Simple is Better

August 4, 2012
Simple is better

As all of us interact, we rely heavily on language as tool for giving and receiving messages, and we often communicate at a rapid rate.  One of the counselors this summers reflected that she uses language to help people she is with to feel relaxed and welcomed, and if the situation is anything but relaxed the number of words used increases.  Within our programs processing language can be rather difficult, and when adults are not careful the language can be complex.  Our advice is to keep it short and simple.  This will allow each child to have a better chance at understanding the adult, and have a better chance at responding.  Keeping language interaction simple increases the possibility for the interactions to be more successful, and confidence to starts to grow.  For example, recently there was a misunderstanding between two students that resulted in some shoving.  As the emotions were high from both kids, staff did a wonderful job of clarifying the situation so that neither child felt defensive or attacked.  They had an opportunity to re-live the situation and learn some positive social cues.  In this situation the two boys apologized for their part in the shoving and re-joined the larger group.