Positive Adult/Child Interactions


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by Cathy Abraham

  • Identifying and validating of feelings
  • Asking open-ended questions
  • Talking with children - not at them
  • Speaking with the child at their eye-level
  • Using the child's name
  • Modeling social skills (not interrupting, saying "please" and "thank you", etc.)
  • Encouraging problem solving
  • Using descriptive praise and reinforcement
  • Stating directives in a positive way
  • Offering choices, and respecting their choices
  • Children are warmly acknowledged upon arrival
  • Talking with the child about what is of interest to them, with a balance of child-initiated and adult-initiated conversations
  • Each and every child receives positive attention from the teacher throughout the day
  • Awareness of the impact of the tone of voice, and utilizing it as a teaching tool
  • Adults admit mistakes, modeling for the children that mistakes and accidents are okay
  • Displaying appropriate affection with the children
  • Circulating throughout the classroom
  • Acknowledging children as unique individuals
  • Teachers are involved at times in the children's play
  • Enjoying and appreciating the children - smiling and laughing sharing in their discoveries and milestones