What to Say…
When speaking to children, talk to them where they are, at their eye level, by sitting down or stooping or squatting. Avoid shouting at children from a distance. Try not to turn your back on a group of children, unless you know someone else is watching them. Speak in a pleasant, calm voice, giving positive instructions when needed, offering a choice only when there really is a choice.
Say | Don’t Say |
Sit down when you slide. | Don’t stand up when you slide. |
Dig in the sand. | Don’t throw the sand. |
Sit in the swing. | Don’t stand in the swing. |
Use two hands when climbing. | You’ll fall down if you don’t watch out. |
Climb down the ladder. | Don’t jump or you’ll hurt yourself. |
Sticks stay on the ground. | Don’t play with the stick, or you’ll hurt someone |
Keep the puzzle on the table. | Don’t dump the puzzle on the floor. |
Turn the pages carefully. | Don’t tear the book. |
Sit on your chair. | Don’t rock in your chair. |
Talk quietly please, or use inside voices. | Don’t shout |
Walk around the swing. | Careful, the swing might hit you. |
Wipe your brush on the paint can. | Don’t drip paint on the floor. |
Put an apron on. | Don’t you want to put an apron on? |
Time to wash your hands. | Don’t you want your snack? |
The blocks are for building | Don’t throw the blocks |