Elicit Elaborate Responses (E2.3.1)

In this exemplar video the child signals interest at the doll by grasping, gazing, and vocalizing. The teacher encourages this interest by responding using a playful voice and keeps doll within reach. The teacher also elicits more response from the child by pointing out the doll’s body parts, building on child’s social skills, and creating this positive relationship between child and teacher.

In this exemplar video, a teacher asks a child about their building design and what each part represents. Notice how the teacher uses open-ended questions and follows the child’s ideas—an example of starting conversations based on a child’s interests to encourage more detailed responses.

In this exemplar video, a teacher asks children to name animals and objects and describe the sounds they make. Notice how the teacher uses open-ended questions to spark conversation—an example of initiating conversations about a child’s interests and using open-ended questions to encourage more detailed responses.

In this video, a child says they hurt their finger. The teacher asks, “How did it happen?” and “Does it still hurt?” Notice how the open-ended questions help the child talk more, showing how good conversations support communication– an example of Initiating conversations about a child’s own interests and using open-ended questions (if age-appropriate) to elicit more elaborate responses.

In this exemplar video, a teacher initiates conversation with a child by asking an open-ended question about what the child is drawing . Notice how she starts the conversation with “What are you drawing?” This open-ended question invites the child to share her ideas with the teacher. After the child responds, notice how the teacher asks a follow up questions related to the child’s response, such as “You drew a cruise ship? Why did you draw a cruise ship?” These questions invite the child to share ideas, give more details, and continue a back-and-forth conversation about her interests. Initiating a back and forth conversation with children about their interests supports their language development through play.

In this exemplar video, a teacher engages with a child’s interest in animals by discussing the book the child brings. Notice how the teacher uses open-ended questions to prompt more elaborate responses—an example of initiating conversations about a child’s own interests and using open-ended questions to elicit detailed answers.