Many times when educators and parents hear the words child-directed or child-led it creates a feeling of unease or panic. “Aaaaah, I have all these standards I have to follow, I don’t have enough time,” or, “That creates craziness and they’ll just run around the room,” or even,“They are only playing and not learning anything.”
Child-directed does not mean there isn’t learning happening.
Child-directed doesn’t mean loss of control for the adult/teacher.
Child-directed does not mean chaos in the classroom; actually just the opposite.
Child-directed does not mean the teacher takes a passive ‘hands-off’ approach.
Following the lead of a child during play is one of the most effective ways to engage the child, promote self-regulation and social-emotional skills, develop a life-long learner (one who loves schools and keeps their curiosity intact), build communication skills, and enhance decision making skills; just to name a few.
Child-led really just means you are empowering them to make their own choices and that their opinions and thoughts matter.
Dr. Immordino-Yang stated in a NY Times Blog, “It is literally neurobiologically impossible to think deeply about things you don’t care about…deep understanding depends on making connections between concepts.” Children are innately curious and are ready to soak up information starting at birth, so use this to your advantage!
What do I have to do?
- Notice when children are tired, hungry, or angry and adjust the schedule to fit their needs. The world will not end if you are a couple minutes late for the next activity.
- Observe what children are talking about and use these topics to teach math, science, and literacy.
- Observe what toys/materials they often use and bring these into your lesson.
- Get down on their level and converse with them. Point out specific things you see, not just empty praise.
- “Tell me about this tower you are building.”
- “I see you used all rectangles, what would happened if we added a triangle?”
- “I like how you shared the doll with your friend. Do you want to write a note to your mom and tell her?”
- Ask ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions to extend their knowledge.
- “Why do you think the magnets are moving apart?”
- “How can we sort all these insects?”
- Be flexible.
- Show enthusiasm! Kids know when you’re just going through the motions; it makes them feel unimportant.
When you find yourself constantly yelling for kids to stop doing this or stop doing that, you need to PAUSE and assess what is going on. There is a reason they aren’t paying attention. There is reason they are spinning around on the rug and poking their friends, and it’s not to annoy and frustrate you. They aren’t engaged! Ask yourself, “What am I really wanting them to do? What is my goal? Am I wanting them to do it for me or is it beneficial to them?” Most of the time you’ll find that when you are frustrated with noncompliance it’s because you are focused on yourself and not on the child.
-Stephanie Koclanis, MS, CORE Supervisor
