Nursery World - What we say and do

Interacting with children Lev Vygotsky's work has made us aware of the importance of thinking and learning taking place in a social context. Children learn from one another, and practitioners play a key role in respecting, supporting and extending thinking. Effective interactions are based on conversations that you would have with a friend. The following approaches all play a part.

Lev Vygotsky's work has made us aware of the importance of thinking and learning taking place in a social context. Children learn from one another, and practitioners play a key role in respecting, supporting and extending thinking. Effective interactions are based on conversations that you would have with a friend. The following approaches all play a part.

* Tuning in Skilled practitioners intuitively have all their antennae open to evidence of children thinking, listening carefully to what is being said, observing body language and what a child is doing.

* Showing genuine interest Young children know immediately when adults are merely pretending to be interested. Conversely, they blossom when given undivided attention and affirmation. Clear signals of real interest are also shown through eye contact, smiles and nods.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included