Showing Understanding by Facial Expression and Gestures

The educator's facial expression gives enormous feedback during the daily routine (i.e. encouragement can be shown with smiles, commonly referred to as a universal language).  

In the process of settling in, this means that the educator gets involved with the child and tries to send repeated signals and create happiness and trust. These signals should be simple and effective. It might be useful to discuss with the parents and child to design and practice a ritual for the goodbyes. 

Rita’s educators should smile often, give nonverbal and verbal signs of acknowledgement leading to him feeling of being understood and accepted. Modelling of these accepting behaviours are then generally imitated by his parents and classmates over time should Rita feel understood, accepted and ultimately, happy!