Identifying the behaviors your child learns in preschool is the first step in reinforcing those behaviors. In preschool, children learn social skills that help them make friends and relate better to others. They learn how to resolve conflicts, share, treat others kindly and control their anger and frustration. Children learn behaviors that help them succeed in school, such as listening to the teacher or to their peers, following directions and sitting quietly or walking rather than running around wildly. Preschool also encourages independence. A preschooler is often expected to do things on his own, such as pick up after himself, feed classroom pets, wash his hands without help and put on his own coat.
Your child learns best by watching you, so model the behaviors she is learning in preschool that you want to reinforce. Listen attentively to your child when she tells you about her day or describes a picture she colored. Share your things with your child, whether it is the last piece of pie or a turn choosing which television show to watch. Allow her to observe you treating people with kindness and let her hear you speaking courteously, using "please" and "thank you" when you talk to people. Don't yell at your pets, spouse or preschooler when you are unhappy with their behavior.
Look for teachable moments that give you the opportunity to reinforce the behaviors your child is learning in preschool. If your child has a conflict with a sibling or playmate, suggest ways to resolve the conflict, such as taking turns, choosing a different game to play or offering an apology. When he receives a gift, remind him to say "thank you" if he forgets. If you notice a temper tantrum brewing, help him calm down by giving him a hug or empathizing with how he feels.
Provide positive reinforcement when your child exhibits the behaviors she is learning in preschool. Praise your child when she shares toys, promptly does what you ask or gets dressed without help. Be specific in your praise. Tell her, "I love that you put your dolls into the toy box so neatly." Don't feel like you have to praise everything she does. Focus your praise on tasks she has difficulty with or that she feels proud of herself for completing.