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Here are other tips to help you deal with noncompliant behavior: |
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Identify
trouble spots and plan ways to handle the situation before a problem
develops. |
| • |
Give
children ample warning before bringing an activity to an end and
provide a clue about what comes next. |
| • |
Make
directions clear, brief, and simple. For example, don't combine
three or four instructions in the same breath. Give directions one
or two at a time. |
| • |
Offer
opportunities to make simple choices, such as: "Would you rather
pick up the blocks on the floor or those on the table?" Choices
need to be realistic. For example, saying: "Would you like
to pick up the blocks and have a snack?" is not a real choice.
Better to say (once earlier warnings have been given), "Time
to pick up blocks, it's snack time." |
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Focus
the child's attention by saying the child's name first. Kneel down
and speak directly face-to-face. |
| • |
Check
comprehension by asking a question, such as: "Where do the
blocks go?" |
| • |
Give
enough time to comply. Don't rush to give the instruction a second
time until you see clearly that the child is not going to comply. |
| • |
Don't
coax or nag, but don't let the child go on to another activity until
there has been compliance. |
| • |
Be
matter-of-fact, firm, and consistent. Be quietly confident of your
authority. Make sure other adults are aware that Emily has to pick
up her blocks before she starts a painting activity. |
| • |
Offer
to help, if appropriate, saying: "As soon as you get started,
I'll help you put those blocks away." |