3.4. Demonstrate how to model to others best practice in promoting positive behaviour

This guide will help you answer 3.4. Demonstrate how to model to others best practice in promoting positive behaviour.

Modelling best practice in promoting positive behaviour is a crucial responsibility for those working with children and young people. It sets a standard for others—whether colleagues, parents, or carers—to observe, learn from, and adopt in their own interactions. Children, too, learn by example, so consistent modelling of positive behaviours and practices is vital to shaping their social and emotional development. In this guide, we will explore ways to effectively demonstrate this and why each approach is significant.

Why Does Modelling Matter?

Children and young people learn behaviours by observing those around them, particularly trusted adults. For many, actions speak louder than words. When you model best practice, you are showing how positive behaviour looks in real-world situations. Similarly, adults who work alongside you—such as colleagues, apprentices, or volunteers—can use your approach as a guide to improve their own practice.

Modelling includes:

• Showing calm, respectful, and consistent behaviour in all interactions.
• Using positive strategies to manage situations rather than reactive or punitive approaches.
• Providing effective communication that encourages collaboration rather than conflict.

How to Model Best Practice

Consistently demonstrating best practice requires being intentional about your actions, words, and how you handle challenges. Below are ways to model best practice when promoting positive behaviour.

Remaining Calm in Difficult Situations

Children and adults respond to your emotional state. Remaining calm during challenging situations not only de-escalates tension but also provides a clear model for how others can act under pressure.

Tips for maintaining calm:

• Keep facial expressions neutral and avoid showing frustration.
• Use a steady, gentle tone of voice.
• Take deep breaths or pause if needed to regain composure before responding.

For example: If a child becomes disruptive during an activity, respond with patience, saying, “Let’s use our quiet voices and talk about what’s bothering us.” This demonstrates a composed and solution-oriented approach.

Consistent Use of Positive Reinforcement

Show how to reinforce positive behaviour by providing thoughtful praise, encouragement, or tangible rewards. Make your reinforcement specific and immediate so that it effectively motivates others to replicate this method.

For example, if a child helps to tidy up, comment positively in front of your peers or other professionals: “Thank you for being so helpful. It’s lovely to see you taking responsibility!” This technique highlights the importance of catching children being good and celebrating those moments publicly.

Encouraging Respectful Communication

Respectful communication involves listening attentively, using appropriate language, and being clear in your expectations. By modelling this, you show others how to build constructive relationships.

Best practices include:

• Always speaking politely, even if correcting a child’s behaviour.
• Encouraging two-way communication by listening to the child’s perspective before responding.
• Avoiding blame-focused or critical language.

For instance, if a colleague speaks harshly to a child out of frustration, you can model a more positive approach by saying, “I understand why you’re frustrated—it’s important to let them know what we expect, but let’s try explaining it more gently.”

Setting Clear Expectations

Children and young people respond best when they understand what is expected of them. Modelling how to consistently and clearly outline expectations helps maintain calm and cooperative environments.

Practical examples include:

• Explaining rules or guidelines at the start of an activity, such as “We’re going to work together and make sure everyone gets a turn.”
• Using visual prompts, such as behaviour charts, to explain routines or acceptable actions.

Practitioners who witness this practice in action can carry it forward into their own interactions, ensuring consistency across the team.

Using Non-Verbal Cues

Modelling best practice doesn’t always require words. Non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and gestures are powerful tools in promoting positive behaviour.

Examples include:

• Giving a thumbs-up when a child demonstrates kindness.
• Smiling and nodding when listening to children share their thoughts.
• Using open body language to indicate approachability and understanding.

These subtle actions show both children and team members that small, non-invasive methods of encouragement can have a great impact.

Addressing Challenging Behaviour Positively

How you respond to challenging behaviours sets the tone for others to follow. Avoid punitive measures and instead demonstrate supportive and restorative approaches.

Techniques to model include:

• Redirection: Guide children away from unwanted behaviours toward appropriate activities. For example, “Instead of shouting, can you use your words to tell me how you feel?”
• Problem-solving: Work with children to find solutions by involving them in discussions. For instance, “How can we make sure everyone gets a turn next time?”
• Empathy: Show understanding of the child’s feelings before addressing their actions, like saying, “I can see you’re feeling frustrated—would it help to have a break before we talk about this?”

This approach encourages peers and colleagues to address issues constructively rather than reactively.

Role Modelling Within a Team

Promoting positive behaviour is not just about engaging with children; it’s about influencing the wider team too. Demonstrating professional behaviour within the workplace shows others how to maintain high standards.

Collaboration and Team Spirit

Support a culture of collaboration by working effectively with others. Modelling good teamwork includes:

• Sharing strategies that have worked well for you.
• Listening to others’ ideas and suggestions.
• Offering to mentor less experienced colleagues to help them feel confident in promoting positive behaviour.

For example, if a colleague struggles to gain cooperation from a group, you could step in by modelling how to engage the children through a fun song or gesture, then explain the method afterward.

Providing Feedback and Encouragement

Praise isn’t just for children; it works for adults too. Acknowledge when your colleagues demonstrate good practice, such as recognising when they handle a child’s conflict effectively. Positive feedback boosts morale and reinforces best practice across the team.

For instance, saying, “That was a brilliant way to get Jordan involved in the activity—your patience was fantastic,” encourages them to continue using those techniques.

Evaluating the Impact of Modelling

Demonstrating best practice is only effective if it inspires change. Reflect on how your actions influence both children and professionals around you.

Signs that you are successfully modelling best practice:

• Children imitate your positive language or behaviours (e.g., using kind words or taking deep breaths to calm down).
• Colleagues begin adopting your approaches, such as using positive reinforcement more frequently.
• There is a noticeable improvement in the overall behaviour and atmosphere of the environments you work in.

If progress is slow, consider whether there are additional barriers to address, such as a lack of training or understanding, and offer further guidance when necessary.

Final Thoughts

Demonstrating best practice in promoting positive behaviour involves intentional modelling of calm, respectful, and constructive actions. By leading through example, addressing challenging behaviours with empathy, and providing consistent positive reinforcement, you set a standard for both children and colleagues to follow. This approach contributes to a safer, more supportive environment where children thrive socially and emotionally, and professionals feel empowered to commit to high-quality care. Recognising that your actions influence others ensures you remain an effective role model in all areas of your practice.