At Sprouts Early Learning, we follow the philosophy of Dr Louise Porter (2009) who encourages educators and families alike to take a very different perspective on managing children’s behaviour, starting with the goal of developing considerate behaviour. This includes learning how to interact with care, empathy and respect, to respond positively to diversity and fairness, and to develop an understanding of reciprocal rights and responsibilities. Learning to communicate feelings and to resolve conflict all support children to be considerate people.
Confidence and self-esteem empower children to navigate social situations, learn social cues, and develop self-discipline. In long day care and education settings, children are exposed to new behaviours, interactions, and challenges that help them understand themselves and others.
This environment, guided by educators, provides a safe space for children to practice social skills that may be new to them. For children, learning to ‘read’ social situations and developing skills to respond
appropriately often requires a trusted adult’s guidance and support.
Our educators play a vital role in this process, teaching children how to understand and manage their own feelings and introducing strategies to support their ability to control their behaviour. This guidance builds both confidence and self-esteem, forming the foundation of social skills that children will carry throughout life.
Our Approach to Positive Behaviour Guidance
Our educators use the following practices to build children’s self confidence and self- esteem while guiding behaviour in constructive ways:
- Positive Role Models: Educators demonstrate self-control, empathy, and problem-solving, showing children how to interact positively and resolve conflicts.
- Supportive Environments: We create spaces that help children feel in control of their learning, reducing frustration and encouraging a sense of self-worth.
- Open Communication: By talking with children about their feelings and encouraging expression, we help them navigate emotions and understand their own responses.
- Engaging Experiences: Planned activities that align with each child’s interests and strengths help children feel capable, while challenging experiences help them build resilience and competence.
- Clear and Consistent Limits: Educators provide gentle, consistent boundaries, teaching children how to respect others and property.
- Caring Interventions: If a child is struggling to cope, our educators step in calmly and supportively, offering guidance and helping the child express their feelings in a constructive way.
- Collaboration with Families: We consult with parents and colleagues to ensure the best outcomes for each child, working together to support positive social development.
As children explore and learn about their environment, it’s natural for them to test boundaries and, at times, express inappropriate behaviours. Our approach involves guiding children through these experiences to help them recognise and address their behaviours constructively. This process, supported by both educators and families, helps children grow into confident, capable learners who feel secure in their abilities to navigate social interactions and challenges.
By prioritising behaviour guidance that builds confidence and self-esteem, we ensure that each child has a nurturing foundation upon which to develop social skills that will support them for life. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our approach, please feel free to reach out to our team. Together, we can make a lasting difference in your child’s growth and learning journey.
