DEC Conference Analysis

In this paper I will analyze three different presentations that I found interesting during the attendance of the DEC conference. The first presentation refers to the family involvement and collaboration between families and educators to enhance children’s development. The second one presents music interventions as a mean of support of self-regulation, social communication and early literacy. The third points out culturally responsive recommended practices to support hybrid families in the 21st century. The main reason that I chose to present these specific ideas is that I would like to implement in my work with students and families some of the presented practices and suggestions.
Family Involvement and collaboration between families and educators
Something that I found really innovative was that the presenter, Dr. Anne Meeker, was so passionate and entertaining that managed to make the audience participate actively. While at first I felt a bit awkward to stand up and sing, sign and make gestures I was full of enthusiasm when I saw that the professionals and the educators were confident to sign and imitate gestures. I think that as educators we should not be afraid to do funny and entertaining things in our classroom or during an intervention. There are four different strategies for organizing an instruction based on music. Firstly, Saarikallio (2010) supported that emotional self-regulation can be one of the basic reasons that people are engaged with music. Moreover, music seems to help not only adults and adolescents but also young children to self-regulate their emotions and, depending on each specific case, calm or alert them (Saarikallio,2009). Secondly, Brownell (2002) referred to music adapted social stories that have been proved effective to help children internalize rules and expectations and afterwards retrieve them to face the challenges that occur. Thirdly, Vaiouli and Ogle (2014) emphasized on the importance of embedding music within the routines for children with disabilities. The use of familiar precomposed songs could create successful transitions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
After the video presentation ‘’Brené Brown on Empathy’’ the presenters explained the term Empathetic communication as an approach to communicate with others through recognizing their perspective, feelings or thoughts and then communicate that you understand and care. The key elements include no judgment and criticism of the person as well as deep understanding of their unique perspective. The importance of empathetic communication can be recognized from the creation of trusting partnerships. Burke and Hodapp (2014) supported that families who experience stronger partnerships with the educators feel less family stress. Specifically, mothers felt less stress when the school personnel listened family’s concerns without judging the family or the child, were trustful and friendly but also honest when then had to report something ( Burke & Hodapp, 2014). In addition, during this session the presenters gave us specific examples and information to help professionals become responsive and empathetic. The most important steps are taking into consideration another’s perspective, listening and acknowledging parent’s/ family’s feelings, and naming feelings. Educators and professionals should understand that the absence of respond to parent’s emotions make them think that their feelings are unimportant and unreasonable;