Expanding the Toolbox
Communication
Listening with the heart or reflective listening is one of the most important communication skills we can use. Most of us tend to listen in a manner that does not fully honor the person or what they are saying. These are barriers that block our ability to fully hear what another person is trying to communicate.
Blocks to Listening
Reflective Listening vs. Judgmental Listening
I Statements
These are simple to understand, yet often times difficult to do when we are experiencing a small or large conflict with someone else. They are worth practicing and using, though, as they are effective in expressing our feelings and needs in a direct way so our hurt or anger doesn't build up and come out at inappropriate times or in hurtful ways.
When: ___ (describe situation)
I feel: ___ (describe your feeling)
I need: ___ (describe what needs to happen to feel better about this situation)
Community-Building
Circle Process is a form of group communication that is being used increasingly in homes, schools, organizations, businesses and communities. Circle provides a rich context to practice and use the skills of active listening, intentional speaking, and conscious self-monitoring. Circle communication supports shared leadership in which individual perspectives of each group member are heard and we build authentic community by becoming aware of our connections to others.
Circle Components And Using Them As An Instructional Tool
Icebreakers
Icebreakers and short games can be used to get a session off to a good start or help energize a group of adults or kids.
