Capturing Your Audience’s Interest
The initial impression you make on a child can be lasting. It is crucial, and that’s where your introduction comes into play. Here are some tips to put a child at ease when you first meet them.
- Have a parent, guardian, teacher, or someone with authority introduce you. This sometimes belies the child’s fears of stranger danger. It also protects the caregiver that they have pertinent information about you, or at least enough to identify who you are.
- Ask the caregiver if is okay to greet the little one. Do this especially in front of the child (no matter the age). This inquiry builds trust and shows signs of respect for all persons.
- As a rule I always address children and teens as Miss and Sir! It gives me pride to watch the faces of caregivers when their child is addressed professionally. It also shows others that even a child is to be respected just like an adult.
- If/when you extend your hand for a handshake, smile and say nice to meet you Miss/Mr. (Insert their name). Should a child draw back or hide, immediately draw your hand back, take a step back and reassure them that it is okay and they don’t have to shake your hand or give you a hug (even if your are closely related to them). Again respect is the key here.
- You can make them feel at ease by giving them time and trying a game like peek-a-boo, or ask them to play rock-paper-scisssors, or deferring to the caregiver, who will probably tell you they are shy around new people. In this case direct your attention and comments back to the caregiver about how smart, strong, fun, brave, or well behaved the child has been. If you have a gift for the child, give it to the caregiver to hand to the child, it’s great if they said you can hand it to them as well. Then move on with your acquaintance with the parent, teacher, or guardian.
- A well-crafted introduction sets the tone. For great gift ideas shop our online store for early childhood education books for an immersive reading experience, or one of our soothing plushie Ace Alligator toys, or give the caregiver one of our comedically funny morning coffee mugs to get their day started.
- Contact us via the contact us page on starksacademy.com and share us with a new friend, co-worker, or educator!
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