Aistear Blogs

Dispositions play a key role in shaping how babies, toddlers and young children engage with learning and life. In Aistear (2024), dispositions are described as ‘character traits’ and include the tendency to respond to situations in characteristic ways. Dispositions such as independence, curiosity, persistence, confidence, creativity, playfulness, a positive approach to learning, and a sense of belonging and wellbeing form the foundation for babies, toddlers and young children to be agentic, competent and confident learners. While skills and knowledge are important, dispositions represent the how of learning—they drive motivation, engagement, and interaction. Aistear highlights the importance of nurturing positive dispositions from birth, through meaningful relationships and experiences.

Let’s explore how supporting positive learning dispositions can become part of everyday practice.

• Babies are born with a natural sense of curiosity. From their earliest months, they observe, reach, taste, and respond to the world around them. Educators can foster positive dispositions  by creating secure, responsive environments and nurturing relationships. For example, when supporting curiosity and confidence, an educator might notice when a baby reaching out to touch a hanging mobile. Smiling, they say “You found the red star! Do you like how it moves?” The baby kicks excitedly and reaches again. In this moment, the baby is encouraged to explore and begins to gain confidence in interacting with the world around them.
• Toddlers are naturally determined and curious. They test boundaries, ask questions, and like to do things on their own. Encouraging these behaviours helps strengthen their dispositions. For example, when supporting independence and perseverance, an educator might notice a toddler attempting to put on their shoes. The educator waits patiently, offering encouragement rather than stepping in too quickly. “You're working so hard to get your foot in! Keep going, you are nearly there.” This approach promotes perseverance and fosters a sense of achievement.
• Young children are developing increasingly complex thinking and social skills. Their dispositions become more visible through play, interactions and conversations. For example, when supporting the development of a positive approach to learning, an educator engages with a young child who has noticed a spider in the outdoor area and says, “I want to know more about spiders.” The educator responds by helping the child look up information in a nature book. The child draws a spider’s web and shares what they have learned with a small group of friends. This experience nurtures a disposition of inquiry and a love of learning.

Dispositions influence how babies, toddlers and children face challenges, interact with others, and view themselves as learners. A baby, toddler or young child who is confident, curious and resilient is more likely to take risks, ask questions and engage meaningfully in learning experiences.

In early childhood, dispositions are not taught directly. Instead, they are fostered through positive relationships, enabling environments and playful, meaningful experiences. Educators play a key role in modelling, guiding and encouraging positive learning dispositions through a slow relational pedagogy - valuing the importance of being emotionally and physically present in the moment. Whether it’s a baby discovering their toes, a toddler trying to zip their coat, or a young child asking why the sky is blue, every moment offers an opportunity to support a disposition that will shape both their present and their future. Educators must be intentional in their practice—noticing, nurturing, responding and reflecting on the unique ways babies, toddlers and young children express their growing dispositions. In doing so, educators are not just supporting their learning and development; they are helping them to thrive and flourish.

Read the next blog in our series here.

Read the previous blog in our series here.