MTSS/SEFEL Tier II Supports Training
Module 3: Being Mindful When Communicating with Families
At-a-Glance Planner
The learner will:
•Understand what it means to be mindful
•Receive strategies for being mindful when communicating with families
•Select a specific strategy to implement when communicating with families
Module 3: 90 minutes
Module Components / Slides / Essential Message / Materials Needed / Activity / Challenges / CommentsPre-Learning
Assignment / By completing the pre-learning assignment, learners will be better prepared to participate in reflection and discussion about mindful communication with families during the training. / •M3Pre-Learning Assignment Directions
•M3H1:Building Partnerships: Guide to Developing Relationships with Families / Read pages 1-9 of this guide and respond to reflection questions.
Welcome and Objectives
(15 min) / 1-6 / It is important to understand that parents help us enhance their children’s learning,and when we focus on families’ strengths and view parents as partners, we can work more effectively to support better outcomes for children. Being mindful in our communications with families helps us maintain the right frame of mind for this kind of work. / •6 Prepared Charts with Headings
•Markers for Groups / Slide 6: Relationship-Based Practices - Divide learners into 6 groups. Each group reads their designated chart and responds to the questions.
What is Mindfulness?
(10 min) / 7-9 / Understanding and exercising mindfulness can improve communication and collaboration with families when addressing challenging situations. / Chart Paper and Marker / Slide 7: Mindfulness Is… Whole Group Activity
Being Mindful When Communicating
(50 min) / 10-26 / Mindful, two-way communication improves family engagement and outcomes for children. It is important to listen, observe non-verbal communication, and use open-ended questions as you engage families in the problem solving process. / •M3H2: (one copy)Role Play 1 Script
•M3H3:Effective Communication Strategies
•M3H4: (one copy) Role Play 2 Script
•M3H5:Act for Families – Mindful Listening with Children
•M3H6:Verbal Communication
•M3H7:Guiding Practices for Engaging Families in a Problem-Solving Conversation / •Slide 10: Role Play 1 with two volunteers
•Slide 11: Easy vs. Hard Communication Skills Table Group Discussion
•Slide 12: Role Play 2 with two volunteers
•Slide 14: Video (4:17
•Slide 15: Breathing exercise
•Slide 19: Reframing Closed-Ended Questions Activity with Partners
•Slide 25: Video (3:38) / Before the training, make sure audio is working/loud enough for the videos you will show in this section.
Not everyone is comfortable with breathing exercises but it is important to ask participants to consider participating.
Selecting Strategies to Improve Mindful Communication
(10 min) / 27 / Practicing mindfulness in the midst of a conversation about a challenging behavior will keep us from pushing our own agenda and stay focused on shared solutions and a positive outcome for the child, family and classroom. / M3H8:Mindfulness Reflection Plan / Slide 27: Select a Practice – Learners select a practice to implement and discuss guiding questions as a table group / Beware of parent bashing.
Next Steps and Closing
(5 min) / 28-29 / •Haim Ginott quote
Post-Learning Assignment / Adult learning principles emphasize the importance of providing post-learning activities to reinforce and apply content shared in training to provide better understanding and retention of the content. / M3 Post-Learning Assignment Directions / Develop a plan for incorporating strategies for mindful communication with parents and co-workers.