Approaches to Learning
Promoting Initiative
WiseTip: AL-INI-M0818-I01B

During independent exploration, occassionally describe what your baby does but do not interfere by doing things for your baby unless they ask for help.

WHY IT MATTERS

Caregivers teach young children when they accept children's strong feelings, give children attention, interact with them, and keep them safe while allowing them to explore. Using meaningful language to describe feelings, actions, and objects is also a developmentally appropriate practice. Adults can use words to describe activities, encouraging children to deepen the learning experience. For example, you can say, "That's a big hole you're digging. You're working hard! You're using the shovel and the pail." Infants and toddlers need opportunities to explore independently and during interactions with a caring adult. Such opportunities promote children's initiative to learn.

Read more at AL-INI-C02.