[Gabrielle Stevens]

Ensure that you have created a welcoming and safe environment. Also, incorporate interactive group and individual activities to get to better know each child and build a trusting relationship with them. Show them their interests matter and let them talk through their thoughts.

[Briana A]

Listening and responding when the child serves and reaches out. Positive communication and focuses on the desired positive behavior instead of the negative behavior (running indoors, trying to run on stairs) “walking feet” “safe indoor feet” “these are some good walking feet!”

[Lina Israel]

Being kind and warm hearted. Talking to the children and asking questions and listening until they are done. Engaging by playing actively and having fun with them. If children feel sad, or lonely, it’s important to acknowledge and talk through their feelings.

[Tess Swigart]

I would say to just spend a lot of time getting to know each kid individually. Knowing each student’s traits really can help you understand each one and their needs. Talk with the kids, play with them, make them feel welcome and wanted there.

[Batool]

I would suggest listening to the child, and if you are busy when they approach you let them know that you see and hear them and you will be right with them, and then once you are done give them your full attention. Also quietly listening to them when they are talking without interrupting waiting for them to finish and then speak. Giving them choices so they can feel independent and then supported in their decision. Spending quality time with them doing what they like to do and following their lead.I would suggest listening to the child, and if you are busy when they approach you let them know that you see and hear them and you will be right with them, and then once you are done give them your full attention. Also quietly listening to them when they are talking without interrupting waiting for them to finish and then speak. Giving them choices so they can feel independent and then supported in their decision. Spending quality time with them doing what they like to do and following their lead.

[Asia]

Use the learning skills that were discussed in the first slide and hand out. Empathetic listening and reassurance that the child is being seen and heard is often times enough for them to feel validated and less stressed.

[Bryanna]

I would tell early learning providers who want to build connections with the children to not be afraid to approach the child and ask them an interesting questions. They should also make sure they respond to the child in a way that makes it obvious to the child that the provider is interested in what the child is saying.

[Nui]

Have fun with the activities. See that every kid has a chance to show their talents and skills. It is important to show and display each kid.

[Donika Saqipi]

Ask them questions and interact with them!!!! Children respond to warm and positive attention.

[Lily]

1. Be present and attentive: Show genuine interest and actively engage with each child. Be present in the moment and give them your full attention when interacting with them. This conveys that you value and respect their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

2. Create a welcoming environment: Design a classroom that is warm, inviting, and child-centered. Provide a variety of age-appropriate materials and activities that reflect children’s interests and promote exploration and creativity. A comfortable and stimulating environment encourages children to feel at ease and actively participate.

3. Establish consistent routines and expectations: Consistency and predictability help children feel secure and develop trust in their environment. Establish clear and age-appropriate routines, rules, and expectations, and ensure they are consistently applied. This creates a sense of structure and stability, which fosters a positive connection between children and their caregivers.

[Jamie]

Excellent process.

[Faith Musgrove]

I would advise them to observe and see what the children finds interesting. Introduce yourself, then join them in play and ask open-ended questions, or make sincere comments that boosts the children’s confidence, and will lead to conversations. This will allow you to have a meaningful/powerful interaction with the children and will allow you to get to know them.

[Jamie]

This is a wonderful process for connecting with the children in your care.

[SARA]

My advice to them would be to earn the trust of the children, the children should see us as a figure of trust, not authority. We can earn their trust: interacting, playing, listening to them, always treating them with respect and affection, acknowledging their progress and improvement in different areas.

[Haerin]

Listening is key but remember to do active listening. Make sure to give them reactions or signs that show them that you are still listening. Also, observing is important but it is also important to interact with them. Work with them, have personal conversations that are meaningful to them and to you.

[Anika Walter]

I feel the biggest thing when building connections with children in the classroom is to show genuine care and interest. Pay attention to their needs, listen intently when they are talking with you, and engage in play with them.

[Meghan]

What advice would you give to other Early learning Providers who want to build connections with children in their classroom?

Get on their level, listen to them, expand on their ideas, and pay attention to their skills and interests. Respect their boundaries, as long as they are remaining safe. When they are experiencing big feelings, make sure they are provided a safe space to do so.