How to Use Ways to be Helpful in Sophie’s Classroom

The first step in helping children be successful is for adults to focus on the behaviors we want to see, and then convey that information to children clearly (with visual aids whenever possible). The more clearly we state the expectation, the more likely children are to fulfill it! Remind yourself to focus on the behaviors you want to see more of, and help children see exactly how to be successful by creating a Ways To Be Helpful Board.

Take a moment to focus on how you want your classroom to run. Write out a list of the behaviors necessary to fulfill your mental image of what you want cafeteria behavior to look like. Use positive terms (“gentle touches” rather than “no hitting”) and specific behaviors. If “taking turns” and “making room for friends” are behaviors you want to see more of, then you would include them in your list. Illustrate or take photos of the behaviors and place them on the Ways To Be Helpful Board. Additional information about Ways To Be Helpful can be found in the Creating the School Family and NEW Conscious Discipline Expanded and Updated books.