Behaviour Guide

Baby Steps playgroup is a non-hitting environment where children feel safe and valued.

Providing positive guidance to children at playgroup is the responsibility of all parents in the group.

Positive behaviour management methods should always be used to ensure that:

· No child hurts themselves or another child

· No child damages property or another child's work

· Children speak to each other, and to adults, with respect.

Try to:

· Explain to children the behaviour you want

· Notice and praise good behaviour when it happens (be specific)

· Model good behaviour yourself

· Be reasonable in what you expect (Be aware of what is "normal" behaviour for the child's age)

· Ignore small things that don't matter

· Allow children to resolve conflicts themselves where possible.

Unacceptable behaviour should be dealt with immediately by the person(s) who observe it, using some of the positive behaviour management methods listed below:

· If children are in immediate danger (e.g. from being hit on the head with a hammer) then an adult should gently physically restrain the hitter

· Explain to the child why the behaviour is unacceptable

· Remind the child of the playgroup "rules" or limits

· Use positive phrases to explain what behaviour is required

· Help the child to verbalise what s/he wants (it maybe helpful to give the child a phrase to use)

· Redirect the child to another activity if appropriate

· Encourage sharing and turn taking.

Haere Mai

Welcome to the blog of Baby Steps playgroup. The aim of this blog is to promote our playgroup and to document our sessions and activities.

The playgroup starts at 10am December 3rd, 2009 at Thistle hall Community Venue in Wellington city, New Zealand. The sessions will run December 3rd, 10th and 17th and then break for the school holidays. If this is a big hit, we may add extra sessions on other days in 2010.

We are a group of passionate parents whose aim is to provide creative and intelligent play for their children and to build a supportive network for parents. We like to drink coffee too.

If you would like to be involved, bring your kids, sponsor, donate play equipment or support us in any way, please get in touch with Lily on 04 3862433 or 021 0220 4635.