DEALING WITH CHILDRENS BEHAVIOUR – REWARD CHARTS
As a mother of 7 children I have learnt a lot over the years. I would like to share my experience with reward charts.
I have found reward charts to be very useful in encouraging good behaviour, particularly in 3-5 year old children but also in children of all ages.
Every adult will tell you that positive reinforcement is needed at any age, but it is particularly useful to give a visual display of positive reinforcement to children under 11. It must be said that nothing replaces a cuddle, for good behaviour, but children also respond well to seeing a star or badge.
I have found it really useful when implementing behaviour programmes to speak and discuss the progress with your childcare provider or Day Nursery. Often they can support your ideas and follow them through during the day whilst your at work and even offer advice and support should you have any problems. If you need help when looking for Day Nurseries in Rochdale (my hometown) or across the whole of the UK then visit www.look4nurseries.co.uk
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A TREAT FOR THEIR REWARD CHART?
I have found that it is best to look at children individually, and think about something they have asked for lately, or a trip to the park etc., I have tended to keep away from money as an incentive.
I must say I disagree strongly with the practice of taking away a sticker that has been earned, because of negative behaviour. If a child has obtained a sticker, why take it away. The good deed he has done or good behaviour has occurred, if you take it away it means it never happened.
CONSISTENCY
This is the key to behaviour programmes. If you are consistent in the way you deal with children, they are aware of the boundaries, and know how to achieve the rewards you give them with the reward chart. For example, if you want a child to say please, do not lapse, every time the child asks for something remind him to say please and thank you when he receives it.
Bringing up children is difficult, but if you remember to reward positive behaviour, and consistently keep to ground rules set, in time it will get easier. Reward charts will help in giving the child the motivation to behave, and learn new skills. If you are giving a reward chart for skills, make sure they are achievable, and if necessary, divide into sub skills. For example, learning to read, learn phonic sounds first, then blending etc., There are stages you have to be successful at in order to learn a new skill.
