Working with VPI Students

Preschoolers learn best by:

 having active learning experiences which they plan and carry out themselves;

 having multisensory experiences;

 asking questions and searching for answers themselves;

 discovering, experimenting, and repeating experiences which build confidence;

 having the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas;

 having a play environment which is stimulating but ordered; and

 having real experiences, using real materials.

VPI Volunteers Can Help Preschoolers by:

 presenting a relaxed, friendly, attitude which creates a great atmosphere for learning;

 learning their names and using them often;

 listening carefully to what the students say;

 accepting and respecting the individuality, dignity, and worth of each student;

 establishing good eye contact by getting on their level;

 remaining patient;

 offering encouragement and support;

 showing an interest in what children do through your facial expressions and your body language (non-verbal communication) and your words of encouragement (verbal communication);

 having realistic expectations of their capabilities;  acknowledging what they say by making non-specific comments such as, “Oh”, or “I see”, or “Mmm”.

 remaining fair, firm, and consistent;

 accepting children’s explanations and descriptions rather than correcting them;

 displaying and demonstrating the qualities we want children to have; and smiling often.