[Susan Keegan]

We have this one teacher that always smiling when she comes in my room in the morning, it always brighten my day, she’ll crack a joke with me then she go on her business.

[Parish]

Growing up with a single mom who did not hug her children or smile that often rubbed off on me until I had children of my own. Once I had my first child, I realized that facial expressions were what my son wanted and needed from his me. I gave him hugs daily that eventually turned into high fives. I also expressed my love for him daily.

I now have a four-month-old granddaughter who also looks for facial expressions. Facial expressions are a person’s introduction to my granddaughter. I feel that they are very important to help a baby learn to express themselves.

[Season]

Children will act or react based on you facial expression towards them. They can tell when you have disapproval on your face and it can make them feel insecure.

[Hope]

When you go to work mad or sad even just upset, they will be able to feel the emotion off of you. Always try to be happy or just let them know how you’re feeling so they can understand it is okay to feel other emotion and can as be able to teach them it’s okay to go to someone when you’re not feeling okay.

[Anisa]

In general when kids come into the center, smiling and greeting them can make a difference. Being excited that they are there can make them feel like they want to stay.

[Cynthia]

Having teachers and caregivers who were always smiling and willing to dance and just do silly activities with me, made a great impact on me throughout the years.

[Morgan]

Smiles and other gestures allow for positive relationships between kids and adults because by smiling the kids are more likely to feel good talking to you and it also makes the kids feel more comfortable with not only you but the environment they are in.

[Jenny]

I deal with children in my classroom every day who have had or are currently in traumatic situations. I see alot of behaviors that scream out “I don’t feel safe, I don’t trust.” It is sad. But they all respond to positive attitudes and smiles!

[Claudia]

With just a smile, it could let a child know that theyre in a good place and come to you whenever they need love and someone to find peace with.

[Summer]

I feel like it builds a relationship by making the environment safe and loving for the child.

[Roshonda]

Non verbal cues such as smiles, nods, and eye contact can let a child that you are focused and attentive; or even affirming

[Tametria]

I know of a person that had a bad experience as a child that made it difficult in there adult life for them to be able to trust.

[Judith]

By using nonverbal communication, it allows children to feel more comfortable with their teacher when they see their teacher smiling, nodding, dancing, etc. Kids love to imitate adults so they prefer seeing adults in a happier mood.

[syeda]

i am a teacher s helper , when i enter into the class and just smile at kids only then they think i am approachable and will come running to me showing their works.

[Margaret Jane Rose]

Non verbal cues such as smiles, eye contact, and, occaisonally, a hug; affirm value, worth, and acceptance.