Find the ultimate height of the tree you want to use. Then calculate that tree’s sphere of influence as a circle with a radius equal to the ultimate height of the tree. Thus, a 35-foot tree has a sphere of influence of 35 feet in any direction from the trunk of the tree. Say that the next tree you might want to use has an ultimate height of 20 feet. Then the minimum distance from the trunk of the 35-foot tree to the trunk of the 20-foot tree would be 55 feet, or it might be preferable to have them even farther apart.

Choosing the Trees

Once you are committed to using only a few trees you will need to have some way of narrowing down the wide range of enchanting and dramatic trees from which you can choose. The first important design factor to consider in making your choice is scale. Scale is the relationship between the dimensions or sizes of the different elements in a design.

The size of a tree sets the scale of your garden picture. When you choose the trees for your garden, notice the relationship between (1) the size of the total area of the garden, (2) the size of the house (which is usually part of the garden scene) and (3) the size of the trees. Suppose your house seems too large for its setting and you want to give it a more gracious aspect. A very large tree will dominate the scene and reduce the apparent size of the house, soften and, at the same time, hold its own against an overpowering architectural mass. Alternatively, if you have a modest little cottage that you want to make more impressive, use several smaller trees. Watch, though, that you do not choose too tiny a tree. If you do, you will find that it will look smaller than it actually is, diminutive, and out of scale.

How Many Trees to Use

An assortment of little trees tucked around a larger one clutters its sphere of influence, upsets the scale and takes away the feeling of restful spaciousness that is essential to a pleasing design. On the average-size suburban lot, you cannot very well use more than four or five trees effectively. In addition, if one of the trees, which you do use, is a large one, you might find yourself limited to two or three, or possibly even one if the tree is a huge old specimen. In other words, if you have a 100-foot tree on a 100-foot lot, its sphere of influence will cover the entire lot.

There is an exception to this rule, which might at first glance seem to be a contradiction. Suppose your house is situated in a little piece of naturalistic woodland and you have had the good sense not to chop down all the native trees. Perhaps there are 20 or 30 trees in a comparatively small space. They are mostly of one kind and have grown together for a number of years. Their tops have formed a canopy overhead, but the trunks are bare of branches to a considerable height. Here you have a woodland area that is an integrated unit. Instead of being conscious of the trees as separate and distinct accent points, you find the trunks are more like pillars holding up a ceiling. Trees, which grow together in this way in a happy natural association, form a simple naturalistic unit. You lose this simplicity and get an effect of spotty accentuation if you introduce other trees that are not related in character or in scale to the existing growth. It is better to supplement this native growth with shrubs rather than other trees.

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Shutdown

“If you have something to say, then, in my opinion, you should participate in the interview.”

“Sometimes children are not calling themselves by name, tell a lot of interesting, mainly concerning them personally. Only they do not want to become aware of who they are.”

Do not break off the interview abruptly. Think about what is best to stop. Warn children that the work is nearing completion, – let them gather his thoughts and say its final word. Behave so that after you leave the children have experienced the frustration or disappointment.

At the end of the interview is appropriate to ask, do you want to now the children to ask questions to you. It changes you in some places; they play the role of the interviewer, and you – the simple participant interviews. Do not forget to ask if there are any in the interview to tell the child the information against the publication in which your material, he would have become now the object. The fact is that at the end of the interview to the child often finds insight – they suddenly realize that, carried away by his story about life in the home or at school, reported the facts to offend or compromising their loved ones. Let this be an exciting tearjerker – to lead the child you have no right. To begin with, discuss with them whether you can adjust it – to persons participating in it instead of real names fictional alter individual realities (not you do it and the child). However, if your partner insists on concealing his story, implicitly give up the use of unwanted material for him.

Finding that the interview provides an opportunity to give vent to the listener the most secret, but no one hitherto not driven, the children sometimes turn inside the soul inside out. Such an emotional explosion in many children causes excessive excitement, they get upset. Give the children to speak, and then – a bit of time, so they relax, time to pull myself together and calm down. If possible, check whether there is an adult nearby, who knows what they were interviewed, and after you leave be able to help.

If you realize that you do not have to cope with children’s emotions, or you simply do not have the time, do not affect the very intimate and emotional scenes. Ask only practical and factual issues.

What will interview children?

Consider in advance whether children will receive anything from the interview – not in the form of gifts, of course, but something more valuable. A good interview is satisfying, children, and a journalist.

