A teacher interacts with the children all day long, building the warm and responsive relationships in which young children learn best. But interactions in which teachers intentionally promote learning can be few and far between, with a "Powerful Interaction" only lasting a few minutes. In those few minutes, however, the teacher tunes out any distractions, tunes into the child, and then presents a learning experience tailored to that child at that moment. This book will guide you through the three steps of a "Powerful Interaction" in a series of self-guided lessons enlivened with tips, hints, invitations to reflect, and vignettes.

• Step One: Be Present
• Step Two: Connect
• Step Three: Extend Learning

• Acknowledgments
• Welcome
• Powerful Interactions: A First Look
• Step One: Be Present
• Step Two: Connect
  1. Slow Down, Stay in the Moment
  2. Keep Learning about Children
  3. Listen to Children
  4. Personalize Your Interactions
  5. Show Respect
  6. Guide Children’s Behavior
  7. Keep Trust Growing
• Step Three: Extend Learning
  1. Help Children See Themselves as Thinkers
  2. Respond to Curiosity
  3. Use Mirror Talk
  4. Have Conversations
  5. Inspire Imaginative Play
  6. Solve Problems Together
  7. Use Rich Vocabulary
  8. Laugh with Children!
  9. Ask Questions
  10. Link the New to the Familiar
• A Day in the Life of Ms. Pat
• Powerful Interactions: You Make the Difference!
• References

ISBN: 9781928896722