Creating a Positive Class Environment - When kids don’t cooperate

HOW TO CRUSH KID MIN(istry):

Creating a Positive Class Environment - When kids don’t cooperate

It is unacceptable to physically discipline a child in your care. Never attempt to physically discipline a child, belittle a child, or administer corporal punishment. Discipline should always be done in a positive, patient and grace-filled way that focuses on helping the kids instead of enforcing punishments. When discipline is necessary to keep a safe and effective environment for everyone, here are three steps to take:

REDIRECT

  1. Get on the child’s level and look them in the eye.

  2. Give a verbal warning, explaining why the behavior is not acceptable. If possible, whisper to the child in order to not draw attention away from the teaching and onto the inappropriate behavior.

    1. First verbal warning such as, “That’s your first warning.” Explain what was wrong with the behavior. Older children may be asked to state the offense and the desired behavior.

    2. Second verbal warning such as, “That’s two.” Explain that was the last warning and tell what will happen next.

  3. Encourage the child to participate in another way or help them find a way to connect to the activity that may get their attention and help them engage.

    1. Offer a choice. When you say, “You may play with the truck or the car. Which one do you want?” You are giving the child a choice between two appropriate toys.

    2. Walk through the problem. For example: “Ryan wants the truck. Timmy wants the truck. What can we do? Here is another truck. Which one would you like Ryan?”


REMOVE

  • Third offense: If the child does not follow directions when you give them a redirection, it may be necessary to remove them from the situation or activity so they can calm down and prepare to rejoin the group.

  • Place them in an area away from the other kids for no more than one minute per year of age.

REFER

  • If the child is still not obeying, refer the child to your Children’s Director for assistance. If a child has been particularly disruptive or is disruptive on a regular basis please communicate to the director the details. She can work with the parents on the next steps and help the child engage in class in the future.

  • Severe offense: Biting, hitting, pushing, scratching, or pulling is considered a severe offense. If a child displays any of these behaviors, he or she will be removed from the class and a parent will be notified immediately. Reach out to the Children's Director if you need assistance.

    • Notify Children's Director and she will tell the parents about the incident.

    • If the Children's Director is not available and the information needs to be relayed to the parent right away, the lead teacher may privately tell the parents what happened.

    • If physical injury occurred, please fill out an “Incident Report.”.