Behavior charts are effective in modifying behavior in preschoolers. They also provide a visual example of how well each student is behaving. There are typically three primary colors used on behavior charts and are extremely easy for preschool students to understand. Green represents exemplary behavior, yellow symbolizes a warning, and red means a student has crossed the line. Place the behavior chart in an area that is visible by all students; peer pressure and collective review can cause a change in behavior.
Sometimes students sit next to friends or foes and the interaction between them can be disruptive. By making yourself aware of friendships that result in excessive talking or relationships that cause fussing, you can make effective seating adjustments. Making a simple change such as moving a child's desk or work area to a different part of the room can decrease noise level and other behavioral disruptions.
Time-outs involve temporarily separating your preschooler from the environment where inappropriate behavior is being displayed. The goal is to give the student an opportunity to be apart from the group and reflect on his negative behavior. This technique is used by educators as well as parents. This form of discipline is intended to discourage poor behavior.
Time-in is time where your preschool student is separated and given individualized attention. During time-in, the student should be encouraged to participate in an interactive activity. Sometimes children act out because they have lost interest and have not yet learned how to focus their attention. It may be difficult to take time out from teaching a lesson to focus on one particular child, so having games and other interactive tools readily available will decrease the chance that you will have to consume a significant amount of class time. If a majority of the class has lost attention, you may need to adjust and make the adjustment more engaging.