Teachable moments are unplanned and spontaneous. These moments pop up every day. It is up to us to take advantage and make the most of them. Teachable moments are simply times when children ask questions or show interest in something that was not specifically planned. For instance, a child might point at a bug on the playground or look up at an airplane in the sky. These opportunities allow us to provide new language and vocabulary, introduce new concepts, and encourage children to ask questions and express themselves. By being open and responsive to children’s questions and interests, we can help them make connections and support their ongoing learning and development. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:



• Teachable moments can arise at any time and often showcase a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn. For example, a child may hear a siren or pick up a leaf on the playground. 
• Children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, and teachable moments provide the perfect opportunity for this. They give us the chance to encourage them to observe, use descriptive language, and find out more about things that interest them.  We can ask questions and help them develop important critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Teachable moments can occur in any setting. They can happen indoors or outdoors ... during free play, routines, or learning activities. There is no need to prepare or set up the environment in a specific way. Some of the most powerful learning experiences for children occur spontaneously in everyday life.
• Children learn best when they can talk about and reflect on their experiences. Teachable moments involve interaction and conversation. When children ask those unexpected questions, simply answering may not optimize that learning opportunity. Many times, they learn more if you help them explore possibilities and perspectives. Children develop important language and communication skills by engaging in dialogue and being allowed to express their ideas.
• While children are naturally curious and eager to learn, they may still need support to fully understand and engage with new ideas and experiences. We should be patient and encouraging as children learn and grow.

Mary Rosario took advantage of this teachable moment in her Certified Home in Hanson!

As part of the Kentucky State Regulations, each Certified and Licensed Child Care Program must complete at least one Family Engagement Event per year that shows interaction in the child’s learning and development. This could be an art show of the children’s artwork, a play put on by the children, or even a family culture night that showcases each family that attends the program. Let us know what you do for Family Engagement Events!

View the WKU FCCN Training Calendar for more information and to register. 

The WKU FCCN delivers comprehensive, high-quality, and cost-effective face-to-face professional development opportunities. Our training focuses on topics of ongoing interest, recent innovations and initiatives, and current best practices in all content areas.

October 7th - Creative Expression for Infants and Toddlers

Join us for live training from the comfort of your home!

We strive to provide personal, live sessions that are welcoming to all that allow for networking no matter where in Kentucky you live.

You do not need any special skills to attend, however you do need access to the internet and a free Zoom account.

October 12th - ACES to PCES

Funded through Family Childcare Support Award SC 7362100001482

www.wku.edu/fccn