One of my favorite strategies to coach, and use!

The Expectant Look is a non-verbal signal given to a child to indicate a response is expected.

Here is one example from a workshop last summer. Eyebrows up (in this case as high as they can go, although that is not mandatory. A slight raise will typically do.), leaning in towards the communication partner, and a slight tilt of the head.

The expectant look can include any of these physical cues in combination:

Raised eyebrows
Direct eye contact with the child
Lean in towards the child
Slight tilt of the head

These behaviors let the communication partner, typically a child, know that they are in an exchange of information which is a two-way street. This non-verbal cue helps teach turn-taking skills for conversation. It encourages participation from the child and sends a signal that a response is expected. (Cole & Flexer, 2007)

An Expectant Look is rarely used alone. It is commonly used in conjunction with other language facilitation strategies. This strategy tells the child

I expect you to listen when I tell you something
I expect you to respond

As the child’s language develops, the Expectant Look could also signal that the communication partner (adult) is engaged and is looking for more information. For example, when used in combination with Open Ended Questions and Wait Time. This trifecta of strategies can encourage expanded expressive utterances without interrupting the child’s processing or the flow of the conversation.

Think about how adults converse, for instance when we meet someone new or are at a party. We smile, we lean in, we nod our heads. All of these behaviors give the signal that we want to hear more. A few well placed questions keep the conversation going. When we look away, stop asking questions, and stop leaning in, the conversation dwindles to a stop. Too many questions or off topic interruptions and the conversation becomes choppy and we lose our train of thought.

In the same way, using an Expectant Look will help keep the conversation going forward!

How do I coach this strategy?

Model, model, model. And mirrors. We get a good laugh from practicing different ways to create an Expectant Look. Everyone has their own style and kids respond differently depending on the power of your look. I almost always coach this strategy in tandem with Wait Time so that we can really witness the full effect of the expression.

Click this link to download the handout for Expectant Look and share it with parents and professionals you work with. I have found that General Education teachers or caregivers also benefit from knowing the importance and the WHY behind this strategy!