<p> Working with VPI Students</p><p>Preschoolers learn best by:</p><p> having active learning experiences which they plan and carry out themselves;</p><p> having multisensory experiences;</p><p> asking questions and searching for answers themselves;</p><p> discovering, experimenting, and repeating experiences which build confidence;</p><p> having the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas;</p><p> having a play environment which is stimulating but ordered; and</p><p> having real experiences, using real materials.</p><p>VPI Volunteers Can Help Preschoolers by:</p><p> presenting a relaxed, friendly, attitude which creates a great atmosphere for learning;</p><p> learning their names and using them often;</p><p> listening carefully to what the students say;</p><p> accepting and respecting the individuality, dignity, and worth of each student;</p><p> establishing good eye contact by getting on their level;</p><p> remaining patient;</p><p> offering encouragement and support;</p><p> 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);</p><p> having realistic expectations of their capabilities;  acknowledging what they say by making non-specific comments such as, “Oh”, or “I see”, or “Mmm”.</p><p> remaining fair, firm, and consistent;</p><p> accepting children’s explanations and descriptions rather than correcting them;</p><p> displaying and demonstrating the qualities we want children to have; and smiling often.</p>