Behaviour Management
	St Paul’s embraces positive behaviour management strategies.
	BEHAVIOURS THAT MAY CAUSE CONCERN As children are placed in-group care settings they begin to face a number of learning skills. They are learning to become independent, accept responsibilities and contribute to the group. Most importantly they are learning to cope with their own feelings. In this new environment as Jean Jacques Rousseau, quoted, "Childhood has its own way of seeing, thinking and feeling and nothing is more foolish than trying to substitute ours for theirs." Keeping this in mind we must realise that children may display behaviours, such as biting hitting and swearing. These behaviours are usually observed when a child is unable to cope with their intense feelings. If their vocabulary is too limited to express these feelings they may act out a behaviour that may cause concern. Hence, it is our role to work through the child's feelings and model appropriate behaviours and language. DISCIPLINE Our goal is to assist children to be self-disciplined. We encourage children to make decisions for themselves, therefore learning to take responsibility for their behaviour and the consequences of their own actions. This is matched with their capabilities. If we encourage children to problem solve for themselves, then as adults they will already have the ability to make decisions. Therefore wherever possible we reinforce good behaviour rather than notice the undesirable behaviours. We empathise how good children feel about themselves when they have achieved, rather then how proud we are. We want children to try hard at whatever they are doing because they want to; not because we want them to. "You have worked hard, you must be very pleased with your work" We explain to children why we ask them to do the things we ask them to do, rather then just do it because we say so. We encourage co-operation amongst children and to consider the feelings of other people. This will allow children to respect rights, feelings and points of view of others. The children have rules to abide by and know and understand these rules. Children are informed as to why we have rules. "Walk inside, if you run you may hurt yourself or one of your friends." We try to have as little "No's" as possible and materials with little or no right or wrong way to play with the same materials. Children are encouraged to talk frequently and ask questions, individually and in group situations. Care givers actively listen, ask open ended questions, show acceptance and respect for what children are saying and model and assist where necessary. The benefits of constructive discipline are widespread as Dorothy Corkille Briggs once stated:- "It fosters friendly feelings between you and your children; it encourages responsibility, independence, motivation, creative thinking, intellectual growth, personal involvement and respect for those in authority. It directly enhances high self-esteem, for it is a powerful proof of love, faith and trust."