helping staff who are struggling to get children to listen to them!

[Ciara Smith]

hi guys, so there is a few staff working in our centre and English is not there first spoken language. Since starting in the centre they have settled in quite well but can be shy and quiet and this can some times be reflected in their work. It is very visible through child interactions especially where children are doing something they shouldn't be and when asked by this staff to not do it they laugh and continue to do it anyway. Her voice is low and so her tone doesn't change when asking a child not to do something. I'm not saying she should shout at them but how do i help her with this and how can we get the children to start listening to her and her requests?? Does anyone know of any sites where there is videos of staff speaking to children or interacting and the best ways to approach situations when children are doing something they shouldn't be??? i think as english isn't her first language a video would be better but if anyone has seen any articles that they think might be of use for her to read please share them. she is in the process of studying her cert 3 and is finding it a little tough so i don't want her to feel defeated by approaching her about this situation. any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you all in advance.

[Lorina]

Hi Ciara,

Working with children can be intimidating especially for someone new. She may not be used to working in a centre or still getting use to being with a large group of children and dealing with them. It's OK. It may take longer for her to settle down but she will get it. I'm sure she observes other staff and the way they handle situations and it trying to figure it out as well. She may not be as confident.

So, to help her I think you should back her up when she interacts with the children. If she is telling a child to stop doing something and they are ignoring her you could say something like "What did Sara asked you to do". Try not to re do what she is trying to do either. For example: if Sara is asking a child to pick up the toys and they aren't listening don't go and tell them yourself. Ask her to simple go and tell the child again until they do it. Even if she has to tell them 5 times. She needs to be consistent otherwise the children are going to run all over her.

Also when you are explaining things such as behaviour management to her don't do so in front of the children. Some of them may hear and act on it and it won't make her feel comfortable either. Do it privately. Children are smart and if they find a weakness in you they will play on it. Yes, even toddlers!!

I have a couple of articles on managing behaviour that may help. These are available in our Wiki, in Children Behaviour and Childcare Articles:

Behaviour Management In Childcare
Encouraging Phrases For Children In Childcare

Just wanted to add that it's nice of you to want to offer your help and support. I know it may feel like sometimes that you are taking on most of the responsibility but just give it time...

,
L.A