How Can We Encourage Good Behavior at Preschool

As parents we have the hardest job. Guiding our young kids, teaching them how to socialize safely then correcting their bad behavior when things go wrong . In my experience this was all hard to do prior to covid, but now as we enter what they call the never ending "covid endemic phase," the task feels even more daunting.

Children are no longer able to read your facial cues. They socialize less with kids their own age.  Making it harder for children to understand what's appropriate and what's not appropriate behavior.

So how do we elicit the behavior we want? Or at least encourage it?

Simply put, children quickly learn how to behave when we give consistent and positive guidance. This is something we can easily practice at home, before we drop them off at school.

ProActive Strategies:

1) Use a Visual Schedule so he knows what to expect; because seeing is knowing and understanding. 

• Construct a diagram on a board for both easy and difficult tasks.
• It can also be used for non- preferred tasks and activities around the house.
• In my experience it's best to put activities they do not prefer first, followed by something they really enjoy. 
• My favorite cards can be found on Amazon: ASIN B09MD26MDC 

2) State the positive behaviors you want to see, in a positive way (as much as you can).

• Tell him what you want him to do (not what he shouldn't do).
• Safe/quiet hands vs no hitting 
• Safe/quiet feet Safe/quiet hands vs no kicking
• Sit down vs don't get up
• Listen vs stop talking
• Inside voice vs no screaming
• If need be show him behavior cards
• My favorite behavior cards can be found on here on Amazon ASIN B00JNUSDWA

3) Use a positive behavior chart as a reward system.

• Show them that good behavior is worth its weight in gold.
• Target only 1-2 behaviors at a time until you see change or success
• Reinforce the behavior you want to see.
• Choose the most challenging behaviors first
• Reward positive behavior immediately! Don't wait.
• Create or buy a positive behavior chart (Amazon Chart Example)
• Decide on the reward together (ie. Candy, a new toy, cartoon time.)
• Use it right way when you see positive behavior
• Make the experience fun; our brains are conditioned to learn more when they are relaxed and not overly stressed.