[Hadiya Al-Shishani]

I suggest being as involved and interactive as you can! You can observe AND participate at the same time. Play with the kids, talk with them, communicate as much as you can. Actively listen to what they are saying and participate! Serve and return is huge- this will show them you see them and you care about what they have to say/ what they have discovered. Meet them where they are at! Be honest with them and show them the same respect you expect them to give each other. Be a role model and verbally share praise often to acknowledge what they CAN do instead of calling out what they CAN’T do. Trust is the foundation of a great relationship with your kiddos! Show them why they can count on you to be a safe space!