Communicating with Infants and Toddlers

Communicating with Infants and Toddlers           

As early childhood professionals our methods of communication with young children provide a  model for positive effective communication. Understanding the communication capabilities of young children helps us to plan for developmentally appropriate positive communication. Read the chapter and watch the video to learn more about the development of toddler communication. Think about what an infant or toddler can understand and how their early positive communication skills can be fostered. 

In your response, describe how the teacher in the video fostered positive communication skills. Provide one example from the video of productive communication and one  example you have observed at your practicum site that illustrate characteristics of both productive and nonproductive communication. In your own words, describe how crucial conversation, as defined in the chapter, can be used to resolve conflict. 

With your peer, compare your methods of communication with toddlers and discuss how you can use crucial conversations to resolve conflict and leave children feeling valued.