Encouraging the behaviours you want– some suggestions -4

Make co-operation fun

Children are more likely to co-operate and behave well if it is fun to do so.

Help children start and finish things

Let’s see how much of this you can do before I get back.

Use singing, rhymes and rhythm

Use tunes you know or make up your own.
• We’re putting the blocks away, today, today.

Turn boring activities into games

• Let’s see who can get to the lamp-post first. • I will put away the blue blocks – which colour will you put away? • Tama certainly uses a lot of nappies. Let’s count them as we fold them.

Give the child a little challenge

For example, use the timer on the kitchen stove. • Can you beat the timer and pick up your toys before it goes off? • Let’s see if you can get dressed before that timer goes off.