Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning

by Amy Laura Dombro, Judy Jabion, Charlotte Stetson

In early childhood settings, children and teachers interact all day long. The benefits to everyone―teachers and children―will be huge if just some of those “everyday” interactions can become intentional and purposeful Powerful Interactions! In extending a child's learning hand-in-hand with nurturing a positive relationship, a Powerful Interaction creates the optimal condition for you to teach and the child to learn. - In step one of a Powerful Interaction, Be Present, you pause to tune in to how you are feeling, and consider how you might need to adjust to create a “just-right” fit with a child. - In step two, Connect, you let that child know that you see him; are interested in what he is doing, saying, and thinking; and want to spend time with him. Deepening your relationship this way helps the child feel safe, confident, and open to learning. Staying connected and observant helps you make good decisions in step three. - In step three, Extend Learning, you make use of your strong connection with the child to stretch his knowledge, skills, thinking, or language and vocabulary just a bit. This reflective guide contains everything you need to understand what Powerful Interactions are, how to make them happen, and why they are so important in increasing children’s learning and your effectiveness as a teacher. Whether you work in a child care center or home, Early Head Start or Head Start program, preschool or early primary classroom, you make a difference in the lives of children and families―and Powerful Interactions can make that difference even bigger.

Genres: Parenting, Teaching, Education, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend their Learning gives teachers of preschool age children insight into what we call a teachable moment and they call a 'powerful interactions'. Teachers interact with children all day long but at moments the when they concentrate on being present, connecting and extending learning are the important moments when the child learns new ideas and concepts. It takes concentration, planning and attention to one child while keeping an eye on all the other children too. With reflection the teacher gains the satisfaction of extending a learning experience with a powerful interaction.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SUPER useful for me as a librarian, parent, and even occasional caregiver to children.

It gives examples and theoretical background to demonstrate ways to be present, connect, and extend a child's own learning. I saved extensive notes when I first read it, and it is informing my interactions already, but I have re-read my notes several times and shared the ideas with my colleagues.

I highly recommend the 2020 edition.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book filled with resources and strategies to connect and build relationships with children in your care.

[Mary Mccarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors have succinctly presented strategies that are highly effective in engaging children . Programs using the CLASS will find excellent support material for reinforcement of skills. It is challenging fore to become fluent in these high level interactions . I try to practice whenever I can .

[Amber]

1 copy available

[Lu Benke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, quick, easily accessible book for child caregivers to understand the importance of how interactions make a difference.

[Amanda Parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so relevant to me as I started teaching 2 year-old preschool this year. Some of it was common sense, but I found the book to be informative.