Early childhood educators need professional skills to manage, educate, and care for a group of children. Behaviour management strategies are necessary to ensure a framework for a group, allowing safe, positive and efficient learning. Every caregiver must know the importance of behaviour guidance strategies and follow them the best they can. This post will provide a non-exhaustive list of techniques that early childhood educators can use.
Positive Reinforcement
Reinforcing positive good behaviour is a well-known strategy when working with children. Educators can use praise, rewards, treats, and stickers to congratulate children for their work or attitude. Besides, positive language will be a must to complement children. Educators will only sometimes praise a child for everything they have done but for specific work. The rest of the time, they would use positive words to give every child a positive self-esteem.
Clear Framework
Rules and expectations for behaviour have to be firm and clear. Consequences in case rules are overcross must be set in advance. Consistency in educators’ answers and the ability to follow the rules are necessary. This way, children will feel safe and able to grow in a kind and caring environment.
Clear Boundaries
Educators must be clear and never show doubt while announcing a rule. It is essential because children will always try to test adults’ reactions. Adults have to be exemplary so children can use their behaviour as models. Adult internal boundaries should be clear so children will be calmer and safe around you.
Encourage Autonomy
In daycare activities or daily routines, caregivers can develop a trusting relationship by reinforcing a child’s self-confidence through simple gestures and attitudes, such as allowing them to choose their clothing, colour preferences, and games without imposing their expectations on them. It will create a calmer, more friendly atmosphere within the group and help reduce problematic behaviours. Offering choice to children is the best way to acknowledge their presence and existence as individuals able to make choices.
The Language Power
Language is an essential strategy for managing groups of children. First, educators must watch their language, be polite, and use their words wisely. They are positive when they want children to do or not do something especially. For example, instead of saying “don’t run”, they say “walk slowly”. This strategy uses brain competence; imagine I tell you, “Don’t think of a blue elephant”. What comes to your mind? Yes, this exact image!
The use of visual aids to communicate is great to reinforce your structure and boundaries in class. Children seeing everyday visual rappel will integrate faster rules and habits in class.
Adults Attitude
Children can be described as emotional sponges, and that is because they are sensitive to the emotions conveyed by others. These emotions will have a substantial impact on their behaviour and feelings.
Because of that, professionals working with children must remain calm and peaceful to reassure the children and prevent stress or anger that can lead to problematic behaviour. Similarly, when faced with a child exhibiting negative behaviour, remaining calm and firm will be the best way to calm them down.
Parents and Team Communication
Communicating with the other professionals in charge of the group is essential to ensure you are all on the same line and share the same philosophy. That will give structure and consistency to children.
Communicating with parents is always beneficial. Parents must do their part and help their children behave better in case of difficulty. When everything is great, sharing this positive communication will have an uplifting effect on parents and children.
