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 |