Consider:

• Do will interview the children the confidence that they can have a platform and speak freely, or is it just give you stuff right to your editor or head of research;
• Do the children like to be interviewed?
• Do they derive lessons from it for ourselves?
• Do they get from you something in return (not small gifts or prizes, and satisfaction, new experiences, new knowledge, your compassion and interest in their lives).

It is very important to share with the children the fruits of the interview – send them a copy of them prompted by articles published in the press, film records radio and television programs, and if you work together with the photographer, the images and prints. Kids love to show such “evidence” at home and in school. However, do not make promises that fail to perform.

Looking back

“Do not we edit our message; it would have turned out quite different, unsuitable for printing.”

“Journalists always make a fool of us head – say one thing and do quite another.”

It is extremely useful to find out from the children what they think about the interview and how you could improve it in their favor. Their criticisms, if any, will take as a useful tip for the future; do not try to make excuses. Children tend to be very honest people, so they score well worth it.

Remember…

You should:

• Listen carefully;
• Treat children as equals;
• Take them seriously;
• Ask candid questions;
• Find out if they are allowed to mention their real names; to provide them with adequate time;
• Explain how you intend to use the information.

You should not:

• Speak in a patronizing tone;
• Sit or stand above children;
• Invest in their mouth the words;
• Allow it to other adults;
• Interrupt;
• We talk too much about yourself (when you do not ask);
• Continue the interview with the child, who came to the excitement (stop, pause, ask if he is ready to resume work).

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Journalists often conduct interviews with the help of the photographer, and, consequently, it must also be aware of the fact that children need especially sensitive approach. When choosing a suitable candidate, refer to the following tips.

Give preference to one of the photographers, who loves children and is able to deal with them.

Before the beginning of the joint work, instruct it, outlining the content of the relevant sections of this booklet.

Warn that work with children will require more time than usual, as the children should be given the opportunity to get used to his presence.

Explain how important it is to treat children with respect.

Ask not make shots, where children look weak and pathetic (only if this does not require highly content of the interview).

Instruct children not to make special pose for the camera.

Agree that it prints extra copies of pictures that will later be sent to children.

Newsletter sets of photos can fly a lot of money and prove you cannot afford, especially if you are working on behalf of the charity fund. There is a way – ask the photographer capture along the way a film on the “soapbox” and then manifest it in outdoor areas that charge for services, though expensive, but still much smaller than the large laboratory.

How should I behave in a photograph, so that children feel at ease, and his work with them has given good results? Here he writes about this freelance photographer Dario Mitideri, worked a lot with children, in particular street children in India. “The most important thing – to show them respect Pay attention to them, ask what they are doing – and they understand that they and their life you care about.

Equally important is the ability to play with the children. I am in such cases, and become a child himself. Children of this notice, and therefore cease to be ashamed of me so quickly. In my opinion, it is best to communicate with children, being with them at the same level, rising, for example, on his knees, so that we looked each other straight in the eye.

In addition, here’s what not to do, says Dario, is to try to win the favor of children with money and gifts. Although, at the time when the photographer to spare, so tempting to bribe! Nevertheless, with the right approach, you can get along without it, and even inveterate street tomboy. In addition, Dario for example, talks about his experiences communicating with the poor children in India. “As soon as your car slows down in front of a traffic light, it throw the children and begin to beg. You drop your box, smile, start a conversation, and although the money does not give, they penetrate to your liking. Moreover, recognize you when you journeying back past, whether then three hours later or the next day. After that, I could afford to go out and talk to them. ”

If the child did not want to be photographed, Dario did not insist. “But nine times out of ten, a” refusenik “a few hours later or the next day willingly allowed he to shoot.” In order to win the sympathy of children takes time. Making sure that you can trust and participate in an interview – entertaining; children usually stop to avoid it.

Set, however, hard fast rules to follow that can be obtained from the children’s permission to photograph them, it is very difficult. For the time to get closer to the selected kind, whether children or adults, the photographer often not available. If he was lucky enough to spend a few days with them, he presses a button on the camera on the move, trying to catch the right moment. Stop and ask permission to photograph under such conditions is impossible. “You do not have time to get acquainted with people, you should stop and start a conversation, a surprise effect is no longer valid and photographed lose naturalness and you -. A successful photo.”

