Tip the Scales!

When we talk with children, the way we interact usually falls into 3 categories:

1.       Correctional

2.       Social

3.       Instructional

Let’s take a look at those…

Correctional:

This might sound like:

“We need to stop throwing rocks”

“Put the blocks in the block area”

“Use walking feet”

The interaction does not need to be mean or harsh, but it is primarily an interaction to correct behavior.

Social:

This might sound like:

“Tell me about what you did last night”

“I like pink, too.  Why do you like pink?”

“I’m cold, are you cold too?”

These interactions are just part of having a relationship.  They are not necessarily teaching the child anything in particular, but part of being in a relationship with them.

Instructional:

This might look like:

“How many blocks do you think we can add to the tower before it falls down?”

“Why do you think this paint turned orange?”

“When we go to the library, what rules should we have?”

These interactions teach the children something.  Of course, the best ones are the ones that ask questions to get the children to think for themselves!

Now monitor your own interactions with the children.  How many fall into the correctional category?  How many are social?  Instructional?

In Early Achievers, we hope to tip the scale toward the social and instructional interactions. 

See if you can tip your scale in that direction!