When you "tune in" and respond to a young child in ways that are Sensitive, Prompt, and Appropriate, you SPArk advancement in many areas of his development.
Imagine that you're a star. Actually, imagine that you're two kinds of stars-both the kind who's the focus of red-carpet attention at movie premieres and the "twinkle, twinkle" kind of star, the star that brightens the night sky, comforting and inspiring with its presence and light.
As someone who interacts with young children—a mom or dad, a preschool teacher or childcare provider—you are a star in both senses. You play a starring role in the lives of the little ones in your care. Being a parent or caregiver is surely one, if not the most important of the many roles in your life. And it's the role in which you really want to shine with every bit of your star power.
Research tells us that adult caregivers can prompt and strengthen the development of young children's minds, social skills, and emotions when they remember to do what stars do best-sparkle! That is, to respond to the young child in ways that share three vital characteristics (which also happen to start with the first three letters of the word "SPArkle"): Sensitivity, Promptness, and Appropriateness. Here's how:
- Be Sensitive
- Be Prompt
- Be Appropriate
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