Decoding & Responding: A Practical Guide to Positive Interaction with Young Children
by 郑婉妮博士 Dr Cheng Wan-ni
Lecturer’s Profile
Dr. Cheng is currently the Dean of ECCED and Senior Lecturer at the Singapore Centre
for Chinese Language (SCCL). She specializes in picture book creation, localization of
teaching resources, and promoting parent-child reading. With her extensive research
background and profound expertise in early childhood education theories, she frequently
delivers cutting-edge keynote speeches. Her work focuses on promoting game-based
autonomous learning, empowering children to construct knowledge through exploration
while enhancing the engagement and impact of early childhood Chinese language
education.
Course Overview
This course is grounded in theories of early childhood development and interaction, with
a focus on the practical application of Active Interaction (Serve and Return) in early
childhood education settings. The course guides participants to understand the
communicative intentions behind children’s behaviours, learn to identify interaction
cues conveyed through eye contact, movement, and language, and develop responsive
and supportive interaction strategies.
Through systematic observation, demonstration, and scenario-based practice, the course
supports educators in establishing stable and high-quality two-way interactions in daily
teaching and routine contexts. It aims to enhance children’s emotional security,
engagement, and learning motivation, while fostering a more supportive teaching and
learning environment.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the core concept of Active Interaction (Serve and Return) and its
significance in early childhood development and learning.
2. Identify children’s communicative intentions and interaction cues expressed through
behaviour, eye contact, movement, and language in educational settings.
3. Apply responsive and supportive interaction strategies to establish stable two-way
interactions in daily teaching and routine contexts.
4. Enhance their capacity to support children’s emotional security, engagement, and
learning motivation, contributing to a more supportive learning environment.
Course Features
Four Core Features
1. Harvard-Based Theory:Implementing the "Serve and Return" model.
2. Decoding Observation:Understanding the hidden scripts behind non-verbal cues.
3. Immersive Practice:Using drama elements to simulate real classroom scenarios.
4. Non-Directive Guidance:Replacing "commands" with "naming" and "inquiry."
Foundations of Research and Development
Addressing issues when traditional command-based education fails
° Communication Gap:Children stuck in "defensive mode" during interactions.
° Social Frustration:Children unable to send proper "social cues."
° Emotional Disconnect:Teachers missing the child's emotional and learning needs.
Take-home Course Resources
(Interactive Lesson Plans & Strategic Game Set)
(Decoding & Return Observation Toolkit)
Course Flow
Chapter 1
Decoding: Noticing the Serve
° Behavior is Message: Interpreting cues behind gaze and body language.
° Detective Observation: Pinpointing the child's points of interest.
Chapter 2
Attunement: Tuning into the Child
° Emotional Sync: Achieving resonance through body language and voice.
° The Art of Waiting: Practicing "pauses" in interaction.
Chapter 3
Media & Picture Books: Creating Shared Moments
° Picture Book Magic: Triggering Joint Attention.
° Role-play: Catching the child's "unexpected cues."
Chapter 4
Return Techniques: Precise Responding
° The 3R Framework: Receiving, Reflecting, and Responding
° Naming & Extension: Posing heuristic questions.
Chapter 5
Daily Scenarios: All-Day Interaction
° Magic Moments in Routines: Turning lining up and washing hands into "connection games."
° Improv Scripts: High-quality attention during busy times.
Course Integration
Challenges & Empowerment
° Rescue Scripts: Strategies for meltdowns, refusal, or silence.
° Teacher Well-being: Building confidence in interaction.
Available Classes
11-05-2026 (Mon)
8:30am - 12:30pm Registration is full报名已满
4 Hours
Singapore Centre for Chinese Language
$130.80

