Early Childhood Education: The Power of Interactions by kimberley curtis

Early Childhood Education: The Power of Interactions

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:10:04 UTC

Video Summary

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:11:55 UTC

Macy Vierra is an early childhood educator who talks about the power of interactions in her classroom and how interactions through hands-on-learning has benefited her students. Macy goes on to explain how she has her students in centers interacting with different things to help them experience learning. Through these experiences the children are learn and develop the ability to communicate and express their emotions confidently. Macy also explains that while she sat with one of her students that is usually quiet during circle time started mimicking her teacher in making those alliteration sounds. Her class has made great progress and through these interactions it’s been easier to trace when you can see tangible evidence in front you.

Intro

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:12:44 UTC

The power of an interaction can leave you smiling, happy, sad, or mad. It can invoke many different emotions depending on the approach in the moment. When it comes to our role as educators, we are constantly interacting with the children in our classroom and must strive to make each interaction a positive moment where learning can thrive. Through our interactions we provide language development, environmental learning, & confidence.

Body 1

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:17:32 UTC

The topic of this padlet presentation is “The Power of Interactions.” As mentioned in the video Macy talks about how she encourages her students to make request and have back and forth conversations, (Vierra, 2023). This furthers the development of a child in terms of language and forming words. Learning to express themselves through everyday conversations. This is where children develop the foundation to hold a conversation. It is important to speak with children and not at them, using the time to name objects and ask open-ended questions, (Fanshawe Online, 2025). Beyond words and structuring sentences which are all learned through interactions children also learn the importance of body language and gestures. “We can use gestures to communicate our emotions, (Fanshawe Online, 2025).” The children learn gestures through play interaction (ex: nodding, pointing, waving, thumbs up, shaking hands, etc).

Body 2

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:17:53 UTC

As educators our role is crucial, according to Victoria and Andrea (2021) “if we ask children what they like about day care or preschool, they will most often mention the people, the spaces and the objects that surround them. They will name the sandbox, their best friend, their favourite teacher, (Liberatore & Konstantinidi, 2021).” This shows the importance of educators who create a space for interactions not just between the teacher and child but with also with other children and the environment.

Body 3

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:18:15 UTC

Well-being can be described as “a positive sense of self, spirit and belonging that we feel when our cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs are being met, (Fanshawe Online, 2025).” When the children feel this, it creates room to develop the confidence necessary for their development. As the children continue to experience positive interactions it will lead to a holistic well-being of that child. Well-being “ in early years and school setting is about helping children and students become resilient , so that they can make positive and healthy choices to support learning and achievement both now in the future, (Fanshawe Online, 2025).”

Body 4

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:18:47 UTC

Another point mentioned in the video is that interactions get the children who don’t usually participate during class a chance to open up through that one-on-one interaction. As stated by Victoria & Andrea (2021) “Thus, it’s unsurprising that research backs the idea that the quality of interactions in ECEC is what matters most for children’s development, learning and well-being – including positive chained reactions on their cognitive and social-emotional development, (Liberatore & Konstantinidi, 2021).” These interactions further the development leading to overall happy child thus allowing that child to shine with their new found confidence in communicating with those around them.

Conclusion

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:19:12 UTC

In conclusion we as educators hold the power of creating a rich environment where children can grow and learn through the interactions provided in the classroom. As mentioned earlier interactions have the power of leaving you smiling, happy, sad, or mad. Through our interactions we provide language development, environmental learning, & confidence.

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:26:17 UTC

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 19:26:53 UTC

References:

kimberleycurtis1998 — 2025-03-21 20:02:35 UTC

Liberatore, V., & Konstantinidi, A. (2021, June 28). A child’s eye view: The power of interactions in early childhood education and care. OECD Education and Skills Today. https://oecdedutoday.com/childs-eye-view-power-interactions-early-childhood-education-care/

(2025). Module 5 Language and Child Development 2025 [Review of Module 5 Language and Child Development 2025]. Fanshawe Online. https://www.fanshaweonline.ca/d2l/le/content/1620052/viewContent/17132366/View

(2025). Module 3 Ontario’s Well-Being Stategy 2025 [Review of Module 3 Ontario Well-Being Stategy 2025]. Fanshawe Online. https://www.fanshaweonline.ca/d2l/le/content/1620052/viewContent/17109384/View

Vierra, M. (2023, November 27). Early Childhood Education: The Power of Interactions. Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/ePkuGdX_np8?si=31L7iI-GDSsbU8Bb

‌