Can be used to motivate students when starting a new unit or learning a new skill (academic)/"setting a positive tone for future work"

Can be used to help problem solve social-related situations/"engaging kids in problem-solving"

Metaphors are helpful ways to give children a vision of what is possible

Important to apply to and connect with students' real-world interests

HOW TO/Formulating Effective Vision Statements

• Think about your values as they relate to the situation at hand

• articulate a specific or concrete goal that reflects the value

• talk about the aspirations with ideas and words that engage children

Use reminders when you and the child are both calm

Use a direct tone and neutral body language

Phrase reminders as a question or statement (ex. What are you supposed to be doing now? or I'll begin when everyone is ready.)

Ideally you reinforce positive behaviors, but often you need to give clear, nonnegotiable instructions

Firm words, clear, respectful, specific

Effective redirection keeps children on track when their self-control is failing them; preserving their dignity and sense of belonging in the group

• Direct and specific

  • When student is out of control; when student is calm, help children to connect abstract terms with concrete behavior through reminders or reinforcements

• Name desired behavior

  • Wanted rather than unwanted behavior

  • Tell children what to do, rather than what not to do

• Brief

  • When children need redirection, the fewer words we use, the better

• Statement, not a question or suggestion

  • Teacher’s professional use of redirection (to guide a child who is currently not able to make wise decisions about behavior) is different from purpose of conversation with adults (positive social skills)

  • Do not give illusion of choice when we are not really giving a choice

  • Save please and thank you when asking a favor or expressing gratitude for a favor done; when redirecting we are not asking students to support us or do us a favor

  • Be mindful of using “for me”

• Follow through

  • Don’t say a consequence with the redirection; can provoke power struggle or suggests we don’t think they can do the right thing

Be Direct

Name the Behavior

"Stop, Walk"

"Make a Line"

"It's time to listen"

Short and Sweet (Keep it Brief)

State it! Don't Skate it! (Don't phrase as a question or suggestion)

"Come sit by me."

"Eyes on me."

"Apologize to Sammy"

Be conscious of when you say "please" and "thank you"

FOLLOW THROUGH!

Don't name a consequence when redirecting.

Stretch children's vision of themselves

use language to help students imagine themselves behaving and achieving in ways that go beyond but connect to their current reality

helps students who might struggle themselves in a positive light

gives students a positive vision of themselves that are relatable and attainable

sets a positive path and sense of self-identity around themselves and also their role in the class community

helps students work toward positive behaviors and class engagement