09-17-2022
Use Teachers' Tips to Improve Behavior at Home
Can't get your child to do assignments on time? Pay attention? Respond to requests?
Why not take advice from people who get not just one—but 20 or more—elementary-age kids to do what's expected? Teachers!
Here's what they suggest:
- Teach your child the behavior you want to see. Identify the tasks you want to be routine—like putting the school backpack by the front door.
- Post a schedule for daily activities. Your child will know what to do and when to do it, without having to ask. This makes kids feel more independent.
- Avoid abrupt transitions. Kids can get really absorbed in an activity. To help your child switch gears, set a timer. Explain how many minutes are left before your child needs to do something else.
- Make tasks fun. Don't just tell your child to pick up toys, for example. Suggest doing it before a timer sounds, or in rhythm to music.
- Use silent signals sometimes, instead of verbal demands. For example, use a gentle touch on your child's shoulder to signal that it's time to calm down or pay attention. Flick the lights off and on to give a five minute warning before bedtime.
- Provide lots of meaningful things for your child to do. Stash interesting books around your home. Keep paper, crayons and craft supplies handy so your child can use them at any time. In the grocery store, put your child in charge of coupons.
Brought to you by:
Gwinnett County Public Schools
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