This guide will help you answer 2.2 Give examples to explain how the Early Years Practitioner’s behaviour can impact on and influence babies and young children.
As an Early Years Practitioner, your behaviour significantly impacts the development and well-being of babies and young children. Your actions, words, and attitudes can influence their emotional, social, and cognitive growth. This guide provides detailed insights and examples to explain how your behaviour can shape the lives of the children in your care.
Emotional and Social Development
Modelling Positive Behaviour
Children learn by observing adults. When you display positive behaviour such as kindness, patience, and empathy, children are more likely to adopt these traits. For instance:
- Example: If you greet each child warmly every morning, they will feel valued and loved. This can foster a positive self-image and promote a welcoming atmosphere.
- Example: By treating your colleagues with respect, children learn about the importance of respectful relationships.
Encouraging Emotional Expression
Showing children that it’s okay to express their emotions in a healthy way is crucial:
- Example: When a child is upset, kneel to their level, and acknowledge their feelings. Statements like, “I can see you’re feeling sad. Would you like to talk about it?” can validate their emotions.
- Example: Sharing your own feelings in an age-appropriate manner, such as saying, “I’m feeling happy because we are going to play outside,” helps children understand and articulate their emotions.
Cognitive Development
Stimulating Curiosity and Learning
Your enthusiasm and approach to learning activities directly influence children’s cognitive development:
- Example: Show excitement when introducing new topics or activities. This can spark curiosity and eagerness to learn among the children.
- Example: Provide thoughtful responses when children ask questions. If a child asks, “Why is the sky blue?” you might say, “That’s a great question! The sky looks blue because of the way sunlight interacts with our atmosphere.”
Encouraging Problem-Solving
Encouraging children to think critically and solve problems improves their cognitive skills:
- Example: When a child is building a block tower and it falls, you can ask, “What do you think we could do differently to make it more stable?” This prompts the child to think analytically.
- Example: Use open-ended questions during play, such as, “What do you think will happen if we mix these colours together?”
Language Development
Active Listening
Demonstrating active listening encourages children to develop their language skills:
- Example: When a child is talking, give them your full attention, maintain eye contact, and respond thoughtfully. This shows them that their words are important.
- Example: Encourage children to take turns speaking during group activities, fostering their listening skills and promoting clear communication.
Expanding Vocabulary
Introducing new words in everyday conversations helps expand a child’s vocabulary:
- Example: Instead of saying, “Look at the dog,” you might say, “Look at the golden retriever playing with the ball.” This introduces new words and concepts.
- Example: Read stories and pause to explain unfamiliar words. For example, “The character is feeling ‘elated’ — that means very happy!”
Physical Development
Active Engagement
Your level of engagement in physical activities can motivate children to participate and try new things:
- Example: Participate in outdoor games and activities with children. Your enthusiasm for physical play can encourage them to be more active.
- Example: Model healthy habits, such as stretching before physical activities or washing hands before meals.
Encouraging Healthy Risk-Taking
Allowing children to take managed risks helps in their physical development:
- Example: When a child is hesitant to climb a playground structure, offer encouragement while ensuring safety. Say, “You can do it! I’ll be right here if you need help.”
- Example: Set up obstacle courses that challenge their balance and coordination, praising their efforts and progress.
Behavioural Expectations
Setting Clear Boundaries
Children thrive in environments where there are clear expectations and boundaries:
- Example: Clearly explain the rules and consequences. For instance, “We walk inside to keep everyone safe. If you run, we might bump into each other and get hurt.”
- Example: Consistently enforce these rules to provide a stable framework for behaviour, helping children understand and adhere to social norms.
Positive Reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours:
- Example: Praise specific behaviours, like saying, “I really liked how you shared your toys with your friends today.”
- Example: Use reward charts to track and celebrate achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Building Trust
Trust is fundamental in early childhood settings:
- Example: Be consistent in your actions and words. If you promise a fun activity after tidying up, make sure to follow through.
- Example: Show reliability by being present and attentive, making children feel secure and understood.
Providing Emotional Support
A supportive approach can significantly impact a child’s confidence and emotional security:
- Example: Offer comfort and reassurance in times of distress. A simple hug or kind word can make a big difference.
- Example: Encourage children to support each other, promoting a sense of community and belonging.
Encouraging Independence
Offering Choices
Allowing children to make choices fosters independence and decision-making skills:
- Example: Give them options, like choosing between two activities. This empowers children to make decisions and take ownership of their actions.
- Example: Encourage self-help skills by allowing children to dress themselves or serve their food.
Guided Independence
Gradually increase a child’s responsibility to boost their confidence:
- Example: Show them how to complete a task, then support them as they try it independently. For instance, demonstrate how to tie shoelaces, then let them practice.
- Example: Provide encouragement and patience, celebrating their efforts and progress.
Conclusion
As an Early Years Practitioner, your behaviour plays a crucial role in shaping the development of babies and young children. By modelling positive behaviour, stimulating cognitive and language development, encouraging physical activity, setting clear expectations, and providing a supportive environment, you can profoundly influence their growth and well-being. Your actions can leave a lasting impact, fostering a foundation for lifelong learning and development.
