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The Importance Of Listening In Early Childhood Education

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The pedagogy of listening is one that is closely intertwined with early childhood education (ECE) and, within this context, it is acknowledged as being more than the word itself implies. Listening in an early childhood setting is not merely to hear what a child says and act on it, rather, it is to open yourself to different perspectives and be willing to not only act on but also adopt new ways of thinking (Davies, 2014). To truly use this as an effective pedagogy is to turn the act of listening into an intentional and meaningful interaction (MacNaugton & Williams, 2010). In doing so, relationships you are forming with everyone that you interact with – be they two feet tall and in nappies or fully grown and in uniform – can only be strengthened as you show them the respect and reciprocity that is needed to achieve meaningful bonds (Gonzalez-Mena & Widmeyer Eyer, 2018).
It is through listening that the Graduating Teacher Standards (GTS) relevant to personal values and relationships can be met and thoroughly explored. GTS 6a, for example, requires teachers to recognise how different values and beliefs impact learning (Education Council New Zealand / Matatu Aotearoa (ECNZ), 2015). Through listening, we as educators are able to experience and gain some understanding of the diverse backgrounds and interests that are within the centre and thus plan appropriate experiences that can accommodate everyone or can be altered to be inclusive. Every encounter with another person is an

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