SayPro tips for establishing classroom expectations

1. Keep Expectations Simple and Clear

• Why It Works: Preschool children have developing attention spans and may struggle with remembering lengthy or complex instructions. Simplifying expectations helps them focus and understand easily.
• How to Do It:
  • Example: Instead of saying, “Don’t interrupt while others are talking,” say, “Raise your hand when you want to talk.”
  • Keep the language age-appropriate, using positive phrasing like “Use walking feet” instead of “No running.”

2. Use Visual Aids

• Why It Works: Young children are highly visual learners. Using pictures alongside rules helps them associate actions with visuals, making the rules easier to follow.
• How to Do It:
  • Create a poster with icons or drawings for each rule:
    • A picture of ears for “Listen.”
    • Hands holding toys for “Share.”
    • A smiling face for “Be kind.”
  • Display the poster prominently in the classroom where children can easily see it.

3. Model Desired Behaviors

• Why It Works: Children often learn by imitating adults. Demonstrating good behavior provides a clear example for them to follow.
• How to Do It:
  • If the expectation is to “Take turns,” show this in action by playing a game and verbalizing, “Now it’s your turn, and then it’ll be my turn!”
  • For “Clean up,” involve yourself by picking up toys and saying, “Let’s tidy up together!”

4. Involve the Children

• Why It Works: Giving children a role in creating rules gives them a sense of ownership and makes them more likely to follow through.
• How to Do It:
  • During circle time, ask, “What are some ways we can make our classroom a fun and safe place?”
  • Guide their suggestions into simple, manageable rules. For instance, if they say, “Don’t grab toys,” rephrase it positively to “Let’s share toys.”

5. Reinforce with Positive Feedback

• Why It Works: Young children thrive on encouragement. Praising good behavior reinforces their understanding of expectations.
• How to Do It:
  • Acknowledge their efforts immediately, such as, “Great job waiting for your turn to speak!”
  • Use rewards like stickers, stars, or verbal praise to celebrate consistent behavior.

6. Be Consistent

• Why It Works: Preschoolers need routines and consistency to feel secure. Consistent enforcement of rules eliminates confusion.
• How to Do It:
  • Apply the same rules every day and follow through with the same responses when expectations are met or not met.
  • For example, if “Use walking feet” is a rule, remind them gently every time they run indoors: “Remember, we use our walking feet inside.”

7. Use Songs or Rhymes

• Why It Works: Preschoolers respond well to music and rhythm, which makes rules more fun and easier to remember.
• How to Do It:
  • Create simple songs, like a clean-up tune: “Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share!”
  • Incorporate clapping or actions to keep children engaged while learning.

8. Practice Through Play

• Why It Works: Play-based learning allows children to understand rules in a fun, low-pressure way.
• How to Do It:
  • Introduce “Sharing Time,” where a group activity like building with blocks reinforces taking turns.
  • Role-play scenarios to demonstrate rules, such as using puppets to show “How to be kind.”

9. Create a Safe Space for Mistakes

• Why It Works: Preschoolers are learning new skills and will make mistakes. A safe, supportive environment encourages them to try again without fear of punishment.
• How to Do It:
  • When a child forgets a rule, calmly remind them: “We use quiet voices inside. Let’s try again.”
  • Celebrate their effort to correct their behavior rather than focusing on the mistake.

10. Review and Repeat

• Why It Works: Repetition is key for young learners. Reinforcing expectations regularly helps them remember and internalize the rules.
• How to Do It:
  • Start each day with a quick reminder of classroom expectations during morning circle time.
  • Ask children questions about the rules to reinforce understanding, such as, “What do we do when we finish playing with toys?”

Summary

These strategies combine clear communication, visual supports, consistency, and positive reinforcement to create expectations that are developmentally appropriate for preschool children. The ultimate goal is to foster a safe, respectful, and fun environment where children understand their role in maintaining harmony in the classroom.