To help you be successful with the behavior management system, we have additional tips and tools available for you to use. 

When speaking to children about negative behaviors

1. Be clear and deliberate. Do not assume the child knows what you are thinking and feeling. They often imagine the worst. In order to help them feel comfortable state those feelings out loud for them to hear.

   • “You are not a bad kid, and I am not mad at you. Do you understand why we can’t_________ when we are here?”

2.  Explain your intentions. Many kids will “give up” once they get in trouble. If they are already in trouble, what is the point? Help them regain control over the situation by including them in your plans.

   • “When your parent gets here, I am going to talk to them. I am not going to tell them you are bad or in trouble, I am going to tell them______ (It is important to be honest and share with the child what you will say to the parents). Would you like to talk to them with me? Would you like to practice?”

3. Help them to find the right choice. If they are very upset, try and help them understand that the choices they make still matter. They can’t undo what happened, but they can change their behavior moving forward.

   •  “Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but even more important than the mistake is how we handle it. When your parents arrive, I can tell them you _________ then denied it, tried to lie and cried until they got here. Or I can tell them you apologized, made up for it, had a great rest of the day and I am very impressed with how mature you were. Which one do you think would be better? Great, then let’s get started!”

Positive reinforcement is essential to our after school programs. Positive reinforcement highlights our program rules and expectations, and decreases the need for discipline. Keep in mind that every behavior is a form of communication. Children want attention and we choose how we give it to them- choose positively! 

Thoughtful, caring, enthusiastic comments make everyone feel good. When staff reinforce positive behaviors, their bond is strengthened with the children and they are more likely to follow your lead. 

• Set children up for success by expressing expectations ahead of time

• Be observant of all behaviors at all times

• Recognize good behavior and reward the child with a smile, a “thumbs up” or a positive comment.

• Try to praise all children equally and do not play favorites.

• You can always find something positive a child is doing. It is important for you to share this with the child. For example, “Nice job of getting ready so quick” or “I like the way you are being so quiet during assembly.”

• Set the tone and be positive from the beginning.

• Remember you are a role model. Lead by example for appropriate and desired behavior.

• For cohesiveness and group dynamics, try to keep all participants involved.

If the overall experience is positive for children, they tend to have more good memories and generally get more from the experience.

*Earned rewards should never be taken away from a child.

Behavior Management Recap

1. Set kids up for success!

2. Recognize positive behaviors.

3. Be clear with your expectations/rules.

4. Address behaviors immediately. If not addressed immediately, you have given the “green light” for the behavior to continue and it will be difficult to address that issue in the future. 

5. Clear and consistent consequences. Give Resets and communicate behaviors with your site supervisor.  (Consequences are to never include physical activity, academics, or group punishment.)

6. Communicate persistent or severe behaviors with site supervisor immediately.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your site supervisor. They are always available to support you!