How to Encourage Responsiveness in Children

June 24, 2007

How to Encourage Responsiveness in Children in a Child Care Environment

Accept a childs' ideas and let the child know that you are listening to what they are saying by, for example, developing a lesson plan around their idea.
Grow the childs' ideas. Nurture the idea and assist the child to grow and expand their ideas through clarification, questions, discussion.
Be accepting of a childs' feelings and demonstrate that you understand and empathise.
Sometimes you need to use your knowledge of the child and the situation to gauge whether you pursue examination of the childs' feelings or not.
Allow children freedom to explore and learn. You may need to facilitate and guide from time to time.
Avoid criticism and encourage an environment where praise is achievable and their are opportunities for success.
While you facilitate you are encouraging the child and growing their self esteem.
Really listen to what children are saying. You will be surprised at what cues you can pick up.
Be clear about the end result of any activity so children understand where they are going and how they are getting there.
We all make mistakes. Be sure that children undertand they too can make mistakes and it's ok.
Give children time to process information and to understand concepts. Don't rush them.
Constantly revise and assess your expectations of the children.
Be real with the children. Encourage childrens' understanding of the 'whole person' with feelings, ideas, values, thoughts and beliefs.