FFI TEACHERS 2010/11
Guidance, Supervision and Discipline
Fairfield Island Preschool provides a child-centered environment that reflects comfort and security as well as a natural need for order that ensures the psychological safety of the child.
Limits are expressed to children positively, i.e. “Turn the pages gently please,” rather than “Don’t be rough with the book, you are going to rip the pages.”
The focus is placed on the child’s behavior rather than the child herself, i.e. “You might hurt yourself on that rough wood,” rather than “You careless, naughty girl.”
Appropriate behavior is reinforced and the child is not labeled, i.e. “It was kind of you to share with Kayla,” rather than “Good girl.”
Redirection and choices are used as the most methods of guidance and discipline. Persistent refusal to abide by the rules of safety for self, others and the environment may require that a child be removed from the situation. This period of removal and reflection or “time out” is accompanied by an explanation to the child. The removal period is an opportunity for the child to calm down and discuss alternate approaches or behavior.
In the rare situation where a child loses all control, caregivers may hold the child with just sufficient strength to protect the child and others.
While there are a wide variety of theories and approaches related to discipline, the goal remains constant- to assist children in developing self-control, self-confidence, and ultimately, self-discipline and sensitivity in their interactions with others.
Fairfield Island Preschool provides a child-centered environment that reflects comfort and security as well as a natural need for order that ensures the psychological safety of the child.
Limits are expressed to children positively, i.e. “Turn the pages gently please,” rather than “Don’t be rough with the book, you are going to rip the pages.”
The focus is placed on the child’s behavior rather than the child herself, i.e. “You might hurt yourself on that rough wood,” rather than “You careless, naughty girl.”
Appropriate behavior is reinforced and the child is not labeled, i.e. “It was kind of you to share with Kayla,” rather than “Good girl.”
Redirection and choices are used as the most methods of guidance and discipline. Persistent refusal to abide by the rules of safety for self, others and the environment may require that a child be removed from the situation. This period of removal and reflection or “time out” is accompanied by an explanation to the child. The removal period is an opportunity for the child to calm down and discuss alternate approaches or behavior.
In the rare situation where a child loses all control, caregivers may hold the child with just sufficient strength to protect the child and others.
While there are a wide variety of theories and approaches related to discipline, the goal remains constant- to assist children in developing self-control, self-confidence, and ultimately, self-discipline and sensitivity in their interactions with others.
