Encourage children to do thingsfor themselves:
Teachers should be guided by a belief that encouraging children to solve the problems they encounter offers them more learning opportunities than doing things for them or attempting to provide a problem-free environment. Therefore, they should stand by patiently and wait while children take care of things independently.

Adults can do most things far more easily and efficiently than children can, but by waiting for children to do these things for themselves, teachers allow children to think of and practice ways of solving the everyday problems they encounter. In an active learning classroom, where children are constantly involved with materials and are encouraged to do things for themselves, spills and messes are inevitable and are actually important opportunities for learning. Teachers should show an understanding of such mishaps because these can be viewed by them as opportunities for children to gain the satisfaction of solving their own problems.

Another way that children can be encouraged to solve their own problems is by referring them to one another for ideas, assistance, and conversation so that they come to rely on one another, rather than always turning to adults for assistance. Children should also be encouraged to ask and answer their own questions. Generally, if a child knows enough to ask a particular question, if provided the right guidance and cues, he/she will be able to come up with an answer to their own questions.

Teachers can go a long way in providing enriching experiences for young children in their classroom. This article touches about only a few of the things that can be done by teachers. Providing a variety of materials, planning the play space and routine, seeking out children’s intentions, listening for and encouraging children’s thinking, and encouraging children to do things for themselves are key elements of the teachers’ role in active learning programs.

Source:
Educating Young Children: Active Learning Practices for
Preschool and Child Care Programs, A curriculum guide from High/Scope
Educational Research Foundation