Aug 20 2009
Guideline #4 to Help Parents Select a Preschool
One question that all parents must have an answer to is, “How will my child be disciplined when he/she does not comply with the standards or classroom rules. Let’s back up for a minute. Before asking about discipline, the parent should be informed about classroom rules. Are there many of them? Will the children understand what they are? Are they realistic? And, are they consistent with your own standards and beliefs? To me, one rule encompasses and supersedes all others.
Rule: Each child is responsible for helping keep him/herself, friends, and equipment safe from harm. This simple rule works because children understand it. For example, if a child is hurting another child, the teacher or should I say the facilitator may ask,” Are you keeping your friend safe?” If you are not, then you are not following our classroom rule. I like to follow the initial statement with, “How else can you get your friend to listen or do whatever?”
Encouraging dialogue between the children empowers the hurt and the aggressive child with words. The aggressive child should be given an opportunity to examine his/her behavior without adults judging him/her. Believe me, when we show respect to children, they show respect to themselves and others. Okay, after asking about classroom rules, I would suggest asking about how teachers discipline children. I am a true advocate of Conscious Discipline. In conscious discipline the adult reminds children what they should and can do instead of focusing on the restricted and/or negative behavior. In this type of discipline, proper behaviors are applauded, listening skills are reinforced, and respect and empathy are emphasized. If you are comfortable with the director/teacher’s discipline style, continue on, if not, continue looking for another early childhood program.
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
