"Dear counselor" or how to achieve recognition in the detachment

How to gain authority in the detachment? This issue is especially concerned with the newcomers. But often more experienced teachers who have worked several seasons in a children's camp can not find an answer to it.

Each age has its own priorities

The perception of the counselor depends   from the age of the children. For the kids, the counselor becomes a substitute for the parent, often a mother or grandmother; for middle-aged children & ndash; the elder brother or sister who wants to imitate; teenagers perceive the counselor as a more mature and experienced friend. What to look for in order to form such an attitude?

  Younger age group (6-9 years)

Young children are mobile and very energetic. A good counselor should be able to direct their energy in the right direction, to interest, to take, to entertain. In doing so, do not forget to encourage kids even for minor achievements, they are very important praise, support and care.

  Middle group (10-13 years old)

The desire for leadership is characteristic for children of this age. Think about the system of motivation in the squad so that each of the children could feel their own importance and significance. Do not start pets in the detachment, it will not benefit either you or the children.

On the first day, mark the children with rules of discipline. Problems with behavior at this age are inevitable, so it's better to immediately determine the boundaries of what is allowed.

  Senior squads (14-16 years old)

Adolescents consider themselves to be adults, and it is important for you to support this sensation. Respect their opinion, consult with them, try to make them allies. But remember about keeping the distance & ndash; do not allow any kind of abusive treatment.

How can you behave

In attempts to achieve love and respect for children, beginning counselors often choose one of two extremes & ndash; to resolve everything or not to allow anything. Unfortunately, the two models of behavior can not lead to anything good. In the first case, the children   quickly cease to reckon with your opinion. To maintain discipline or simply organize them for an event will become quite difficult.

Attempts to gain credibility with constant cries and threats also will not work. Children will begin to perceive you as an enemy. Naturally, respect in such a situation is out of the question. But it is on respect and trust that it is easiest to build relationships with children.

What is the authority of the leader?

  Appearance & ndash; be always neat, tidy, smile more often to children.

& math;   Speech & ndash; avoid jargon and rudeness, try to clear your vocabulary from parasitic words, speak correctly and clearly.

& math;   Spoken & ndash; never shout at children, talk confidently and calmly.

  Character & ndash; be consistent in making decisions, do not give up your plans, but know how to be wrong.

& math;   Attitude to the team & ndash; in any conflicts, at any events, always protect your squad.

When should I start working on my authority?

An inexperienced counselor can say: 'from the first day of the shift, & raquo; or "from the first meeting with the children & raquo ;. Of course, the attitude of the children to you depends to a large extent on your behavior. In fact, work on authority begins long before the beginning of the camp season.

Make a plan for the shift, think through the exercises for the detachment for every day, in any weather. Work out possible conflict situations. And most importantly, think about what you, personally, you can be of interest to children. Identify the strengths of your character, interesting hobbies and talents. Develop them, and then it will be easy for you to become an authority for children. & Nbsp;