Positive reinforcement is a strategy teachers can use to get students to behave appropriately and continue good behavior. Teachers give rewards for good behavior, such as stickers when children behave respectfully, or class treats for good behavior from the whole class. The key to positive reinforcement is giving special treats the students will enjoy. At the preschool level, children have short attention spans, but rewards will usually result in improved behavior later.
Determine the rules of the class before the students have a chance to break them. Preschoolers are used to being told what they can and cannot do. Teachers need to establish the rules of the class for children to behave properly at school. Explain the rules and make sure rewards are clearly laid out when children obey the rules.
Punishments are the opposite of positive reinforcement and are related to disciplining bad behavior. When teachers are giving a punishment, it should be consistent and clearly laid out in class rules. Teachers should inform the children what punishments the class has and follow through with the punishments when children misbehave. Smart Classroom Management suggests that teachers should not take disrespect personally because it results in inconsistent punishments and inappropriate reactions.
Students can have a points and bonuses system designed by the teacher. The teacher gives a set number of points at the beginning of the day. Misbehavior results in lost points. When the end of the month comes around, the children's total points are added up and children have a bonus of extra play time for the points.