In guiding children's behavior, it is important to be firm, fair, and consistent so children know which of their actions are acceptable behaviors. Children will test adults (once or many times) to find out the limitations of a particular environment.
The following positive steps to re-direct behavior are sequential steps. The children know the sequence and will react negatively if the sequence is not followed. For example, if you skip the initial steps and go directly to step #4, the child may feel that your response is unfair; the existing problem may be compounded. Likewise, if you stop at an earlier step when the child's behavior calls for step #3, the child may test you continually.
Step 1. Ignore inappropriate behavior unless the child is hurting himself, other children, or staff members - at which point:
- Re-direct the child immediately; and
- Give verbal and/or physical reinforcement as soon as the child begins behaving appropriately.
Step 2. Give positive re direction within the activity area. Children may need a positive reminder of the appropriate behavior in the activity area:
- Use neutral words such as "You need to . . . ." to begin a positive reminder. ("You need to keep the sand in the sandbox." or "You need to put your paints away."); or
- Include a positive statement of the correct behavior, if possible. (For example, if the child has thrown a block, you might suggest that "Blocks are for building.")
Step 3. Give positive re-direction to another activity area. If an inappropriate behavior continues after a child has been positively re directed within an activity area:
- Re-direct the child in a positive manner to try another activity. (For example, if the child has thrown a block: "Blocks are for building. You need to put your blocks away and go play somewhere else."); or
- Re-direct the child in a positive manner to try another specific activity area. ("Blocks are for building. If you want to throw, go throw a ball." or "Let's go play with some clay or play an instrument.")
Step 4. Take immediate, positive action when the behavior is socially unacceptable. Occasionally children lose control of their emotions or exhibit behavior that is considered socially unacceptable (for example, biting, striking or kicking another child). When such occasions do occur, the child needs time to regain control of himself:
- Take the child to a quiet area of the room;
- Position yourself so that you have eye contact with the child;
- Calmly discuss the undesirable behavior and state your expectation;
- Reinforce your expectation with a positive direction ("Blocks are for building.");
- Accompany the child back to the group and re-direct him/her to an appropriate activity;
- Praise any positive behavior you observe after your discussion. (Be especially positive about any performance that indicates he/she has heard, understood, and is attempting to respond to the points of your one to one discussion.);
- Emphasize the positive at all times; and
- Stay with the child during the disciplinary action, if at all possible.
If the child responds negatively or has a tantrum, stay with him/her until he/she has calmed down and begin again at step 2.
Step 5. Seek additional support or training if needed. In the case of a special needs child who is on a special behavior management program, staff may require additional support and training to meet the individual child's needs.
