- Ask a child "Do you want..." only when you really intend to give them a choice. Be prepared to accept his right to decide: "No, I don't want to..."
- Put suggestions or directions for behavior in positive rather than negative form. Avoid "don't". Children are doers, not "don't-ers".
- Build a positive self-image in the child by your interaction with them. Belittling, shaming or labeling as "bad", "naughty", etc. do not encourage self-esteem.
- Avoid comparing one child with another. Avoid competitive situations where children compare themselves with others. Encourage the child to become the best that they can be.
- Use simple language and a clear, firm voice when setting limits. Save shouting for an emergency only.
- Avoid making models in are media for children to copy. Show the possibilities of new materials without models.
- Give the children the help that they need, but do not do for them what they can do for themselves, just because you can do it better or faster. Exception - when a child is having a bad day or isn't feeling well.
- Help each child to experience success as often as possible. Commend their efforts and successes if they are trying their best.
- Avoid using the word "nice" at all. It infers a judgment about a child or their work which is not ours to make. Instead use words like "polite, thoughtful, considerate" for behavior and phrases like "I see you spent a lot of time on that" or "Your work has a lot of red in it", etc. for projects.
- Reinforce your words, directions and suggestions with appropriate accompanying action. Follow through and be clear.
- Encourage the children to care for and clean-up their own areas. Remember, it is their job to care for their own materials. You are the helpful teacher who assists them.
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