“It all depends on your relationship with the children – continues to Dario -. In India, I no permission was not required, since my day working day with the same children if there is a beginner and ask what I do, the rest of the children were given. Explanations instead of me. ”

There were, however, and failure. “How many times I had to go away empty-handed. Sometimes the leader of the children’s company turned back to me, and everyone else followed his example. In such cases, I did not think to photograph. However, some time is still spent with these people. He joked and laughed along with them, so they get to know me. Only then, I leave, but after a day or two, or next week back. ”

Nevertheless, his experience Dario convinced that the difficulties usually occur not because of the children, but because of the intervention of adults. “They are convinced that interfere not only their right but also a duty. And then all is lost.”

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Respect children, treat them seriously and it is unlikely they will “misbehave.” In addition, vice versa, street children, behaving rudely and aggressively toward passing tourists, will change in the blink of an eye; just you show them attended and spoke politely.
Sometimes, however, that the interview interfere with other aspects of their life, depriving them of calm and do not allow focusing on what is happening. But whatever the causes unpredictable behavior of children, do not let yourself be annoyed it still does not help and do not consider it their duty to call them to order.
Making sure that children are uncontrollable, as soon as possible to finish an interview, without giving, however, they realize that they are guilty of something. Alternatively, offer them something else to do younger children draw something or read aloud written their story. It is better than nothing is, the elapsed time is not wasted.
Say, you’re at a loss, you cannot find an explanation for what happened. Put yourself in the place of the children, perhaps, everything will become clear.
In addition, whether it was not your fault? Have you been tired, overwhelmed, do not you think about something else, without any interest in what happens?
The situation got out of control. How can I use this experience in the future?
How to behave in a similar situation in the future?

Work with translator 

Unfortunately, the performance of children sometimes have to pass through the filter transfer for example, if we are talking about children refugee children victims of war. When selecting and using an interpreter refer to some immutable rules. Avoid attract VIPs cooperation; they are able to inspire children to fear. In extreme cases (for example, if the interpreter can perform only one of the local teachers) to select the person calmly, without pretensions of power, so as not to embarrass the children.
Think of someone man or woman is better suited for this role in this situation, to the subject of the interview, to participating in it to children or the individual child.
Sometimes it is better to try to explain in accessible language to you both, let interspersing easy with Russian sign language. You can always ask someone to help you pass the value of a thing but then the translation has become your child with a joint “project”.
If you still need an interpreter, explain your requirements before you start. Emphasize that you need a literal translation, rather than a free adaptation of what children say. That is, they translated the answers should sound the pronouns “I” and “we” rather than the phrase “it is said that or worse, “he thinks that Note that the interview does not tolerate haste cannot fit children should definitely give to finish before starting the translation you cannot ask a child to pause for translation between sentences.
Moreover, from the start upfront you need to hear everything that comes out of the mouth of children. Even obscenity. Sometimes a translator, guided by the desire to bring to the attention of the interviewer is only “good” part of the answer (especially if it has a bearing on them private to the subject school project assistance, etc.), distorts the words of the child or even lowers them. Noticing this, quietly but firmly state that want to know everything that is said the child, and repeat the question if necessary.

Many contained in our directory the recommendations relate to the translators in the same way as you. Make sure that the translator takes the necessary sensitivity to children. Introduce him to start working with some sections of this booklet (especially recommend, “Who are you to each other,” “Explain that this interview”, “Do not interfere with the children to change their statements”).

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Questions

Questions to ask as much as possible clear and unambiguous. Give the children the freedom to respond to them the way they really want; otherwise you will find later that the interview did not reveal their opinions and yours.

When working in a group, discussing a topic, the children sometimes have a desire by asking questions. Encourage this desire, even from time to time to remind them of such a possibility. Questions they are often sharp, frank, not every adult will dare to come up with such. For you, it is another chance to see the world through the eyes of children.

Dealing with shy children to start asking them “closed” (assuming the answer is “yes” or “no”), and only just behind him – “open” (answer detailed). For example: “Do you think you can beat naughty children?” “No?” “Why?” It is possible that in response to the first attempt you will get self-conscious “I do not know.” Do not “seek” child of the same question, better turn it in another way: “Do you know someone whose parents spanked?”

Do not interrupt children. Realizing that he “blurted out” is not something a child can be quiet. Wait until he paused, and only then ask a question or ask for clarification.

Promotion – an important stimulus

Praise your children begin to answer your questions, let them know that you’re interested in what they say, if you want to – help them, do everything to make them feel at ease.

Sometimes in the course of the interview, the children are distracted from his subjects and to discuss other accepted eagerly. Do not try to direct them “on the right path”, it is better to listen to their words: what if they are such an unusual way to raise some urgent problem. As a result, you cannot get the material ordered by the editors, but gain something more valuable: a new look at things, the idea of the future of the project, the idea that children think.

