Using Skilled Dialogue to Transform Challenging Interactions - Isaura Barrera

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Résumé :
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.

Biographie:

> Lucinda Kramer earned her doctoral degree in Special Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of New Mexico. As an associate professor in Special Education at National University in Costa Mesa, CA, she coordinates the credential and graduate programs in Special Education. She has served as Chair of the Multicultural Committee for the Council of Exceptional Children's Division of Early Childhood and has worked with teachers, families, schools, and agencies in Texas, Arizona and California.