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PDFPositive Guidance for Young Children: Plan Ahead
Young children are curious and actively explore the world. This curiosity and exploration may look like inappropriate behavior when they do not follow directions from adults or touch items they should not. Plan and prevent problem behaviors using these strategies:
Describe what you want to see
Clearly state your expectations for their behavior and show children what you mean. Say “let’s walk” instead of “don’t run.”
Use the “first/then” rule
Tie what you expect to what children want. For example, “First pick up the toys, then I will read you a story.”
Provide acceptable choices
Offer options that are appropriate to the child, such as “Do you want to wear the red shirt or yellow shirt?”
Use clear language
Avoid giving children unintentional choices.Questions such as “Are you ready to go?” can give children the opportunity to say “no.”
Set up spaces to encourage appropriate behavior
Keep items that are breakable and unsafe out of the reach of children. Put items where they should be used. For example, keep crayons on a table for drawing. Keep a basket of books near a sofa where children can sit and read.
Do you want to go on the slide or the swing?