What is Redirection?

Page 12

​Positive reinforcement works great, but what if a child is already exhibiting problem behavior or having a tantrum? In the case of a child that is already exhibiting a problem behavior, using positive reinforcement at this time is not going to be an effective option. Turning to redirection in this scenario will help to bring the child away from the cause of their problem behavior. 

​Redirection is taking less desirable behaviors and emotions and trying to turn them into a positive situation. The goal is to redirect an upset child’s attention onto something that is not upsetting to them in order to calm them down. Using redirection will avoid giving into what the child wants or rewarding undesirable behavior, and instead bring their attention to another activity or item. In order to successfully redirect it is important to use a game, activity, toy, or video that the child will find engaging and enjoy. Be sure to take into account each child’s different interests when redirecting.  ​ 

Example:

Alex is building a garage with blocks for his cars and he is crying because he accidentally knocked over his blocks for the third time. Each time it fell over Alex became upset and tried building it again. He is getting more and more frustrated and angry. Alex's teacher recognizes that he is about to have a tantrum and  quickly asks him what they could build that is flat and cars drive on. Alex's teacher successfully redirects him to building a road for his cars using the blocks flat on the floor.

​​​Redirection works well when the new activity, game, or toy is similar to the one that caused the initial frustration. This way the child can learn a more productive way to interact with their environment and has the opportunity to still feel successful.​  Redirection can take many forms, and there are multiple ways to calm a child down when they are escalating. Other ways of calming a child include having them talk about their anger, teaching breathing techniques, or any other useful techniques you have pre-practiced in the classroom.

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
2. Positive Reinforcement?
3. Positive Reinforcement Tips
4. Methods of Reinforcement
5. Positive Reinforcement 
6. Desired Behavior (1/4)

7. Managing Mistaken Behavior
8. Age Appropriate Child Guidance
9. Preschool How To: Reinforcement
10. Scenarios (2/4)
11. Reinforcement and Bribes
12. What is Redirection?

13. Redirecting Behavior
14. Using Redirection (3/4)
15. End of Course Quiz (4/4)
16. Course Evaluation Form​
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