2141 Maple Lane •
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUNG
CHILDREN
A Guidance Approach provided
by:
Sunshine Acres Montessori Preschool
Phrases that work Phrases that
do not
Would you like to … Don’t … (invites
This is your …
You may ... inappropriate
behavior)
This is your …
You need to … You
are … (labeling child as good,
Did you do it too?
I’m glad you bad,
etc.
remembered what to do. You
ought to be ashamed
You may (climb outdoors). You may You
say you’re sorry
not
(climb on the chair). You’ll
always be…
(Running) is for outside, not for inside. What’s
the matter with you?
I see you (behavior), so I know It doesn’t hurt
that badly.
you’re ready to ______. There’s no reason to
be afraid.
Would you like to tell me about it? Shhhhhhhhh
or Shush!
You may hold/carry/close it this way. Can’t
you ever do anything right?
I know (indicating you understand - If
you would listen to me, that
not
elaborated). wouldn’t
happen.
I believe (name) is going to remember I told
you it wouldn’t work.
to
… (expressing confidence) That’s
pretty/good.
Thank You.
Please. Why
do you always do that?
When you are ready, you may tell We
don’t leave our … dirty.
… you are sorry. You are
being naughty.
I love you. You
are being selfish.
I know it hurts when you fall down. You’re
trying to get my attention.
When that happens to me, I ______. If you You’re
too little/young to…
want, you could see if it works for you. If I catch you
again I’ll…
We need to use whisper voices here. See
how clean (another child’s)
That’s a hard job.
Next time, carry it this hands
are?
way
so it won’t spill. (Child)
didn’t mean to hurt you.
If you do this, it might
work better. Clean
your plate. There are lots
Let’s see why it didn’t work. of children who would be
I see that you like (yellow, wavy lines, etc. grateful
for food like this.
in
response to art work) (Name)
won’t like you if you …
I feel …when this happens If you …
you’ll get to be first.
When you are finished with … I want you to …
then
you may… You
make me so mad.
First you need to … then you’ll be ready to…
Here are your choices:
You may… or you may…
This is your … You may … And I will help you.
I like the way you …
I like it when you …
The (chair) is not for (jumping on). You may jump
on the floor.
I understand you are afraid because …
I understand you wish you could… but…
I see ______ is (describe behavior). He/She is
ready to (the fun thing ahead).
_____ is showing me he/she is ready.