
them. As a kindergarten teacher, it's essential to know how to speak to your students and listen
effectively.

Before we go further, let's play a scenario game first.

Audio-Ted: Mr. Miss, I hate Eric. He punched me, so I hit him back. Then he hit me again.

In this scenario, how would you respond to that kid?

A: Deny his anger and say: Ted, don’t be mad like this. Fighting is not a big deal. Everything
will just be fine.

B. Offer a suggestion and say: Ted, I think you should talk things through with Eric and be
friends with him again.

C: Provide some psychological analysis and say: Ted, Eric hit you probably because he wanted
to catch your attention and play with you.

D: Show your empathy and say: Oh Ted, it sounds like you have been through a lot. You must be
hurt and very angry right now.

Empathetic language is not our first language, but it's greatly influencing the communications we
have in our lives. We need to keep practicing it so we will be fluent with it when we need it.
Here are some tips to help:

1. Listen with your whole body.

When you sense your students need to talk, give them your full attention. Face them to show that
you are listening. Don't pretend that you're listening, but actually, you're working.

2. Pick up on the emotion.

 When your student has a noticeable emotion in their words or body language, attend to that
feeling. It's often useful to repeat what they say. For example, you might say, "Are you upset
because you can’t go outside to play during the class?" This allow your student to answer by
saying yes or no or explain more, and it’ll prompt more conversation.
 3. Acknowledge their feelings
When your students have strong emotions, even negative ones such as anger and frustration, you
validate them. Usually, acknowledging their feelings is all they need to the problem at hand. 

4. Delay correction
When your student is countering you, resist the urge to correct them, even if you think they're
wrong. Hear them out before responding.

5. Encourage them to think about solutions.

When there is a decision you disagree on, ask your students what they want to happen. If they
can come up with a solution to the problem, let them try it. When students become part of the
solution, they’ll have greater motivation to resolve it.