Suppose, the interview is sluggish, children are reluctant to respond or did not understand what was expected of them want to, or not wanting to participate in this event. In this case, you gently ask, what can help them. If they decline to answer – remember, this is their right. There’s nothing to be done.

Particularly intimate topics

Use extreme sensitivity when discussing with the children of such a purely personal issues as violence against them, sexual exploitation, deceit, oppression on ethnic grounds, family conditions, the need to live on the street. After all, if the conversation does not lead to the most superficial level, it inevitably requires the revelation of children. It would seem that children nowhere to turn out the soul inside out before a stranger, and in front of friends, too, but sometimes they have such a desire arises to help other people understand them or to help other children who are in similar situations. Sometimes even that with a stranger it is easier to be frank – if, of course, he was able to arrange them yourself.

In ideal cases, the children themselves will raise similar issues. Do not rush it, do not try to appease them and show that you are listening carefully to cheer them, underline the main thing in their story. To encourage children to openness, move them to the forbidden subject, but not asking on the forehead – “Tell me how over you bullied” – a remark like this: “I have the impression that you have been in trouble, but managed to have to get out. Do you want to tell in detail how it was? ”

This process does not tolerate haste – it can only scare children, and even harm you. After all, the child is important not just to present the course of events, and to share their pain. By giving him this opportunity, listening to him, we show respect for his story and his experiences.

In what may become explain what you intend to do with the received material. If necessary, discuss any detrimental effects it can for a cause – child offenders, for example, can identify their prey. Find out if the children want, their words were made public. As mentioned above, the latter can be a difficult task, if your interviewee – as, for example, a resident of the refugee camp – a very vague idea of the media.

Sometimes you have to sacrifice some interesting information because the child objected to its publication. Children as well as adults, have a right to speak “off the record (ether).” Respect their wishes. I noticed during the interview that the child is too worried or upset, proceed on the dictates of their conscience – to change the subject and, without waiting for requests from the child, and stop the interview. But the action so as not to offend or upset child (see. “The completion of the interview”).

The child has the ability to get frustrated at times because of the things that you seem to be completely harmless. Be prepared for this and show sensitivity.

The above ethical considerations primarily relate particularly intimate topics, such as reports of violence (see. “Confidentiality and anonymity”).

Do not interfere with the children to change their statements

Most children are not accustomed to the fact that adults listen to them and taken seriously. Commenting, they sometimes describe what was happening to them is so, then commercials. In addition, even contradict themselves. Then lie or invent stories. This lack of sin and adults. The difference is that the children have good reasons to behave in a similar way, although you are not always known. Do not convince children to speak “the truth”, do not try to catch them in a lie. Moreover, do not let it present at the interview with an adult. It is important not accurate facts themselves, not the chronology of events (you will always be able to restore them later), and how they were deposited in the child’s mind. Let the children talk about their experiences, which are often for you as a complete surprise.

Sometimes there with you, you do not want to talk to open the truth about some event in your life.

“Do you wove stories” to tell their personal experiences?

Remember how it was, and try to understand what lies behind the “fables”.

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Speech techniques

Talk with your child to you – after all, you would not “poke” adult respondents without their prior permission. In older children, it will almost certainly make a good impression – they appreciate that they are addressed as equals. Children younger can seem eccentric – if you feel that they are uncomfortable, ask to go to you, emphasizing the way that you really one to talk on equal terms. Let this be your first “contract”, the beginning of your small joint project called “interview”.

Eat simple expressions that are understandable to both adults and children. To learn how to talk to children Five or 13 years, listen to their conversations. Doubting whether those or other words and expressions used by you, understandable for children, talk to an adult who regularly communicate with them. Look for evidence that children understand you. You do not find – try to explain otherwise. Mere repetition of the above does not change anything. Do not play the big baby, do not imitate the language of children – just give them respect, using clear expression (same, as during an interview with the elderly specialist you would exclude from your vocabulary modern slang).

Try to understand the meaning of what children even if they are not able to clear enough to express his thought. Your interest is in itself an important incentive for them. If, however, their words remain a mystery for you, do not hesitate to ask for clarification: “Explain to me, please, better what you mean to me it is very important?”.

Sometimes, if you talk with someone who forges under your speech? How are you feeling at the same time? How can this be avoided? We have the people to you in an incomprehensible jargon. How to avoid it? On what grounds do you determine what your interlocutor or interlocutors you understand? (Watch the conversations people or follow the behavior of a stranger with whom you are talking).

