As a caregiver working with children the language you use and relationships you build with each student is vital to promoting positive behavior in your program. Use this chart from the book Responsive School Discipline: Essentials for School Leaders, as a helpful guide in using direct language with children.
Instead of: |
Try: |
Manipulating childrens behavior by holding up classmates as exemplars
Look how nicely Bobby and Clarence are standing in line (announced to the class to get a few children to stop pushing in line).
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Telling the children directly what to do
Maria, Paul, and Georg, join me at the end of the line. Show me how to follow our hands-off rule (said quietly to the three students).
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Phrasing directions as questions
Could you please wait your turn to speak?
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Phrasing directions as directions
Its time to listen (in a matter-of-fact tone with a raised-hand signal for attention).
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Using sarcasm
Samantha, youre in fourth grade. Our first graders follow rules better than you. Why am I not surprised by your behavior?
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Pointing child in the positive direction
Samantha, stop. Walk to your classroom. Ill watch you from here (in a firm tone).
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Generalizing about a childs motivation
Youre trying to test my patience, arent you? I think you enjoy starting arguments during recess.
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Figuring out whats going on for a child
It looks like recess is a hard time of day for you. Whats happening at recess that makes it hard to remember our safety rules?
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Pulling negative history
Taylor weve talked about this many times do I have to remind you to keep your hands to yourself in line?
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Remaining in the present moment
Taylor, hands to yourself in the hall. Come walk with me.
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Source: Wood, C., Freeman, B. (2011) Responsive School Discipline: Essentials for Elementary School Leaders. Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.