Running an early childhood classroom is part science and part art. Infants and toddlers are truly inquisitive, active, and emotionally charged, therefore there needs to be a healthy balance of structure, the right amount of creative opportunities, and sensitivity in the classroom. When early childhood educators implement positive behavior management plans in the preschool classroom, it supports a fun and fruitful learning space, and the positive behavior is created and nurtured. Here are your top preschool behavior management tips, hacks, and discipline strategies to help early childhood educators create a happy and effectively managed preschool classroom space.
1. Set Preschool Classroom Rules Early
Starting the year off with a set of simple and positive classroom rules will provide students a specific guideline they can refer to and act appropriately within. When establishing classroom rules, it can be helpful to provide pictorial representation for class rules as well. Normal preschool classroom rules include
- Be kind
- Follow directions and listen
- Clean up after play
- Walk when you are inside the classroom instead of running
- Use gentle hands
Set rules the first few days of school and continue to review them throughout the year using songs, chants, or role play when possible.
2. Routines are the Secret to Preschool Behavior Management
Preschoolers tend to thrive with predictable, and structured routines. An established daily schedule can provide assurance to preschoolers as well as create a less anxiety provoking socio-emotional environment paired with less behavioral disruptions. If you are using visual schedules, picture cards, or group charts, help students know what is next in the schedule – circle time, snack, clean up, outside time, etc.
- At a minimum, a routine centered day will ultimately yield:
- Help students transition smoothly from one activity to another
- Build comfort and independence
- Decrease uncertainty, leading to fewer discipline issues
3. Positive Reinforcement: Applauding Appropriate Behavior
Effective preschool discipline strategies focus on applauding positive behaviors. Stickers, verbal praise, high-fives, and star of the day boards are all examples of reinforcement for helpful behaviors and may spur others to act similarly. Remember to be specific about the behavior being recognized (“Thank you for listening and waiting patiently!”).
Also, include group and individual rewards!
4. Assigned Jobs in Class
Assigning each student a job (i.e. line leader, helper, and book holder) for the day encourages engagement, means they learn responsibilities, and develops pride in the classroom. Change jobs weekly so every child has a turn to lead and be a member of the leadership role. It will be great and you will find that it assists in classroom management with little effort on your part!
5. Organizing Materials for Independence
Keeping your materials accessible and organized are two hacks that work wonders in a preschool classroom. Place toys, crafts, and other supplies in clear organization labeled bins. (Note: Use pictures if children don’t read!) Change the classroom space into zones (reading corner, activity table, play area, etc.) to show children where to find things and where to put them and creating the practice of cleaning up becomes part of the routine.
6. Fun & Active Transitions
When moving from one area of the class to another or moving on to another activity, children can get restless. Play some music, sing a song, or play a movement game! For example, while moving from free play to tidy up, start singing a tidy up song and all children will begin to clean up the area. You could also have a special bell that signals different things happening (like lunch time.) Children will be able to refocus and your circle will help build their language and listening skills, all part of preschool teaching tips.
Every preschool teacher has tried this hack
7. Allow for Expression and Communication
Emotion and feelings are important to preschool children and teachers. Let them talk about their feelings or how they may solve a peer conflict, right? Use a kindness corner, a mood board, or even the simple “How are you feeling today?” circle to address feelings before they emerge as conflicts. Use creative and drawing as tools to assist young children in providing an outlet to express feelings and behaviors, excellent tools to manage behavior in preschool.
8. Small Group Work is Great Valuable
Identify tasks or learning centers and break the class into small groups. Small groups offer opportunities for children to become more engaged, eliminate some noise, and provide opportunities for more personalized engagement. Designate a name for the groups or place some markers on the tables to designate the “superhero” table or “care bears” group. Not only will children be excited, but it will also make your classroom less chaotic, another hack!
9. Model the Behaviors You Expect
Children this age are always watching. When you demonstrate the behaviors you would like to see (caring conversation, sharing with friends, or listening respectfully) you are modeling the behavior required. Modeling is as powerful as any rule; it builds a classroom culture that lasts!
10. Allow for Movement and Play
Plan to enter movement into your day daily! Dance, yoga, and even fun and gentle stretches are an excellent way to facilitate fun movement. You could also tell a story with movements!
Acknowledge that preschool is about play and play is the best way to spur their energy and avoid temptation for out of control behaviors.
11. Communicate Consistently with Families
Communicate with families about classroom rules, schedules of the day, and specific information that you are working on with children. Families will appreciate your weekly, every two week, or monthly updates via chats, notice boards, newsletters etc. They will help reinforce the teaching and expectations of social interactions.
Conclusion
Helpful and consistent classroom organization can turn cylinders into opportunities for learning, growth, and fun. Teachers have the ability to set clear expectations and norms, but using routines and reinforcement, they help establish routines, independence, manners, and communication, which is important to the learning space for every preschool teacher. The more preschools can create a place where children learn to thrive and are flourishing academically and socially it benefits everyone!
Read Also : Teachers’ Role in Keeping Kids Safe Every Day
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