Key Takeaways
- Positive guidance teaches what TO do, not just what not to do
- Prevention is the best guidance: clear expectations, consistent routines
- Use redirection, positive statements, and choices
- Never use physical punishment, humiliation, or withholding food
- Support self-regulation by teaching calming strategies and problem-solving
Positive Guidance
Functional Area 10 focuses on providing a supportive environment in which children can begin to learn and practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors and develop self-regulation.
What is Positive Guidance?
Positive guidance is an approach that:
- Teaches children what TO do (not just what not to do)
- Sets clear, consistent expectations
- Uses logical and natural consequences
- Maintains the child's dignity
- Builds self-regulation skills
Why Behavior Happens
Consider the ABCs of Behavior:
- Antecedent: What happened before the behavior?
- Behavior: What did the child do?
- Consequence: What happened after?
Common Causes of Challenging Behavior:
- Developmental stages (testing limits is normal)
- Unmet needs (tired, hungry, overwhelmed)
- Environmental factors (overstimulated, transitions)
- Lack of skills (doesn't know what to do)
- Need for attention or control
Prevention Strategies
The best guidance is prevention:
| Strategy | Example |
|---|---|
| Clear expectations | "We walk inside" |
| Consistent routines | Predictable schedule |
| Engaging environment | Interesting activities |
| Adequate supervision | Adults positioned to see all |
| Appropriate challenges | Not too easy, not too hard |
| Advance notice | "5 more minutes until cleanup" |
Positive Guidance Techniques
1. Redirection Guide children to appropriate activities.
- "The blocks are for building. You can throw the ball outside."
2. Positive Statements Tell children what TO do.
- Instead of "Don't run!" → "Please walk inside."
- Instead of "Stop yelling!" → "Use your indoor voice."
3. Giving Choices Offer two acceptable options.
- "Would you like to clean up blocks or books first?"
- "You can sit here or there at circle time."
4. Natural and Logical Consequences
- Natural: If you don't eat lunch, you'll be hungry.
- Logical: If you throw sand, you leave the sandbox.
5. Problem-Solving Help children think through issues.
- "What can we do when two people want the same toy?"
What NOT to Do
Never use:
- Physical punishment (hitting, spanking)
- Withholding food as punishment
- Isolation (closets, dark rooms)
- Humiliation or shaming
- Yelling or threats
- Labeling children ("bad boy")
Time-Out Considerations
If using time-out:
- Brief (1 minute per year of age)
- Calm, non-punitive approach
- Not for children under 3
- Child should understand why
- Return to activity quickly
Better alternatives:
- Time-in (staying with child to calm)
- Quiet corner with calming activities
- Brief break from activity
Supporting Self-Regulation
Help children learn to manage their own behavior:
| Skill | How to Support |
|---|---|
| Recognizing emotions | Label feelings, use emotion charts |
| Calming down | Teach deep breathing, quiet corner |
| Impulse control | Games like Simon Says, Red Light Green Light |
| Problem-solving | Talk through solutions |
| Following rules | Consistent expectations, visual reminders |
Which is an example of a positive statement?
According to positive guidance principles, what should you NEVER do?