At Hiba Academy Hangzhou, we see every child as a unique individual who is competent, capable and rich in resources. We thrive to provide opportunities for effective learning to take place. Since the beginning of the term, the children have been making connections with their peers, the teachers and the community and we are convinced that “Positive relationships” are key to successful learning.
A positive relationship among the children can start with something small. A shared book, a smiling face, a helping hand or some common interests. It continues to grow when the children work together towards the same goal when they learn to embrace different perspectives from others, or share a positive attitude when meeting a challenge. It presents in dialogues and tasks, and develops with love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
A positive relationship between the teachers and children in Hiba Nursery is often visible as we can find the teachers are:
Allowing time to observe
Being sensible and responsive to the child's needs
Having respectful gestures and conversations
Getting down to children’s level and take their perspectives
Showing understanding and compassion
A positive relationship between the children and their families is also an elementary part. Prof. Ferre Laevers (Founder of wellbeing and involvement Leuven Scale) once said, “When adults show consideration for the actual experiences, interests, wishes or needs of the child, the child feels understood, accepted and encouraged to be oneself and to fully express oneself.”
Here are a few tips for parents, when strengthening a positive relationship with your child to best support their learning and growth.
Being present
Listen, not only with your ears but with all senses
Always have a discussion with your child and reflect with them
Remain open-minded and non-judgmental about your child’s interest and investigation
Allow your child to express themselves through The Hundred Languages*
Provoke thoughts, wonder, investigation and exploration, but let the child take ownership of his/her learning
Appreciating and utilising your strengths - remember, you are a unique individual too
* The Hundred Language is a key principle of the Reggio-inspired approach. It refers to communication and emphasises the importance of providing children with one hundred ways to share their thinking of the world around them.