Unlocking the Power of Warm, Interactive Conversations in Early Childhood Education

Why do some children thrive against the odds, outperforming peers who face similar constraints? DataDrive2030’s Early Learning Positive Deviance Initiative seeks to identify behaviours that drive unexpected success.

This brief explores one of these behaviours: warm, curious, child-led conversation. Tuned to a child’s interests, everyday interactions between early learning practitioners and children can unlock powerful developmental gains.

KEY INSIGHTS

• Warm, interactive conversations positively impact child development. When curiosity is encouraged and children feel seen and valued, it fuels learning and connection.
• Shifting practitioner behaviour is possible – and it works. DD2030 uses a behavioural change model to build awareness, skills, and motivation, equipping adults to engage more effectively with children.
• Studying children who thrive in tough contexts enables us to identify high-impact behaviours already improving outcomes.

Download the full brief here

Title: Unlocking the Power of Warm, Interactive Conversations in Early Childhood Education
Author: Aimee Hare, Special Projects Team Lead, DataDrive2030
Published: July 2025

About The Insights Lab

DD2030’s Insights Lab is a space for turning complex data into actionable insights – to inform better decisions, influence policy, and help shift systems. Rooted in our mission to make data accessible and drive real-world change, the Insights Lab publications are designed to support practitioners, funders, researchers and policymakers working to improve child outcomes. Got a big idea or pressing question you’d like answered? Email insightslab@datadrive2030.co.za