How to start the interview

The usual procedure of interviewing often does not apply to the children in question is not his forehead causing their desire to talk, and if you do, they say, is not what they think, and what I wanted to hear the interviewer.

Adults, especially teachers and parents, endlessly asking children questions, wishing at the same time, as a rule, hear something, they are impressed, and children unwittingly learn to find an answer that would satisfy adults – “the right answer”. Wanting to find out what children think, explain to them first that for you, there is no right or wrong answers. Good either.

Initially, children often do not feel at ease. You notice that they are trying to play along with you, finding the “right answer” (especially in the presence of influential adults – teachers, police officers, social workers, and why their presence is not desired). Help the children to recover and realize that the interview – not a test, not a test on the ability and the way to be acquainted with their judgment and vision of the world. Listen to them carefully, with interest – and they quickly realize what you are expecting from them.

Best results are obtained by interview, whose members feel themselves, masters of the situation. Then the interview appears to them in conversation, in which the main role belongs to them, and you – a minor. Once they unleash languages, you do not throw them difficult to discuss topics that interest you or casually ask.

Working with the group strongly encourage debate among the participants interviewed. If time permits, you showing interest in the course of the debate, you can acquire an extensive and exhaustive information, which are getting rare, asking children to formal questions.

Do not force children to speak. It is possible that some of them came to the interview not on their own; others cannot overcome fear; third have nothing to say; and there are those who are just shy. In any case, they have the right to remain silent.

When discussing a particular event or action is best to start asking children to give him their assessment. “What do you think about it?” – You ask, for example, wanting to get a detailed answer. Avoid questions like “Do you like it?”, to which you can answer a simple “yes” or “no.”

The approach to the subject

Getting into conversation of children, especially young children, it is much more difficult than adults are. To expedite this process, we recommend:

Invite the children to talk about any experiences they have had related to the subject (“Remember, if you threatened when any danger and what you have experienced in this?”)

Show some pictures of relevant content and discuss them. The kids ask themselves something to portray and talk to them about these pictures.

Tell episode in your life (or funny exposes you not in the best light, for example, measures a time when you were frightened little dog). Children most likely will throw you questions, and then remembered that something similar happened to them. Say something controversial, making it clear that they do not necessarily agree with you. For example: “I do not understand why to save elephants Can you explain to me why kids mountain behind them?”.

Listen to the wishes of children

Sometimes it is very useful to talk to the most common questions, figuring that they would like to discuss the children themselves.

The results are stunning, and sometimes quite unexpected. To have children, toss them questions such as:

“Often if you think adults hear children? Seriously there are their words?” Speak on this occasion, the children are often switched on issues that they are most concerned about now.

“Have you ever heard speaking children on radio and television? In addition, you would like to make. What would you say?”.

“Has it ever happened that you were thrilled, but nobody wanted to listen to you? Do you want to tell me?”

Differences in the beginning of the interview hints at something important in the speech of the child, then return to him and asked to speak to give details.

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Equipment

During the interview for radio or television, equipment available you have determines your actions. Keep the effect of technology to a minimum; only if it does not prevent you get from children the good stuff. Explain its purpose, tell us what is required of them, and that you are going to do and why. Make sure that all behave in accordance with your instructions in the group. Children usually like to be photographed or recorded, and familiarity with the instrument is good for them. Take children as well as adults, not from above, and not from below but aligned by placing the camera at eye level.

Local traditions

For some people – for example, the Chechens – made to the children communicate with adults in a special way, showing them as a sign of respect for infinite reverence, sometimes purely formal. Follow these traditions, not to put children in an awkward position (or not to offend their parents). But in some cases it is necessary to ask whether it is possible for children to behave differently in time to interview for its success requires that children feel equal and respected members of society, and it is difficult, if they do not dare to open his mouth without permission, or do not have the right to sit in your presence.

Introduce each other

Take the time to do so. The clear simple terms, explain who you are, where profits that are doing and for what purpose. Show your newspaper or magazine article – it will serve as a kind of business card. Children will understand what you are doing and where possible, will put their interview. The photographer can show off your pictures. American photographer El Reed visited on behalf of the organization “Save the Children” South Africa carried with him everywhere a copy of his book on Black America. Featuring students placed in her photo and explaining their contents, he will have them to yourself.

Let the children to imagine. Each participant interviews, saying at the beginning of a few words about yourself will feel much more confident.

