By April Chiasson | Communications Manager
It's easy to overlook the importance of communicating well. If someone has never been taught good communication skills or witnessed it in others, an individual may not even know the ways that he/she is communicating poorly. For teachers, communication is the primary effort almost all day, every day. What would the impact be on the lives of students and teachers if teachers mastered healthy communication skills?
CWEF saw this need and realized the treasure trove of possible long-term benefits. Made possible through your generosity, CWEF supported a group communication counseling session for 20 teachers at Bohua School in Yunnan, China. This is the same school where your giving continues to enable multiple mental health programs. Teachers participated in a game that focused on practicing and improving their communication skills by describing cards to each other. Communication and reflective listening continued until the receiving party could clearly and accurately understand the card's appearance based solely on the verbal description given.
Communication skills that the teachers at Bohua School learned and practiced through this activity:
1. Recognizing the difference between facts and opinions
2. Checking and confirming understanding of what was said in a timely manner
3. Using a gentle and respectful tone of voice
4. Employing empathy and respect for another person's perspective
5. Working towards understanding another's point of view
6. Teamwork - working together to complete a task
If you've ever been spoken to by someone using these skills, you may appreciate how much more effective the communication can be, and how much better you felt afterwards, when these elements are present vs. when they are not!
Again, this activity is just one example of many mental health initiatives and opportunities that your giving is providing to the teachers and students at Bohua School in Yunnan! As teachers work to improve their communication, it's easy to see the potential for great positive impact on not only the teachers' lives but also on the lives of their students, entire classroom, and school for years to come.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AT BOHUA SCHOOL IN RURAL CHINA! You are providing invaluable mental health care and educatIon in an less resourced region where mental health support is greatly needed.
Links:
By April Chiasson | Communications Manager
By Jenny Chu | Project Manager in Yunnan
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