Allows Time to Respond (E2.4.4)

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Sub Category: Scaffolding and Communication-Based Strategies: Supporting Cognitive and Language Development
Credential Level: Level 1 • Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K

COMPETENCY STATEMENT

Allows children time to respond to questions before providing the answer or asking another question

DEFINITIONS

In this competency, teachers are practicing wait time and giving children enough time to respond to what they've been asked. A child's response time typically requires more time and patience as they are learning to communicate and express their thoughts and needs. Giving children time and space to reflect on the question and come up with a way to respond before asking another question or giving them the answer is a way to support their cognitive and language development.

EXAMPLES

Exemplar Video: Paces Interactions with Infants to Allow Turn-Taking in Conversation
Age Group: Infant

In this exemplar video, a teacher is having a conversation with an infant about a toy. Notice how the teacher talks to the infant, describing a toy, asking question and allowing time for him to respond in his own way–an example of allowing children time to respond to questions before providing the answer or asking another question.

Responsive Book Reading
Age Group: Toddler

In this exemplar video, a teacher is reading a book with a toddler. Notice how the teacher lets the child touch the book, turn the pages, and decide what she wants to look at without rushing her–examples of allowing children time to respond to questions before providing the answer or asking another question.

WAYS TO PRACTICE

Daily Talk
Age Group: Infant

In this Circle Activity, children engage with the teacher in one-on-one conversations in order to support their language, communication and cognitive development. This activity can be used to promote positive interactions and provide opportunities for children to have time to respond to questions before providing the answer or asking another question..

My Book About Me
Age Group: Infant, Toddler

This Circle activity gives children the opportunity to build their vocabulary and practice having back-and-forth conversations about the personal photo book. This activity gives the teacher the chance to ask children questions and allow children time to respond.

Telephone
Age Group: Infant, Toddler

In this Circle Activity, children imitate having a back-and-forth conversation on the phone in order to support their language, communication and cognitive development. This activity can be used to promote positive interactions and provide the teacher an opportunity to allow children time to respond to questions before providing the answer or asking another question.