What is engagement and involvement
Involvement and engagement are about showing a sustained focus, curiosity and active participation.
In the early years it is important to bear in mind the child’s age and stage of development when identifying need.
Identification – what you may see in the child
- Reluctant to try new things or experiences.
- Passive and limited motivation.
- Poor attention and difficulty in maintaining concentration.
- Fleeting attention and difficulty remaining at a task.
- Low involvement in play.
Planned provision in the setting
Based on need, some of this provision will be effective.
- Provide ready, steady, go, and anticipation activities.
- Use intensive interaction strategies by joining the child, copying their actions and being led by them.
- Use different strategies to acknowledge what the child is doing, for example thumbs up, smiling, meaningful praise.
- Provide treasure boxes or what’s in the bag? activities to encourage children to join in with shared activities.
- Use different strategies. For example, backward chaining, small steps and achievable goal approach.
- Gain the child’s attention by using resources that are linked to their interests.
Resources for settings
Further reading and information
- Using Leuven Scales in the Early Years | Famly
- Leuven scales wellbeing | Dingley’s Promise
- Leuven scales involvement | Dingley’s Promise