Creating Connections - Power of Intention

Highlight: Older Joeys (Toddler room) - Moline

A child was banging a toy on the window (pretty hard, as toddlers are inclined to do).  The classroom staff used the Power of Intention, went over to the child, got on his level, touched his shoulder and looked him in the eye and said, “That hurts the window, we need the window to be safe” and gently redirected the child into an activity on the floor.

Connection: Power of Intention

The Power of Intention means that mistakes are opportunities to learn.  In this case, a toddler was happily banging away at the window, and rather than rush over to punish the child, the staff member focused on teaching a new skill rather than punishing the child for lacking skills we think they should possess by now.  Also by using the elements of connection, the staff member was able to get the attention of the child immediately and used that connection to redirect the child into an appropriate activity, teaching a skill in the process.