Caregivers use direct and indirect guidance to help children develop appropriate behavior patterns.
Indirect guidance involves outside factors that influence behavior. Direct guidance involves nonverbal and verbal actions.
Direct Guidance--Nonverbal
Eye contact
Facial gestures
Body gestures
Direct Guidance--Verbal
Guidelines for effective verbal guidance:
Use simple language
Speak in a relaxed voice (Save LOUD for emergencies. When you raise your voice, children generally become louder
Be positive (Use statements that give children a positive direction to take, not just a negative “don’t”)
Offer choices with care—only offer when the child actually has a choice
Encourage independence and cooperation
Be firm
Be consistent
Provide transitions to help children cope with a change in schedule
Consider the child’s feelings
Intervene when necessary
Indirect Guidance
Room set-up
Visibility of the children
Position of caregiver in the room
Child-friendly hooks, furniture, stepstools, etc.
The goal of positive guidance is to develop children’s self-control, encourage children to assume responsibility, and assist children in making thoughtful decisions.
See Direct and Indirect Guidance Techniques module (from Arizona Child Care Association) providing basic guidance techniques to prevent inappropriate behaviors and correct misbehavior.