Perhaps our most important aim for young children in early years settings is that they develop confidence: as learners, and in the ways they relate to other people. We particularly hope that children will become confident talkers. Children develop confidence in speaking by experiencing enjoyable interactions with adults and other children. Or to put it more simply, by having lots of good chats!
However, one of the biggest challenges for adults in early years settings is how to involve quiet children in meaningful and prolonged chats, particularly when other children are competing for our attention. Describing the problem, one experienced practitioner said, 'There are a few quiet little dots here, who need just as much of my attention as the other children. But how can you give them what they need when you are trying to have four conversations at once?'
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