Basic Communication Skills  
 

     Home visitor competence requires an understanding of the ways in which adults learn, including the ability to communicate effectively. Use Chapter One, "The Role of the Home Visitor," in The Head Start Home Visitor Handbook, and Multicultural Principles for Head Start Programs as discussion guides when presenting this session.

Introduction to the Video-Tape

     Conduct a discussion regarding adult learning skills and communication. Refer to "Basic Communication Skills" in Part A for points to emphasize.
     The discussion should include examples of ways that home visitors can set a climate in which they and the parents are mutual resources for learning. Note that effective communication is key to the role of the home visitor in facilitating parents' self directed learning. These communication skills include engaging in informal conversation, providing direction, asking questions and obtaining information, giving information and making referrals, mutual problem solving, and offering encouragement, reinforcement, and support.
     Following the discussion, distribute the fact sheet, "Basic Communication Skills Worksheet" (page 27). Ask participants to think about appropriate home visiting situations in which each of the communication skills could be used and record these on their worksheets. Then, ask participants to identify examples of these skills as they view the videotape.

Follow-Up

     After viewing the videotape, ask participants to complete their worksheets by recording examples of the communication skills observed in the videotape as well as ways in which they demonstrate competence in informal communication, providing direction, and other skills.

Examples from the videotape might include
 
 
 

Informal conversation	A home visitor greets family members as she enters their home and discusses the previous week's activities.
Providing direction	A home visitor and parent discuss three things the child will look for in the kitchen.
Asking questions, obtaining information	A home visitor and parent discuss transportation needs.  A home visitor and parent complete a child's developmental profile.
Giving information, making referrals	A home visitor tells a parent what she needs for obtaining a driver's license.  A home visitor and parent discuss GED classes and tutoring.
Mutual problem solving	A home visitor and parent involvement coordinator discuss ways to meet family needs regarding discipline.  A home visitor and parent discuss strategies for improving caregiver skills.
Encouraging, reinforcing, supporting	A home visitor praises a parent for writing the home visit weekly plan.  A home visitor encourages a parent to give a Policy Council report.

 

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