[Kate]

To connect with kiddos in your classroom, keep it real and relatable. Show genuine interest in what they’re into, crack some jokes, and don’t be afraid to get a little silly! Be present, listen to their stories, and make them feel valued and understood. Remember, building connections is all about creating a fun and supportive environment where kids feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

[Jennifer McGarvey]

To pause and take time to connect.

[Sasha]

Get on their level. When they are playing or doing an activity, get down to their eye level and interact with them or ask questions. Always do your best to return a serve when it is given and if you can’t at the moment communicate it with them so they still feel heard.

[Kaitlin Hudspeth]

Advice I would give is connect with the kids by listening to them, reading with them, singing and doing fun activities that will bring them closer to you and make them want to do more things like this with you.

[Diana Derkach]

Always communicate with children and build trust. When you build trust with the child you create a safe environment for them and they open up more.

[Bethany Greenwood]

Have as much interaction with the children as possible.

[Akiyo]

I would advise other Early learning Providers who want to build connections with children in their classroom to have positive interactions with each child throughout the day, allow child-led play, and listen to them, letting them know they are heard.

[María H]

Resolver los problemas de buena manera entre los niños para que se construyan relaciones de empatía y amistad. Hablar mucho con los niños y explicarle las situaciones y acciones que ellos realizan y las consecuencias de lo que pasaría si ellos no obedecen o acatan las instrucciones que los maestros les dan en el centro de aprendizaje en lugar de imponerles medidas un poco más severas, tratar si se puede de conectar más con ellos de manera individual. Mantener una excelente interacción y comunicación padres/ proveedores.

[Paula pineda]

Build personal relationships with each child, recognizing their strengths, interests and unique personalities. Adapting to each child’s individual needs creates a sense of connection and trust.

[sasikala]

Spend lots of time interacting with the children in your care. Let them help plan activities, play with them, talk to them and ask them questions that they can easily answer about the activity they are doing or about the game they are playing with other children.

[Amudha Alagarsamy]

Start with hello.It is important that all children feel welcome in your classroom. Providing a warm greeting at the start of the day can go a long way in communicating that you are glad to see them and that they are entering a safe environment where they will be taken care of.

[Diana Marcela Salcedo]

que sean alegres, amorosos, cariñosos y juguetones a la hora de interactuar cion los niños, cuando ellos le hablen mirarlos a los ojos y solucionar sus inconvenientes.

[lalitha]

Spend lots of time interacting with the children in your care. Let them help plan activities, play with them, talk to them and ask them questions that they can easily answer about the activity they are doing or about the game they are playing with other children.

[Sequoia Steimle]

It’s really important to take the time to give space for each child to express themselves and be understood, watch for any cues that mark a “serve” and make sure to return these behaviors.

[Rachelle]

Don’t underestimate the power of getting on their level when spending time together. During free play time or certain child led activities saying things like “can I come and play blocks with you?”, “I like your picture, can I sit next to you and color too?”, and “this game looks fun, can I play too?” instead of inviting yourself (and if the child says no.. take it cheerfully and say you’ll see them another time, and find someone else to play with! Sometimes kids want to spend time with each other without adults telling them what to do and that’s totally understandable). Ask them what they are playing or what they would like to play, and engage as though you were a peer, listening to them, being kind encouraging and attentive.

I think that spending time playing together is one of the best ways to form strong bonds with kids, and doing things like this shows that you respect them and care about what they have to say, which in turn helps them come to respect and trust you. I can think back to when I was a kid and remember how meaningful I found it when adults were willing to put in the effort of meeting me where I’m at, spending time with me and listening to me, and how disappointing it was when they were unable or unwilling to do so. The kind of care and kindness I would have wanted to receive as a child is the kind of care and kindness I try to show to the kids.