Elicit Elaborate Responses (E2.3.1)

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Sub Category: Development Through Play
Credential Level: Level 1 • Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K

COMPETENCY STATEMENT

Initiates conversations about a child’s own interests and uses open-ended questions (if age-appropriate) to elicit more elaborate responses

DEFINITIONS

In this competency, teachers are prompting conversations with children and encouraging them to expand on what they are engaged in or what they are showing interest in. Teachers do this through asking open-ended questions where children are able to formulate any response.

EXAMPLES

Elicit Elaborate Responses
Age Group: Infant

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.

Elicit Elaborate Responses
Age Group: Pre-K

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.

Elicit Elaborate Responses
Age Group: Pre-K

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.

Elicit Elaborate Responses
Age Group: Pre-K

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.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

This video shows a teacher joining the construction center and expands on their play by reinforcing new vocabulary.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

In this exemplar video, a teacher is sitting near the child and joining in their play. Notice how the teacher asks questions, describes what’s happening, and builds on the child’s ideas—an example of supporting language, thinking, and social skills through child-led play.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

In this exemplar video, a teacher asks the child questions and builds on their interests. Notice how the teacher uses different types of questions to help the child share more—an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Pre-K

In this exemplar video, a teacher asks the child what they are doing and joins their play. Notice how the teacher uses questions and conversation to build on the child’s ideas—an example of expanding on play initiated by children to reinforce language, ideas, and social development.

Expands on Play
Age Group: Toddler

In this exemplar video, a teacher works with the child to discuss their own interest and further elaborates child’s likes and supporting new concepts. Notice how the teacher uses the child’s likes to support new concepts and elaborate on discussions. –an example of supporting ones own likes and interests, helps maintain engagement with the child and introducing new concepts.

Making Choices
Age Group: Infant

In this exemplar video, a teacher engages with an infant by observing and responding to the child’s play with a toy. Notice how the teacher asks questions, models how to use the toy, and follows the child’s lead—an example of expanding on play initiated by the child to support language development, curiosity, and social interaction.

WAYS TO PRACTICE

New Content on the Way: We are in the process of curating and developing resources for this section. Resources will be available shortly. Stay tuned for updates!