The Power of Touch in a Young Child's Life

Touch matters. Humans need nurturing touch for optimum emotional, physical and cognitive development and health - especially in infancy. Daily touch plays a significant role in early brain development. By understanding the vital part touch plays in development and by learning how to apply physical touch in varied and appropriate contexts, early childhood teachers can enhance children's lives in many meaningful ways.

Touch plays a critical role in the brains' ability to deal with stress. Touch lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain. Cortisol is in the bloodstream at all times but only accumulates in unhealthy high levels when extreme stress is present. Children who sustain high cortisol levels may demonstrate cognitive, social and motor delays. Therefore understanding and providing positive touch can reduce the levels of cortisol in the bloodstream and may lead to increased mental and physical functioning in children.

In addition to cognitive and physical, touch is crucial to children's emotional development. Consistent, positive touch aids in the development of attachment. This adult-child bonding allows children to venture securely out into the world to explore and grow. Without secure attachments, children may show emotional symptoms such as low self esteem, lack of self control, aggression and violence, lack of empathy or remorse, neediness, clinginess and oppositional behaviors with parents, caregivers and other authority figures. If the need for touch is not met the children may act out in various ways to get the attention they are missing. When dealing with challenging behaviors, teachers may need to assess the real needs behind the actions of the child. Teachers must understand that emotional development is supported in the classroom starting with a simple touch, which provides opportunities for future positive growth and development.

Using touch in early childhood classrooms

It is important for teachers to be aware of and acknowledge individual children's preferences. Most children prefer gentle touches to their arms, shoulders, head and back, however children with sensory integration difficulties may find any type of touch uncomfortable. There are several ways to add positive touch within the classroom. The following list is examples of how teachers can introduce and establish touch within the classroom that is respectful and teaches body ownership to the children.

• During the morning greeting time, the teacher can touch the child's head, shoulder or back to say hello and to communicate delight at the child's arrival.
• During music and movement, opportunities present themselves for teachers and children to hold hands.
• Story time provides formal and informal opportunities. Try smaller more welcoming gatherings that focus on sharing and enjoying the story together.
• Rest time is the most natural routine in which to incorporate nurturing positive touch. Help children relax by stroking, patting or massaging their backs, shoulders or faces.
• Stimulating art media and various fabrics and textures placed throughout the classroom can encourage and support touch. Finger paints, playdough, glue, velvet, chenille, felt, silk, cotton, wool, water and sand expand the child's experiences with touch and tactile stimulation.
• Positive touch can occur at unplanned times as well. When passing a child, give a pat on the back or shoulder to communicate a message of worth and value.

Understanding and providing warm, positive touch within the classroom is crucial to the development of young children. Just look at a baby's face- soft, round and so kissable- it's almost as if children invite the touch they so desperately need!

Resources:
Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs. Bredekamp & Copple
The Young Child: Development from prebirth through age eight. 2nd ed. Black & Puckett
Young Children, July 2005. Significance of Touch in Young Children's Lives. Frances Carlson

If you'd like more information pertaining to touch with young children or other infant toddler topics please contact:

Special Projects Coordinator
Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral
4200 Perimeter Center Dr. Suite 235
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
1-888-962-2772
birthtothree@oklahomachildcare.org