Using Skilled Dialogue To Transform Challenging Interactions - Softcover

Barrera, Isaura; Kramer, Lucinda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1557669554 ISBN 13: 9781557669551

Publisher: Brookes Publishing Co, 2008

Synopsis

How can we respond to children's behaviors, especially challenging ones, in ways that nurture their spirits and sense of self while simultaneously supporting appropriate and competent participation in social interactions and situations? All too often, it seems that these 2 goals cannot be simultaneously addressed, especially with children whose behavior is perceived to be particularly difficult. In ""Nurturing Spirit and Positive Behavior in Diverse Early Childhood Settings"", the authors suggest the use of Skilled Dialogue (a field-tested model for respectful, reciprocal, and responsive interaction that honors cultural beliefs and values) as a tool for achieving the nurturing of both spirit and self.The book discusses behavior in terms of culturally-based practices and how to use Skilled Dialogue to implement positive intervention and behavior support from both a developmental and cultural viewpoint. It focuses on nurturing children's sense of self as a guide to understanding and building positive behavioral supports. The book also describes strategies for the classroom and offers explicit guidance, examples, and tools for practitioners.

About this title

About the Author

Isaura Barrera is Associate Professor, University of New Mexico. Lucinda Kramer is Faculty, National University.

From the Back Cover

Because behavior is rooted in culture, responding to the challenges posed by diverse behavior in early childhood settings depends on a deep understanding of the experiences, values, perceptions, and beliefs that shape it. This book shows professionals how to interpret behavior in the context of culture -- and use their knowledge to improve even the most challenging interactions. Applying Isaura Barrera's popular Skilled Dialogue approach to challenging interactions of all types works because it transforms the behavior of everyone: young children with special needs, early childhood professionals, and families. Early education professionals will discover how to apply the three critical qualities of Skilled Dialogue: respect for differences, reciprocity that honors diverse perspectives, and responsiveness to a person's true identity and needs; nurture young children's confidence and sense of self; become better communicators and collaborators with colleagues and families; capitalize on strengths inherent in differences rather than perceiving them as roadblocks; build mutually beneficial relationships; dismantle the stereotypes that can harm relationships and encourage negative judgments; and move beyond rigid "either-or" thinking and welcome multiple ways of reaching a desired outcome. Extended case examples and specific classroom strategies give readers models for their own interactions, vignettes with discussion questions help readers practice what they learn, and tools such as self-assessments and case analysis exercises make it easy to implement Skilled Dialogue in any early childhood setting. A must for every professional who works with young children and families, this book will helpreaders change the way they think about behaviorand resolve challenges in ways that honor diverse cultures and perspectives.

Edition details

• Publisher: Brookes Publishing Co
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1557669554
• ISBN 13: 9781557669551
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 296