Tells the Child Good Things About Himself / Herself

MENTORING

MENTORING is a relationship over a prolonged period of time between two or more people where older, wiser, more experienced individuals provide constant, as needed support, guidance and concrete help to the younger persons as they go through life.

A MENTOR:  Praises and encourages  Tells the child good things about himself / herself  Tries to understand how the child feels  Commits to regular attendance  Builds caring and supportive rapport  Is considerate  Shows respect for the child and his/her potential  Provides opportunities for the child to be successful  Has the child speak positively about his/her own efforts  Maintains a professional attitude: respects confidentiality  Makes a difference in a child’s life

EFFECTIVE WAYS TO WORK WITH CHILDREN  Be warm and friendly—show interest in what they are doing and telling you. You are very important as a listener.  Encourage them to do their own thinking. Give them plenty of time to answer. Silence often means they are thinking and organizing what they want to say.  Use tact and positive comments. Seek something worthy to compliment especially when children are having difficulties.  Accept each child as he/she is.  If a child is upset, encourage him/her to talk the problem over with you. You need not solve the problem, but by listening, you help the child feel you care.  Respect a child’s privacy. If a child reveals personal information, regard it as a confidence. (Safety issues should be brought to the school administration)  Maintain a sense of humor.  Wear comfortable clothes.  Keep your commitment. The children expect you and look forward to your coming.