Early Childhood - Connecticut State Department of Education

Social-Emotional Competence and Family Relations Chapter 10
RESPONSES TO AVOID WHEN GUIDING BEHAVIORS
To a child who is… Instead of... Try this Response
refusing to give any play
dough to the others at the
table:
throwing water out of the
water table onto the floor
and at friends:
stamping his feet at
another child who will not
share a building toy:
“No snack this morning if you
can’t share.”
135
“Let’s take a look at how much play
dough is at this table. How can we
share some so others can use it?”
“We do not throw water.” “Please keep the water in the table, not
on the floor where it will be slippery or
on our friends who might get cold and
wet.”
“You’re acting like a baby.” “It looks like you’re angry at John. Can I
help you solve this? What do you want
to tell John?”