Child Development Associate (CDA) Practice

Listening to children's ideas and asking follow-up questions is crucial for fostering their development during teachable moments. This approach encourages children to articulate their thoughts and feelings, promoting language development and critical thinking skills. When caregivers engage with children in this manner, they validate the child's contributions, showing that their opinions and ideas are valued. Asking follow-up questions allows caregivers to delve deeper into the child's reasoning, encouraging further exploration of concepts and expanding their understanding. This technique also models good conversational skills, teaching children how to engage in dialogue and think critically about their responses. In contrast, other responses, such as encouraging loud speech, brushing off contributions, or redirecting without engagement, can diminish a child's confidence and willingness to share. These techniques may stifle the child's ability to think critically and express themselves, ultimately hindering their social and cognitive development. Engaging meaningfully during teachable moments helps build a foundation for lifelong learning and self-expression.