Explain that this interview

It is extremely important to explain to children what to expect – tell us how you want to work, what you want from them, what rules must be followed – not to interrupt the speaker, all carefully listen to, etc. Such frank “statement of intent” to help children relax and prevent possible misunderstandings. Ask, if they have any questions about whether all understand them. Children sometimes ask unexpected questions, from your point of view, irrelevant or are not related to what was said by you. Still treat them seriously.

Media interested in children and can cause extremely have unrealistic expectations that after the publication of results of the interview are replaced often disappointment and dismay. Tell the children how you intend to use the interview material, and what the probability that it will be published is.

Confidentiality and anonymity

Privacy – the cornerstone of communication with children. Ask the children if they wish to have their names were called. At the slightest doubt on this score, only call name or a fictitious name. We, adults, and do not suspect any risk often suffered by children, expressing a completely innocuous in our opinion the judgment.

Anonymity will allow children to discover the last innermost thoughts and feelings that they desperately want to make public. In the absence of anonymity, they are on it will not be solved. In addition, vice versa – some children prefer to be called by name. Journalists and social workers tend to use only the names of the children (often not even bothering to learn their names), which has several derogatory. So some of the white Americans drawn to his black compatriots, especially to located them in the service, – “Jim Gardener,” “cook, Gladys.” Is there a shred of respect for the people? If children have consented to the publication of their names, specify exactly how they want to be called: perhaps they prefer the familiar diminutive of his first name.

Through interviews with the photographer, find out whether the children objected to the publication of images. In addition, whether they wish to be photographed at all? Do not take it for granted. Do they want to in the caption under the photograph were their names? First, explain what the purpose of these photos is.

Home is your concern – the safety of children. They happen to be glad photographed, but you know that they are minor offenders, fugitives, potential victims of violence in all its forms, not going to name names, and taking a picture of them in the shade or with the face covered with a hand or a piece of clothing to be it was impossible to identify the …

However, confidentiality is not an immutable law. For example, a child talks about the violence against him or someone else’s intentions related to serious damage to him or to another; you must report it to the relevant administrative authorities – the bodies of internal affairs, and guardianship. It is better to do it with the knowledge and consent of the child. If during the interview revealed something like this, explain to children what the consequences may be for them the tradition of these facts public. Be very honest with the children (see. “Very intimate themes”). If during the interview, surfaced unexpected facts and you imagine the consequences of bad publicity of their contact with civil society organizations, can shed light on it, and then, if possible, re-discuss with the children the problem of confidentiality.

To start, try to get close to children

For the majority of children interviewed – it is the unknown, and in anticipation of it, they usually worry. To appease them, try to get to know them better. It is not easy – the children are all different to each child, and even more so to a group of children, requires a special approach. And time.

To begin set aside notepad, a voice recorder and other equipment as long as they will not be required. Forget about them for a while, but listen attentively and try to understand the words of children. Ice alienation good hack common games, songs, dances. Not bad also offer children to draw something relevant to their lives.

However, has no pressure – just be open and frank. Children will feel insincere, and if you lose confidence, do not open their souls. The notes of condescension in your voice, absurd proposals that do not meet this age group, at the initial stage can ruin your interview. You cannot figure out what to do? Ask them. Do not be ashamed to show his weakness. They are willing to come to the rescue.

Using the equipment, explain to the children what it is and what its purpose is. Let them utter something in the microphone, look in the camera’s viewfinder, make sure you capture words.

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Interview

“A woman called the local radio station spoke with me, and at the end said. Thank you for the interview and I did not know what was going on.”

“Speak softly, to make it smaller too long words, and that we understand everything and everyone can give an answer.”

Your style of dealing with children and the preparation of the interview will help children understand your intentions and to form an opinion about you. Behave as if they are important persons who can tell something interesting – and they will go all out to try to deceive your expectations. If you think of silly, that and say there is nothing, they sensed it will behave accordingly. Forget for a moment that you are older, more educated.

Think about what you feel and how to handle it if someone from the parent spoke to you from the top down?

In addition, if you were taken seriously and listened to your opinion? How would you feel then? How would this affect your behavior?

Children in this respect do not differ much from us: give them respect – and they

Repay you handsomely.

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Sometimes choices are very limited. Home is your concern – to find a place for an interview, where the children would feel at ease, where they have not suppressed anything. Classroom and especially the director’s office do not meet these requirements. Other business small cozy rooms, where you can stay with amenities. When the weather is favorable conduct the interview in the fresh air, but where you or the children will not be confused passers-by to look closely to what is happening before their eyes.

