03 Jul Nurturing Confidence in Early Learners
Confidence plays a crucial role in little one’s development and success. As parents, carers and educators in Greenwich and Forest Hill, we have the power to nurture and enhance the confidence of our early learners. One effective method to achieve this is through the power of positive reinforcement.
Spotting Lack of Confidence:
Lack of confidence in young children may manifest in various behaviours that point to their feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. Recognising these signs is key to be able to provide the necessary support and encouragement.
One standard indicator is hesitation or reluctance to participate in activities or engage with others. Little ones may show behaviours, such as shying away from new experiences or social interactions or being reliant on adult assistance or being distressed when away from parents and family members. Nursery settings are a great way to spot issues in confidence; from the drop off routine, to willingness to participate in group activities are key behaviours our teachers in both our Greenwich and Forest Hill setting are trained to pick up and work alongside parents to nurture.
Throughout our days in both of our nursery settings, nurturing confidence is woven into our learning approach. Within each task, learning activity or social play, our teachers follow the below steps which you can also introduce at home.
Recognising Effort and Progress:
Little ones thrive when their efforts and progress are acknowledged and celebrated. Recognise their hard work and achievements, no matter how small, especially those that are often overlooked is a vital to nurturing confidence. Specific praise with open communication ensures that little ones understand the exact behaviours that they are being rewarded for. For example, instead of saying, “Good job,” you can say, “I noticed how focused you were on solving that puzzle. Well done!”
Encouraging a Growth Mindset:
Foster a growth mindset in early learners by teaching them that abilities and the process of learning, failing and gradually getting better at tasks is vital for children that may have low confidence surrounding perfectionism. This is often found in families that have older children that can understand and carry out tasks effortlessly. Encourage little ones to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. When they face difficulties in completing tasks, emphasise providing support and guide them through problem-solving, highlighting the importance of perseverance and resilience.
Providing Constructive Feedback:
Constructive feedback is an essential tool for building confidence. Sometimes as parents and caregivers, we struggle to provide constructive feedback in fear of criticism and damaging confidence further. When offering feedback, focus on specific areas whilst keep positive and emphasising the end result. Using “I” statements to express your observations and feelings, such as “I noticed you put a lot of effort into your artwork. Next time, you can try adding more details to make it even more impressive.”
Setting Achievable Goals:
Within our nursery environments we understand each child’s unique ability, recognising that each child learns in different styles and at different rates. A core element to nurturing confidence and growth is by helping children set achievable goals that are tailored to their individual abilities and interests. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps ensuring you celebrate milestones along the way and provide positive reinforcement for their progress.
Encouraging Independence and Decision-Making:
Allow children to make decisions and take responsibility for their choices. Offer age-appropriate opportunities for them to explore their interests and show their independence. An excellent way of doing this is in the outdoors and within community environments. Taking little ones to the local Greenwich Park and allowing them to lead the way or letting them choose from a choice of outings in Forest Hill are brilliant ways to grow confidence.
Creating a Supportive Environment:
Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where children feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. Within both Little Cubs Academy Greenwich and Forest Hill nurseries we encourage collaboration, empathy, and respect amongst peers and ensure that our teaching style promotes open communication, active listening, and constructive problem-solving.
At Little Cubs Academy, nurturing confidence in children is a fundamental aspect of our approach to early childhood education. We believe that building a strong foundation of self-assurance is essential for children to flourish and reach their full potential. To
When children feel supported and valued, they are more likely to take risks, share their ideas, and develop confidence in their unique abilities.
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