Educating Young Children Volume 1 – Spring 2025 | Page 26

Time with one child should be brief and engaging. To foster a sense of security and trust, teachers can incorporate this format into

Regularly checking in with children to discuss their interests, feelings, and challenges helps build trust and a deeper understanding of the children in your setting. This is a time to ask open-ended questions, listen closely, and share ways to respond to the situations children talk about.

One-on-one time can also inform follow-up activities and materials that are specific to children’ s individual interests.

the daily schedule and frame it as something that everyone experiences rather than a time when specific children are singled out. I find it helpful to set up a rotating schedule so that each child has one-on-one time with me throughout the week. Using appealing visuals, like a chart or“ helper hat,” helps the children see when it’ s their turn. I have found that each child looks forward to their moment with me, and the experience feels consistent and special for everyone.