At the same time, however, avoid the nooks, insulation you to anything, be visible, especially if the interview takes place face to face. Sitting in the room, leave the door wide open; on the same street sit under a tree to get past you did not go, but from a distance, you would be visible. This is dictated by the child safety requirements, and it is your duty – to care for their protection.

Whenever possible, try to conduct the interview in a location relevant to the topic of the intern-twist. If, for example, it will be about the school garden, first of all ask the interviewee to go there. If they live on the street, on the same street and talk with them.

It would be nice to attract children to the choice of the place, explaining to them beforehand what requirements it must satisfy. One of them, for example – the absence of background noise.

Only the children?

Except in cases where the presence of adults is due to local traditions, it is not desirable. Adults, especially supervising the children, tend to standing over them, break them up and insert their comments. Many teachers are unable to overcome the desire to correct the children; some social workers deny children the word as a lie or fudge. Yes, it happens! You then politely but firmly explain that at this moment, you are interested in the views of children, and after the end of the interview, you will meet with the adults for information.

However, some children feel more confident next to an adult they trust, such as a person working with young people, especially if you notice that you are with him on good terms. In addition, do not forget – an interview with some children without adults is associated with child protection issues (See “The ethics of working with children” and “place of choice.”).

Are you comfortable sitting?

Try to sit down to be flush with the children. Do not take the largest and most comfortable chair. If the children sit on the ground or on the floor, sit down next to them. When working with a group, all the better to sit in a circle – not to walk or stand, for example, the front of the class. Avoid being in the spotlight, but take such a position that all the children were in sight. Consider their gestures and facial expressions, look children in the eye (if it is not contrary to tradition). Imitation of gestures interlocutor usually brings people together. However, do not imitate too obvious!

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Beware of labels

Choosing characterize the definition of children; find out what his own taste. Especially vulnerable children – people living with HIV, for example, or working in the sex business – very painfully react to it, as they are called. Also, if your interview will be published and read or hear the people who know him involved in children, the use of the epithets you can be detrimental to their fate.

Girl prostitute, say, shy of the title. Maybe she prefers to be talking about her as a sex worker or paid partner, and most likely – would prefer you to write about what she does, not sticking to her offensive label. Girl kidnapped soldiers with sexual purpose, insists that it was called wife. Children subjected to violence, do not want to call the victims of crime; the term “victims” may be less offensive. Whatever you think of euphemisms, your duty – to respect the wishes of the children. In using original words and phrases, annoying children, you naturally will not get anything. The children involved in the sex industry in Thailand, indignantly told employees of the organization “Save the Children” that they themselves never refer to themselves as prostitutes – outsiders gave this label to them. They are talking about their profession, use of the expression “to take guests” or “catch aliens on the street.” In Russia, the girl explained to reporters that her “Aunt Nina rents” and she “goes with the men.” Your reader will understand perfectly what she meant, even if you refrain from “explanations” by labels.

The duration of the interview

It is very important when working with children, do not look at it for hours. It is necessary to have sufficient time to the beginning of the interview, to have time to gain the trust of children, and after – to slow the final talks, which will leave all those present a good impression about the event as a whole.

After talking with teachers, parents and other adults, take at least an hour to chat with a group of children. The more time you will have the better. If you have downloaded, you cannot carve out more than fifteen minutes, limit frank discussion of the issue, at least – two. Alternatively, try to meet with the children in advance and prepare them to an interview.

Preliminary meeting

Meet with the children in advance – this is one of the best ways to get a really good interview. You will get acquainted with them and, most importantly, they will become familiar with you. Children are strangers to the natural caution. They need some time to feel the confidence and dare to be frank.

Preliminary discussion facilitates this process, and assures the children that you are having a genuine interest in them. If you are going to record interviews and take photographs, at a preliminary meeting to show their children a good voice recorder, camera and explain their purpose. Post a look through the viewfinder or write something on a tape recorder – a good way to “break the ice”.

Working with the school

In many cases, children choose to interview the easiest way to school. However, here there are the difficulties that you have to take into account.

In the first place again, you should think about how to do no harm to the child. Therefore, all the negotiations you conduct directly with the school, through official channels. You can, of course, to arrange interviews and in other ways, but after it, and you leave the child complications can arise. In such cases, there is nothing worse than to apply directly to the children. To start enlist headmaster resolution and only after that is planned together with the teachers interview date.

Try to work in different schools. In one school represented more often than not all segments of the child population. In some schools, children learn only to wealthy parents, in others – only the children of the poor. Urban schools are very different from rural areas. Moreover, there are schools in which one ethnic or religious group is dominant.

