| Description |
Early childhood educators have many interactions with children all day long and each one is an opportunity to support a child’s growth. Yet our classrooms are so busy that it is difficult to really make the most of those moments. “Powerful Interactions” is a technique for being intentional in some of our interactions each day so that we are more effective in supporting children’s learning. Workshop participants will examine what makes an interaction effective, especially the adult’s focus and attention, and the child’s sense of connection to the adult. We will learn to use the three step process of being present, connecting, and extending learning. We start with our own attention and have our first move with the child be a relationship move instead of a teaching one. In this way not only do we make high-quality teaching decisions but children are receptive to our attempts to stretch their thinking. This approach allows us to actually create teachable moments rather than waiting for them to show up. Adults can use powerful interactions to promote learning, reduce behavior challenges, and make the early childhood environment a warmer, more enjoyable place for all.
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