Have you ever observed pre-schoolers in their classroom? A teacher handling a pre school class can have both fun and challenges, chaos and disorder. So it is important that the teachers have a discipline plan in place. The strategies however must be supported by principles related to preschoolers’ behavior.
Principle 1 – Security and Trust Order and Routine
A young child need to feel secure and have trust in his teacher and environment in order to have a good behavior. Secutity will make him peaceful so he will enjoy his learning environment and peers.
An appropriate discipline strategy for this principle is maintaining an orderly classroom with routine activities and schedule.
This security helps children overcome fears of being away from home.
Principle 2 – The Power of Praise.
Young children need to feel that they are appreciated. When they are given toys to play with, they need to know how to play with them, where to place them when not in use to avoid having a mess in the play area. The teacher must be alert to notice any action worth praising for the pre schoolers. A child perceives this by listening to the tone of voice the teacher uses. The teacher also needs to be careful to catch the child doing good. After the praise given by the teacher she encourages other children to imitate the praised behavior. Praise also creates a positive classroom environment and a secure environment for the children. They would think that if they break a rule, a consequence will follow.
Principle 3 – Consistency in the Classroom
The teacher needs to have simple rules with simple consequence. Rules must be talked about and practice. The child should know the consequence of his actions.
Using these strategies with underlying principles will lead the teacher to be caring and nurturing. Authority and a child who feels secure and cared for.
Have a joyful teaching experience with disciplined pre-schoolers.
By: Christine Joy Q. Cabral | Teacher I | Limay Elementary School | Limay, Bataan