Unfortunately, very often for interviews choose the same school, or tradition, or because of its convenient location.

Children often hesitate to speak freely with their teachers. It is better to conduct interviews without them, unless the children themselves require their presence. If necessary, the presence of another adult, for example, translation, it is desirable that its candidacy called children.

Remember – the more often the school is not less than the other institutions value their reputation. Teachers, protecting her in choosing children to interview scheduled at times guided by one desire – to find such students, who will present the school in the best possible light. Meanwhile, quite often the most lively and talkative children – not the best students and the good girl. In addition, do not forget to later remind ourselves – to send the school an article published a few photos taken during the interview. Schools are always happy to receive materials that can be used for exhibitions, as well as for class discussion – your interview and visual results can become a worthy topic for him.

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Why interview the children? 
Kids want to speak.
Babies have something to say fresh and interesting.
Children look at things differently than adults.
Something the education system, games, children’s exploitation etc. – regard to children is much greater than us, and therefore, it is important to know what they think on this score.
The conversation during the interview with the child promotes mutual understanding between them and adults and helps to reduce the gap between the generations because hostility between old and young is very often because they do not talk to each other.
Interview increases the child’s self-confidence in their abilities, help him develop as a person.
Children, like adults, are consumers of media products. Since they are interested in what they think and feel the other children, the use of materials on this subject in the media can increase the number of their consumers.
Children have the right to listen to them, take into account their opinions and provided them with a platform for media statements. These principles are set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
You yourself take away from this interview a lot of instructive.

Preparing an interview 
“I think that the journalist is going to talk about the children, should first meet them and see how they relate to It.”
“They are convinced that we know nothing about politics should you say something about politics as you immediately terminated:” Leave, you did not know that you carry. For the success of the case for the interview to be, a little prepared. This does not mean that it is necessary to plan the content and duration, the more so the longer it lasts, the better.
However, to collect at least basic information about the location and circumstances of a child’s life is very useful. Children, like adults, do not like ignorant visitors who are wasting time on pointless questions. Indeed, in anticipation of a meeting with an adult, you learn clippings or otherwise acquainted with the realities of his life, so why not do the same in the case of a child?

Consult with children 
Collecting material for an article, essay or review of the program, enlisted the help of children. Try to find out what issues are important to them, of the children can participate in your job or an interview, when and where you can find suitable for your target children and so on, that is, behave in the same way as to any other interview Meanwhile, journalists are even preparing for a meeting with children, they are often limited to only preliminary conversations with adults.

Choose the right topic 
Children are interested in many things not only pop music, fashion, games and other entertainment. To your surprise, they can offer to discuss a very serious topic. As children, for that matter, and adults, are more willing to talk about all the materials of interest to them, you will have to seek to interview a cross between your intentions and their wishes. However, it is the same as what you should be prepared when you go for an interview with an adult: a conversation can go in a completely different direction than you are expecting, and then you should be flexible.

One child or group of children? 
If the interview is not dedicated to any particular event in the life of a child is better to talk with a small group of children. Children are accustomed to the fact that they inhibit the adults, forced to dance to their tune, and the child, if he is alone in the presence of a stranger adult may lose courage and start to get nervous. Not understanding what was wanted of him; he will not soon come to his senses and be able to speak. Much better, if there are friends or classmates then he is calm and relaxed. In the group of children feel stronger, more confident, even those of the timid, and do not hesitate to submit a voice (as long as you do not give it to stifle a lively one present). Children tend to stump each other, thereby facilitating your work. The optimum size of the group four to six people, this is enough to loosened tongues and all spoke. With a larger number of participants will be difficult to trace who said what, especially when several people speak in unison. Calling children do not interrupt each other, to give to others to speak, not a command refer to him with the request to give you a good opportunity to hear the views of another, just as you would apply to adults who are prone to precisely the same behavior in the group.

Do not forget the age factor. For large age, differences in the younger group can shade in front of the elders. It is preferred to select as much as possible of children of the same age, and sometimes and same sex.

However, some children are able to open only in a conversation face to face. What if they do not wish to be witnesses of the revelations, or distrust of other children and adults? Ask your children what they prefer, show sensitivity. However, do not forget at the same time to observe the child’s safety rules. Not by chance in many countries, particularly in the United Kingdom to enter into conversation with strangers is not recommended for children. They may flatly refuse to be alone with you in a separate room. Be careful do not let their behavior a reason to accuse you in an effort to abuse the trust of children.

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