The Benefits of Positive Redirection
At Small Strides, we believe in the importance of positive redirection for the development and growth of our young learners. We incorporate this teaching method for the infants, toddlers, and preschoolers we care for each day.
This post aims to help parents and educators understand the power positive redirection has in encouraging children to grow and learn in healthy ways.
What is Positive Redirection?
Positive redirection is a strategy that focuses on showing children what they can do instead of emphasizing what they cannot do. It offers positivity within natural experiences, prevents shaming, keeps the learning environment positive, provides experiences that are rich in language, and promotes optimal understanding at a developmentally appropriate level. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each of these benefits:
1. Positive Redirection Shows Children What They CAN Do Instead of Emphasizing What They Cannot Do
Positive redirection is based on the idea that children need to feel empowered and capable of handling situations in a positive and constructive way. Instead of telling children what they cannot do, it is much more effective to show them what the possibilities are. By focusing on the positive aspects of a situation, children are more likely to feel confident in their abilities and more motivated to learn and grow.
For example, instead of telling a child "Don't touch that," we could redirect their attention by saying, "Let's look at this toy over here instead." This way, we are showing them what they can do instead of what they cannot do, which is a much more positive and constructive approach.
2. Positive Redirection Offers Positivity Within Natural Experiences
Positive redirection is about creating a positive learning environment that encourages children to learn and grow, especially in normal life experiences.
For example, if a child is having difficulty sharing a toy, instead of telling them off or punishing them, we could encourage them to share by saying something like, "Let's take turns playing with the toy, so everyone gets a chance to have fun." This approach focuses on the positive aspects of sharing, which encourages children to learn a fundamental virtue that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
3. Positive Redirection Prevents Shaming
Positive redirection also helps to prevent shaming. Children are constantly learning and growing, and it is important to provide them with positive and constructive feedback that encourages their development.
For example, if a child spills something on the floor, instead of scolding them for their mistake, which makes them feel shame, we could redirect their attention by saying something like, "Let's clean this up together." This approach shows the child that we are not upset with them for making an error, but, instead, that we are focused on finding a solution to the problem.
4. Positive Redirection Keeps the Learning Environment Positive
As opposed to negative discipline like yelling or shaming, which creates a fear-based environment, positive redirection helps to keep the learning environment healthy by encouraging children to learn and grow in a constructive way together.
For example, instead of telling an individual child "Don't run," we could redirect their attention by saying something like, "Let's walk so we can stay safe." This approach focuses on the positive aspects of walking, which encourages other children to do the same because it’s the situationally appropriate thing to do, rather than acting out of fear of potential punishment.
5. Positive Redirection Provides Experiences That are Rich in Language
Rather than Just Saying “No”, positive redirection requires parents and teachers to elaborate, which is essential for the growth and development of young learners. By using positive and constructive language, we can help children to develop their language skills and learn new concepts and ideas.
For example, instead of just saying "No", we could redirect the child's attention by saying something like, "Let’s try a safer activity instead." This approach encourages the child to explore and learn in a positive and constructive way while also developing their language and communication skills.
6. Positive Redirection Offers Optimal Understanding at a Developmentally Appropriate Level
Finally, positive redirection promotes optimal understanding at a developmentally appropriate level. As children develop mentally and emotionally, they are increasingly capable of understanding what appropriate behavior is. No matter what stage of development, positive redirection can meet them where they’re at.
For more information on how we incorporate positive redirection at Small Strides, feel free to reach out to us!