Establishing classroom expectations for children under the age of five requires a simple, clear, and consistent approach that caters to their developmental stage. Young children understand rules best when they are expressed through visuals, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Below are some tips for creating classroom expectations that are both understandable and easy for young children to follow:
1. Use Simple Language
- Tip: Keep your expectations short and simple, using words that children can easily understand.
- Examples:
- โWe listen when others are talking.โ
- โWe use our walking feet inside.โ
- โWe clean up when weโre done playing.โ
- โWe use kind words.โ
2. Visual Aids and Pictures
- Tip: Use pictures or visuals to support verbal instructions. Visuals help children understand and remember expectations better than words alone.
- Examples:
- Create a poster with images for each rule (e.g., a picture of a child sitting quietly for โListen when the teacher talksโ or a picture of two children sharing toys for โUse kind wordsโ).
- You could use โStopโ and โGoโ signs to indicate behaviors during transitions, or use smiley and sad faces to show positive and negative behaviors.
3. Model the Behavior
- Tip: Demonstrate the expected behavior so children can see exactly how it should look.
- Examples:
- Show how to raise a hand to ask a question, walk quietly in line, or put toys away after playing.
- Act out different scenarios: โHereโs how we listen to the teacher,โ or โThis is how we use gentle hands with our friends.โ
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
- Tip: Reinforce positive behavior with praise and rewards.
- Examples:
- Praise children for following expectations: โI see you are sitting quietly, thank you for listening!โ
- Give stickers, tokens, or small rewards for meeting expectations, emphasizing how their actions contribute to the classroom community.
5. Incorporate Songs and Rhymes
- Tip: Make expectations fun and memorable by turning them into songs or rhymes.
- Examples:
- โIf youโre happy and you know it, raise your hand!โ or โClean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere!โ
- Use a tune the children are familiar with to sing about rules like listening, cleaning up, or walking safely.
6. Keep Expectations Consistent
- Tip: Repeat expectations every day and stick to them consistently. Children thrive on routine and predictability.
- Examples:
- Start each day with a reminder of the classroom rules: โLetโs remember, we use our walking feet, and we listen when others talk.โ
- Gently remind children of the expectations when needed: โRemember, we use kind hands,โ when a child is touching another child too roughly.
7. Make the Rules Interactive
- Tip: Get children involved in creating and understanding the rules.
- Examples:
- During circle time, ask children what good behavior looks like and let them contribute ideas: โWhat do we do when we want to play with our friendโs toy? Yes, we ask first!โ
- Use role-play or puppets to act out different classroom scenarios, like how to share, how to ask for help, or how to wait for a turn.
8. Use Positive Phrasing
- Tip: Phrase rules positively to focus on what children should do, rather than what they shouldnโt do.
- Examples:
- Instead of saying, โDonโt run,โ say, โWe walk inside.โ
- Instead of saying, โNo hitting,โ say, โWe use gentle hands with our friends.โ
9. Provide Gentle Reminders
- Tip: Gently remind children of expectations as they are happening, using calm and supportive language.
- Examples:
- โRemember, we use our indoor voices.โ
- โWe take turns with the toy. Itโs your turn, and then it will be your friendโs turn.โ
- โPlease use your walking feet when we go to the snack table.โ
10. Reinforce Expectations During Transitions
- Tip: Reinforce expectations during transitions between activities, as children may become more excited or distracted during these times.
- Examples:
- Before transitioning, remind children what is expected: โWeโll clean up toys now and then weโll line up quietly for snack.โ
- Use a song or chant to signal the end of one activity and the start of another: โClean up, clean up, everybody do your shareโฆโ
11. Encourage Peer Support
- Tip: Encourage children to remind each other of the expectations in a kind way.
- Examples:
- Pair up children and encourage them to help each other by saying, โWe need to use gentle handsโ or โItโs time to clean up now.โ
- Praise children when they remind others of the rules in a positive way: โGreat job helping your friend remember to raise their hand!โ
12. Use a Visual Schedule
- Tip: Having a visual schedule that shows the sequence of the day helps children understand when different activities are happening and what is expected.
- Examples:
- Use a chart or pictures to show the order of the dayโs activities (e.g., Circle Time โ Playtime โ Snack Time โ Clean-up).
- This provides children with a sense of structure and helps them know when transitions are coming, reducing anxiety and helping with behavior.
13. Revisit Expectations Regularly
- Tip: Periodically revisit and review the classroom expectations to reinforce them and address any areas that may need further clarification.
- Examples:
- Once a week, revisit the classroom rules as part of a fun activity, such as a game or group discussion.
- Ask children what they remember about the rules, and gently remind them of any expectations that need reinforcement.
Example of Simple Classroom Expectations for Children Under 5:
- We Listen โ We listen to our teacher and our friends.
- We Use Our Words โ We ask for help and share our feelings with words.
- We Use Gentle Hands โ We touch friends and toys gently.
- We Take Turns โ We share toys and wait for our turn.
- We Clean Up โ We help clean up when we are done playing.
- We Use Walking Feet โ We walk inside, not run.
- We Are Kind โ We use kind words with our friends.
- We Raise Our Hands โ We raise our hand when we want to talk.
Conclusion:
Establishing classroom expectations for preschool children requires simplicity, repetition, and a focus on positive behaviors. By using clear language, visuals, and interactive methods, children can easily understand and follow expectations. Reinforcing these expectations through praise and consistency will help children develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the classroom environment.
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