Treats and Time Outs: Behavior Management in the Preschool Classroom

A teacher's authority over children's behavior in the classroom can take different forms:

• controlling (strict),
• developmental, or
• a mixed approach.

A controlling approach includes establishing clear rules and consequences for breaking them (as well as occasional rewards for adhering). A developmental approach includes more subtle tactics for influencing students' behavior: coaching students to improve their self-control; frequent recognition and reward for positive behaviors and progress; and effective use of peers, parents and the preschool director to reinforce good behavior. You also may have a strong preference for a mixed approach, teachers who employ both controlling and developmental tactics as each situation requires. A significant body of research indicates that positive teacher interpersonal interactions with young children are correlated with more student time on task and better cognitive learning (this may be true for other kinds of learning, as well). So whatever the method, avoid preschools with harsh practices or teachers who frown at the bad more than smiling at the good.

Classroom Behavior Management and The Preschool Search