This guide will help you answer 3.1 Model positive behaviour.
As an Early Years Practitioner in the UK, you play a crucial role in shaping the behaviour and social skills of young children. Your actions and attitude can significantly influence the children you work with, creating a positive learning environment. Let’s delve into what it means to “model positive behaviour” and how you can effectively do this in your setting.
What is Positive Behaviour?
Positive behaviour refers to actions that promote a harmonious and constructive environment. This includes showing respect, compassion, patience, and integrity. Children are observant and tend to imitate behaviours they witness. Therefore, exhibiting positive behaviour is essential for their social and emotional development.
The Importance of Modelling Behaviour
Children are like sponges; they absorb and mimic the actions and attitudes of adults around them. By demonstrating positive behaviour, you set a standard for them to follow. This helps them understand social norms, build self-esteem, and develop healthy relationships.
Key Elements of Positive Behaviour
- Respect: Show respect to the children, your colleagues, and parents. Use polite language and listen actively when others speak.
- Patience: Understand that children learn at different paces. Be patient and give them the time they need to respond and learn.
- Compassion: Be empathetic. Show that you care about the feelings and experiences of others.
- Consistency: Children thrive on consistency. Stick to the rules and follow through on promises.
- Honesty: Be truthful in your dealings with children. This builds trust and integrity.
Strategies to Model Positive Behaviour
Lead by Example
Demonstrate the behaviour you want to see in the children. If you expect them to say “please” and “thank you,” consistently use these phrases yourself. Show them how to behave through your actions.
Use Positive Language
Replace negative statements with positive ones. Instead of saying “Don’t run,” try “Walk slowly, please.” Positive language encourages children to think about what they should do rather than what they shouldn’t.
Reinforce Positive Behaviour
Acknowledge and praise positive behaviour when you see it. This encourages children to repeat those actions. For example, “I noticed you shared your toys with Sam. That was very kind of you!”
Set Clear Expectations
Children need to know what is expected of them. Establish clear and achievable rules. Consistently enforce these rules to help children understand boundaries.
Provide Choices
Giving children choices helps them feel empowered and responsible for their decisions. For example, “Would you like to read this book or play with these blocks?” This can reduce conflicts and promote autonomy.
Managing Challenging Behaviour
Despite your best efforts, there will be times when you encounter challenging behaviour. How you handle these situations can also serve as a model for positive behaviour.
Stay Calm
Reacting with anger or frustration can escalate the situation. Stay calm and composed. This teaches children how to manage their emotions.
Address the Behaviour, Not the Child
Focus on the action, not the individual. Say, “Throwing toys is not safe” rather than “You are being bad.” This helps the child understand that the behaviour is the issue, not their identity.
Provide Consequences
Consistent and fair consequences are crucial. If a child breaks a rule, follow through with a pre-established consequence. Explain why the consequence is necessary, helping them understand the relationship between actions and outcomes.
Creating a Positive Environment
Your behaviour is a cornerstone of the learning environment, but the overall atmosphere also plays a role in promoting positive behaviour.
Organise the Space
An organised and inviting space can help children feel calm and focused. Ensure materials are accessible, and the environment is safe and engaging.
Build Relationships
Strong relationships form the foundation of positive behaviour. Get to know each child individually. Show interest in their lives, concerns, and achievements. A secure and trusting relationship encourages children to model your behaviour.
Involve Families
Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the child’s development. Communicate regularly with them. Share tips on reinforcing positive behaviour at home. Consistent messaging between home and the early years setting provides children with stability.
Reflect and Adapt
Being an effective role model involves continuous reflection and adaptation.
- Observe: Pay attention to how children respond to your actions and language.
- Reflect: Consider what is working well and where there might be room for improvement.
- Adapt: Be willing to change your approach based on your reflections and feedback.
Examples of Positive Behaviour in Practice
Example 1: Snack Time
During snack time, you can model positive behaviour by sitting with the children and engaging in polite conversation. Use phrases like “Please pass the fruit” and “Thank you.” Demonstrating good manners encourages children to do the same.
Example 2: Conflict Resolution
If two children are arguing over a toy, model positive conflict resolution. Calmly mediate the situation by encouraging them to express their feelings and find a compromise. For example, “I understand you both want the toy. Let’s agree on a time for each of you to play with it.”
Example 3: Clean Up
During clean-up time, participate actively. Show enthusiasm and model teamwork by saying, “Let’s all work together to tidy up!” Your involvement and positive attitude can make this routine task enjoyable and encouraging for children to follow suit.
Conclusion
Modelling positive behaviour is a fundamental aspect of being an Early Years Practitioner. It requires intentional actions, consistency, and a genuine commitment to fostering a nurturing and respectful environment. Remember, children look up to you and will often mirror your behaviour. Through your actions, you can lay the foundation for their future social interactions and lifelong learning.
