The Power of Choice

In any one preschool day, there is the option of telling a child no many times over, regardless of how well-planned, safe and contained the program. A better option for both teacher and children is to give children the power of choice. Giving choices gives the child valuable practice in decision making and allows the child to feel some control of the situation.
Sometimes staff get into the habit of saying no without thinking how it impacts the child. With training and practice the staff learns to rephrase so giving the children positive choices becomes second nature.
When little Johnny decides he wants to cut into the line and jostling begins it often takes nothing more than for the teacher to ask whether he’d like to be in front of Aaron or be the caboose on the train. Johnny thinks about his decision and Megan keeps her place. It is important to compliment each child as often as possible on good choices. (When a youngster proudly announces, “I make good choices.” you hope that self-concept continues to affect choices in the years ahead!)
Another aspect of helping the child to follow the guidelines of the classroom is to make certain the child understands the directions. Rephrasing the directions in another way often helps to get the children to be compliant. Misbehavior is sometimes just honest confusion on the part of the child.
With four and five-year-olds, it can be effective to ask them what other options they had when they misbehaved. As you discuss what else they could have done it gives them practice in talking and thinking through their actions and probable consequences of other choices. For the child, it can be the beginning of connecting their behavior choices to likely consequences and they are beginning the process of thinking through their actions before acting on impulses.
For further information or to schedule a tour please call 661-259-3888. Village Country Day Preschool is located at 24279 Valley Street in Newhall.