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Building positive connections with children is fundamental for their well-being and brain development. According to How Does Learning Happen? (2014), "Young children experience their world as an environment of relationships, which affects virtually all aspects of their development.". This highlights the importance of building supportive relationships with children, which is one of the most important priorities for educators.

By responding to children's needs and cues, we contribute to their overall development by offering reciprocal interactions and enhancing social and communication skills.

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#05 - Interview with Dr. Jean Clinton on Supportive Connections

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Building simple connections                                                       

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Building simple connections                                                       

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"CONNECTION IS THE KEY."

The Think, Feel, and Act Document encourages early childhood educators to promote positive and supportive relationships with children and their families by reflecting on their role as educators while connecting emotionally and taking initiative.

Think: educators' most important priority is to reflect on the children's learning, considering each child's needs, cultural backgrounds, and emotional well-being.

Feel: Greet and approach children with empathy, respect, and joy, making sure they always feel valued and safe.

Reflect: Building positive connections with children would allow us to engage actively while we guide and model positive behavior by creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

As highlighted in the Think, Feel, and Act Framework (Province of Ontario, 2014), children learn best in an environment that acknowledges this interconnectivity and thus focuses on both emotional and cognitive development. By promoting nurturing learning environments where children feel safe while exploring and taking risks engagingly and interactively.

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Strategies to foster positive relationships 

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Strategies to foster positive relationships 

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1. Nurturing responsive relationships: educators should always engage in responsive interactions, recognizing children's cues and responding to their needs and interests.

2. Forming positive perspectives: implement a holistic approach by recognizing each child's abilities and potential to help them to build their resilience and self-esteem.

3. Promoting self-regulation: educators should support children to develop self-regulation skills by being consistent with routines while setting clear expectations to guide and manage their emotions effectively.

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Strategies to develop positive relationships with children

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The Practice Guideline: Supportive Positive Interactions with children highlights the importance of building supportive learning environments by promoting self-regulation and positive perspectives.

According to the College of Early Childhood Educators (2017), the following are benefits of building positive and supportive relationships with children and their families.

Benefits of positive relationships

1. Enhanced Learning and Development: Nurturing and caring connections with children create a safe environment where children feel valued, encouraging them to actively participate in learning activities.

2. Improve health and well-being: meaningful and trusty relationships contribute to children's emotional and physical health, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging.

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Learning happens in environments where children feel valued and respected. By providing and building positive and nurturing relationships with children and their families, educators are creating a solid foundation that promotes learning and overall well-being.

As is mentioned in How Does Learning Happen? (Province of Ontario, 2014), "A sense of belonging is supported when each child's unique spirit, individuality, and presence are valued." This highlights the importance of creating safe and inclusive learning environments for children.

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Reflective Questions

1. How do positive relationships with children and their families impact learning and well-being, and what strategies do you use to foster these connections in your practice?

2. Could you share an example of a time when a positive relationship with a child or family made a meaningful change in their learning or well-being?

3. How can educators involve families in their child's learning process in ways that respect their unique backgrounds, traditions, and life experiences?

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Practice Guideline: Supporting Positive Interactions with Children  

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Practice Guideline: Supporting Positive Interactions with Children  

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Guideline

According to How Does Learning Happen? (Province of Ontario 2014), “Fostering good relationships with children and their families is the single most important priority for educators in early years programs. A significant body of research indicates that positive, caring, and respectful relationships are the foundation for optimal learning, development, health, and well-being.” This highlights the importance of positive relationships in early childhood education, where educators prioritize meaningful connections and interactions with children and their families, creating a solid foundation for an overall development and well-being.