When teaching, students require feedback. When teaching young children, I provide feedback immediately. This is often something simple such as when a baby looks at me I smile in response, or redirect/ reposition babies when needed. If they are upset, I acknowledge them and then provide what is needed, such as nappy change, a bottle, bed, or even just a cuddle.
When Caris first joined us at Natural Steps, I spent some time with her, helping to settle her in so she knew that she could trust her needs would be met. The only real way she learnt this was by having appropriate responses, or feedback. It is through this feedback that communication has opened up between us, and I now get the most wonderful smiles in the mornings when she arrives.
1 comment:
Kia Ora Rebecca,
Especially with our infants and toddlers, being 'present' in the moment and capturing those instances or occurances where children have sort to communicate or share ideas and thoughts through a range of non verbal communication such as gestures, body language, body placement, vocalisations or even facial expressions is extremely important. utilising the 'primary care' systems supports the carer in correctly interpreting and understanding a childs intended message.
Developing a sense of Belonging as children start at a centre can too be fostered and supported through teachers responses and being present.
Joann
Post a Comment