Preschool Behavior Charts

To be effective, preschool behavior charts need to be simple for kids to understand. Complicated behavior modification charts will only confuse preschoolers.

Charts reinforce helpfulness in preschoolers.

Before downloading a printable behavior chart, it is important to determine what is appropriate behavior for a preschooler. Some children may be almost reading but not understand social graces, while others may not be as focused academically but are more sensitive to others. Preschoolers will develop at their own pace, and preschool behavior charts need to reflect skills each is personally ready to undertake.

Generally, most preschoolers can understand the following behavior concepts:

• Saying "please" and "thank you"
• Picking up toys
• Putting clothes in the laundry basket
• Setting the table
• Holding doors open
• Telling someone "I'm sorry" if they hurt them
• Abstaining from hitting, kicking or biting
• Listening quietly when an adult is talking
• Washing hands after using the restroom
• Using indoor voices
• Not running in the house

It is important to realize that while preschoolers may be able to grasp the concept of the previously listed behaviors, it does not mean they will do them all of the time or be perfectly behaved. A behavior chart should be a parent resource for helping their children learn to behave appropriately.

Reading is an academic skill that few preschoolers have. An effective behavior chart should be simple for a three or four –year-old to understand. While a child behavior checklist may work for a third-grader, rarely will a preschooler "get" the concept. Instead, look for simple ways to reward good behavior and draw attention to rude or naughty behavior.

Instead of listing the behaviors children are expected to follow, use graphics or pictures to depict the skills. Free behavior charts to print may use simple illustrations to demonstrate setting the table, hugging a friend or washing hands. Alternatively, preschoolers can help make their own chart by using safety scissors and cutting pictures out of old magazines or books of good manners and behavior.

A sticker behavior chart is another way to reward children. Let them place their own stickers on the chart to help reinforce positive behavior. Large red Xs and green checkmarks can help distinguish between good and bad behavior. Drawing a smiley face or frowning face is another way to use graphics to show children what areas they did well and what areas they need to improve upon.

A daily behavior chart that has a "three strikes" policy is a concept most preschoolers will comprehend. When three negative marks are on the chart, a simple punishment should take place, such as loss of preschool television shows for the rest of the day.

The chart can also use "three strikes" to reward exceptionally good behavior. If there are three positive marks on the chart, a child may get to have extra computer time to play on his or her favorite preschool websites.

Discuss with the preschooler the chart at the end of each day. Talk about what they did that was good and what they did that was bad. Explain why particular behaviors were given positive marks or negative marks. Talk about what the preschooler can do differently in situations that resulted in negative marks.

As mentioned previously, preschoolers will develop social and emotional skills in their own time. Using a chart can help parents track their preschooler's development and see results. Save preschool behavior charts for a year in order to track progress. In addition to seeing areas of improvement, it can help parents realize that perhaps expectations are set too high if a child consistently has trouble understanding a particular concept. For example, some preschoolers will understand that they should say they are sorry if they physically hurt someone, but may not understand the concept of hurting another three-year-old's feelings.

Parents may be hesitant to use a kids’ behavior chart, fearing that using one will make them look like "bad" parents who cannot control their children. However, many parenting advice experts will propose using a chart in order to make it easier for both parents and children to see results. Traits of a good parent are teaching children manners and providing loving guidance and discipline when necessary.

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