flattery
True or False:
Saying “Good job!” every time a child does something can be considered over-flattery.
True
Which is better for young children?
A. “Please utilize the appropriate materials.”
B. “Please use the crayons.”
B. Please use the crayons
True or False:
You should ask a child a question when they don't actually have a choice.
False
Which statement is better?
A. “It’s time to clean up, okay?”
B. “It’s time to clean up.”
B. Its time to clean up
Instead of saying “Don’t run,” what could you say?
Please walk/walking feet
What is a better alternative to repeatedly saying “Good job!”?
Give specific feedback about what the child did, such as “You put all the blocks back in the basket.”
True or False:
Adults should use words that young children can understand.
True
A teacher says, “Do you want to clean up now?” but cleanup is required. What should the teacher say instead?
" It's time to clean up."
True or False:
Adding “okay?” to the end of a direction can make it sound like the child has a choice.
True
What's a better way to say:
"Stop jumping on the table"
"We need to have our feet on the floor"
A child finishes a difficult puzzle. Which response is more specific and meaningful?
A. “You’re the best!”
B. “You worked hard to figure out where those pieces go.”
B. “You worked hard to figure out where those pieces go.”
A teacher tells a preschooler, “Please proceed to the designated area.” What is the problem with this statement?
The language may be too complicated or unclear for the child.
A teacher says, “Would you like to put your coat on?” The class is required to go outside. What is wrong with this statement?
The teacher is presenting it as a choice when the child doesn't actually have a choice.
Which statement is more appropriate when giving a direction?
A. “Please put your toys away, okay?”
B. “Please put your toys in the basket.”
B. “Please put your toys in the basket.”
Rewrite this direction so it tells the child exactly what to do: “Don't make a mess with the blocks”
Please keep the blocks on the table
A child shows their teacher a drawing. The teacher says, “You are SO talented! This is the BEST drawing ever!” What mistake might the teacher be making?
Over-flattery
A better response would be specific, such as “I see you used lots of different colors" or " Do YOU like the drawing"
A teacher tells a 3-year-old, “We need to transition to the next activity.” The child looks confused. What could the teacher say instead?
“It’s time to clean up and go to the next activity.”
A teacher says, “Could you sit down?” The teacher expects the child to sit. Is this a good way to give the direction?
No
It makes the direction sound like a choice. A clearer direction would be, “Please sit in your chair.”
A teacher says, “Everyone needs to line up now, okay?” What mistake is being made?
Ending a statement with “okay” can make a direction sound like it is optional.
A child is throwing blocks. The teacher says, “Stop!” What could the teacher say instead?
“Please keep the blocks on the floor and use them for building.”
Which response gives specific feedback instead of over-flattery?
A. “You're amazing!”
B. “You're so smart!”
C. “You kept trying different pieces until you found the one that fit.”
D. “Good job!”
C. “You kept trying different pieces until you found the one that fit.”
Why is it important to use language that has meaning to children?
Children understand directions better when adults use simple, familiar, age-appropriate words.
The teacher says, “Would you like to wash your hands?” before lunch. Washing hands is required. What should the teacher say instead?
“It’s time to wash our hands before lunch.”
True or False
Ending every direction with “okay?” is a good way to make sure children follow directions.
False
It can make a required direction sound optional.
A child keeps climbing on a table. Which direction is the clearest?
A. “Stop being silly.”
B. “Don't do that.”
C. “Please keep your feet on the floor.”
D. “Why are you doing that?”
C. “Please keep your feet on the floor.”