Positive Adult/Child Interactions

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