Engaging Children With Choice
Young children who feel capable and have some control over their daily activities are more likely to be engaged in their learning
Children thrive when they are active agents in their own learning. They should have a say in their learning and what happens in the classroom. Additionally, their opinions and interests should be valued. Engaging children with choice involves offering children 2-3 options that are acceptable (one should not a punishment) whenever possible.
Hallmarks of This Strategy
Valuing Children’s Ideas and Opinions
Children should feel included and part of decision-making.
Empowering Children
You can help children feel capable and build their self-confidence.
Increasing Engagement
Giving children control across the day means they are more likely to engage when choice is not an option.
VIDEO 1
Providing Choice to Children
In this lesson, we explore why choice is important and how to best implement this strategy.
VIDEO 2
Seeing Choice in Action
In this lesson, we see examples of ways to build choice across various parts of the day or situations.
VIDEO 3
Choice: Video Analysis
In this lesson, it’s your turn to analyze an implementation of this strategy.
IMPLEMENT THIS STRATEGY
Additional Resources
Guide to Providing Choice (Español)
Learn more about this strategy and its importance, and learn tips for trying it in your classroom.
Family Guide to Providing Choice (Español)
Share this guide with families to communicate the strategies you're using at school. Take time to make connections between how children are supported at home and in the classroom.
Using Choice and Preference to Promote Improved Behavior
Explore reflection questions, tips, and examples for providing choice in the classroom.
