They reduced 90 % of his challenging behaviours within 30 days… without trying!

Did this headline pique your interest?

This is what a preschool team told me within the first 5 minutes of our chat. As you can imagine I was thrilled! After lots of high fives, I asked “how”?

We mapped out a plan for their morning routine.

We mainly focused on:

• Creating a soothing environment (e.g., soft music, dimmed lights, fidgets, noise cancelling headphones, de-clutter walls & tidy up broken, surplus or unused toys).

• Structuring their play by placing the materials in an obvious and welcoming way. And of course, this included sensory activities 😊

• Carving out time for group facilitated activities. Welcome back circle time!

• Scheduling who did what when. For example, which educator would lead the circle, animate the activities, prepare snack, support, and enhance children’s independent play.
  

As you notice, none of these to do’s were related to the child they requested behaviour support for. Yet, these positive changes decreased 90 % of his challenging behaviours. And you’ve guessed, others too.

Why?

Because our environment plays a key role. As well our planning, collaboration, and structures.

I’m not going to sugar-coat this. It was hard for them. Especially the first two weeks. And they’re still ironing out kinks as they go.But their expressions, relief and renewed hope were priceless. And it was all thanks to their hard work.

They even revamped their physical space, added a calm down area, and painted on a Sunday! Talk about dedication.

I can’t express how much I admire what you do every day. Seeing little and big people reap the benefits of committed and kind-hearted educators is invaluable.

I know sometimes we hope for a magic solution, an easy fix or thinking next year’s group will be different. But the magic happens when we focus on what we want to see more of vs what we don’t want. This subtle mindset shift allows us to attract positive changes.

Because we realize we have more choices than we thought.

With all my love,

Alex