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North Seattle Community College Early Childhood Education CCE 166 Cultivating Conversations

	I have been telling everyone at work to take this class! It is amazing. The real fundamental building blocks that every teacher of children NEEDS to know are here. We have such an amazing opportunity working with children and this class is essential in learning the tools to really make the most of the time we are given with every child. —Breanne Hyatt, teacher
	This class created an awareness in my communication that I never would have ever obtained. I feel as though I have to tell everyone how different my exchanges are with children. A few of the boys have developed "kid crushes" on me because of the in-depth discourse we have had. When you talk to children "for real" they latch on and appreciate it. I am a new person! I will never forget the lessons I have learned and will hope to improve upon my newly-found skills. I can only see positive, rewarding discourse from here on out. —Meredith Fourne, teacher
	I wish all parents, caregivers, and teachers would take this class. If someone were asking whether they should take this course I would say, YES! I learned so much that will help me for life in changing the way I communicate with children. — Carrie Weis, nanny
	I tell people that this class is one of the most important things that I have ever done in my life. Tom promised that it would change my life, and he kept his word. — Holly Koehler, child care teacher
	I am so excited that I bore people who don't even work with children. I explain that what comes from our mouths is powerful. Negatives breed negative behaviors; directions rob children of the opportunity to think, plan, explore and learn. I share that using expansions not only increases the children's knowledge bank but by using them we have to stretch our own minds, research and investigate. —Toni Jo Sykes, Head Start teacher
	Talking effectively with young children is now an experience where I can really get to know the children I work for. I can understand that each child in the class has a different perspective and a different life. I can also now see how smart and creative they are. —Paula Pereira, child care teacher from Brazil
	I would recommend this class to anyone--working with children or not. I came away with such a profound understanding of the purpose of a conversation. It seems to important,especially in a child-centered environment. It really helps these children blossom, to feel free enough to be able to say what's going on in their mind knowing there's someone there jus to listen and contribute their own experiences without judgement or domination. —Victoria Porter, child care teacher
	I would describe it as an awe-inspiring experience. When you truly learn to listen and converse with a child, you will find their minds so amazing, and they enrich your life as much as you can enrich theirs. — Joy McDonald, nanny
	The most important new understanding that emerged from this class is that children's conversations enable me to see what they are interested in and give me ideas to expand their learning. In the future I see myself continuing to use a tape recorder to examine their conversations and work closely with children where English is their second language. I also see how the children now come to me anytime and ask me for anything because they know I am there for them, and talking effectively to them makes them more comfortable with me. — Marlene Vasquez, Head Start teacher
	It is certainly challenging. A little time consuming to tape record, transcribe and pick apart what you say. It is a life-changing class. You simply cannot go back to talking the way you used to once you know how effective the new way of communicating is. —Colene Anderson, parent of a special needs child
	I recommend this class enthusiastically. It is an exploration into self: how one works and engages with others. It is so fascinating and worth a second class! — Suzanne Johnson, parent cooperative preschool teacher
	The most valuable lesson I have taken away from this class is that we all really need to listen to kids. They have so much insight that I would have never guessed. The more you document the more you know. At times I thought it was tedious and boring, but the end result was that I learned new ways to talk with and listen to the kids. It was worth it. There are so many people out there that think they know how to talk to kids; until they take this class they have no idea! — Shannon Larsen, assistant director
	Talking effectively with children is a big challenge, especially when this way is so entirely new. It is even more difficult when you try to make it a natural part of you, to be the new habit. At first I had a hard time thinking of the "right" way. However, I discovered that the crucial test is about learning: it is not about being perfect but about being better. One single success with a child erases all my previous failures and provides a thousand supports for being better the next day. This class was really transforming. I hope to see more and more teachers and parents taking this class. If you want to experience moving a mountain with your words, then take this class. — Sany Jo, International Student from Indonesia
	For me, this is the single most critical element of childhood education. Conversation permeates art, music, circle, math, phonics, play, snack; every activity a child does is touched by conversation and if it isn't right, the child won't learn what is important.That is, the child won't learn that what he or she thinks is important. —Dawn Perkins, Montessori teacher
	Once you learn how to talk with children effectively and have mutually enriching conversations, the children warm up to you. The children want to talk to you and that's the best feeling in the world. — Rob Nessly, child care teacher
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