Talking with Kids

Interrogation vs Conversation

The Basics Speak clearly Make eye contact Use a welcoming tone of voice Stay calm Smile

The primary use of questioning is NOT to identify interference. We ask questions so the kids can share what they have learned and discovered. The kind of response you get depends on how YOU act.

3 Ways To Ask Aggressive- mean words or voice -causes fear -they’ll say what they think you want to hear Passive -the kids will take over,

Assertive -firm, consistent, clear -positive attitude This method will get us where we want to go-- in the time allotted

Kinds of Questions Open-ended questions -I see -Tell me more -Show me how -I want to be sure I understand Let them know their ideas are important, you are interested and respect them

What can team managers do? Don’t ask: Did your team manager help, because they do. They can: Teach Skills Teach Challenge Guidelines Drive Supervise the meetings

Considerations Eye level is different than eye contact. Talk with the same respect you use talking to friends. Talk with NOT at Common courtesies are not just for kids: please, thank you go a long way Kind words communicate respect

Final Thoughts A new idea is delicate; It can be killed by a sneer The angry tone in an adult’s question will shut kids down EVERY time Trying to force the truth out of kids just makes them shut down

You get what you expect. Expect the truth. Trust everyone but cut the cards There is nothing as valuable as our integrity. Before you question a child’s integrity, ask yourself, “Is it worth the cost?”