Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Positive Guidance That Works - post

A positive learning environment does not happen by accident. It is built with clear routines, warm relationships, and guidance that teaches children what to do (not just what to stop doing). The best part: small changes can make a big difference in behavior, learning, and staff stress. This article shares positive guidance strategies that really work in child care and preschool. #PositiveGuidance #SEL #ChildCare

What is positive guidance?

Positive guidance means you help children learn skills like:

• taking turns

• using words

• calming down

• following routines

Instead of focusing on punishment, you focus on teaching. You still set limits, but you do it in a calm, respectful way.

Positive guidance sounds like:

• “Hands are for helping.”

• “You can be mad. You cannot hit.”

• “Let’s try again together.”

Why does positive guidance matter for learning?

Children learn best when they feel safe. When guidance is positive and steady, children:

• trust adults

• know what to expect

• spend more time playing and learning

• have fewer big behavior moments

It also helps teachers because you spend less time reacting and more time teaching.

What does a “positive learning environment” look like?

You can often see it right away. A positive classroom usually has:

• Clear routines (arrival, clean-up, meals, rest)

• Simple rules (3–5 rules with pictures)

• Easy-to-reach materials (kids can help themselves)

• Cozy calm space (for breaks, not punishment)

• Adults who stay calm and use kind words

A practical way to check your classroom is with this free ChildCareEd resource:
Creating a Positive Learning Environment Checklist

How can I prevent behavior problems before they start?

Prevention is the “secret sauce.” Try these strategies first:

Use predictable routines

Children behave better when they know what comes next.

• Post a simple picture schedule at child eye level

• Give warnings: “In 2 minutes, we clean up.”

• Use the same clean-up song each day

Make directions short and clear

Say what you want children to do (not only what to stop).

• Instead of “Don’t run,” say “Walking feet.”

• Instead of “Stop yelling,” say “Use an inside voice.”

Offer choices

Choices reduce power struggles.

• “Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?”

• “Do you want to read on the rug or at the table?”

Plan transitions

Transitions are a common time for conflict.

• Keep wait times short

• Give children jobs (“line leader,” “book helper”)

• Use a visual timer if you have one

What are the best positive guidance phrases to use?

When emotions are big, long speeches do not help. Use short phrases and repeat them.

Try these:

• “I’m here to help.”

• “First ___, then ___.”

• “Show me gentle hands.”

• “Let’s take a breath.”

• “You can try again.”

Tip: Practice these phrases when children are calm, too. Repetition helps everyone.

How do I respond to challenging behavior in the moment?

Use a simple 4-step plan. It works for hitting, grabbing, yelling, refusing, and more.

1) Stay calm and get close

Your calm body helps the child’s body calm down.

2) Name the feeling

• “You look mad.”

• “That was scary.”

• “You seem frustrated.”

3) Set a clear limit

• “I won’t let you hit.”

• “Toys are not for throwing.”

4) Teach the next step

Give one replacement skill:

• “Say ‘turn please.’”

• “Stomp feet on the floor.”

• “Squeeze a pillow.”

• “Ask for help.”

If the child is not calm yet, keep it simple: safety first, teaching later.

How can I teach self-control skills?

Children need practice. Add these “skill builders” to your day:

• Feelings check-in: point to a feelings chart at arrival

• Breathing practice: “smell the flower, blow the candle”

• Role play: practice sharing and turn-taking with puppets

• Calm corner routines: teach how to use it when calm, not only upset

This is especially helpful for children learning English or children who need extra support. #Inclusion

What are common mistakes to avoid with guidance?

These are easy to slip into when you are tired. Try these quick fixes:

• Mistake: Saying “no” all day
  ✅ Fix: Say what you want the child to do instead.

• Mistake: Long lectures
  ✅ Fix: Use short phrases and model the skill.

• Mistake: Only responding after problems happen
  ✅ Fix: prevent with routines, choices, and clear transitions.

• Mistake: Using shame (“bad,” “naughty”)
  ✅ Fix: Separate the child from the behavior: “Hitting is not safe.”

How can directors help teachers use positive guidance consistently?

Consistency across staff is powerful. Directors can support teachers with simple systems:

• Create a shared list of 3 classroom rules and matching phrases

• Use the same behavior plan steps across rooms (calm, limit, teach)

• Schedule short coaching check-ins: “What’s working? What’s hard?”

• Keep a “tools basket” in each room (visuals, timer, calm items)

Quick win: Use the checklist resource during a walk-through and pick just one improvement to focus on this week:
Creating a Positive Learning Environment Checklist

How do I talk with families about behavior in a positive way?

Families want honest information, but they also want respect.

Try this structure:

• Share one strength first (“She is curious and loves books.”)

• Share what you see (“He hits during clean-up time.”)

• Share what you are teaching (“We are practicing ‘turn please’ and breathing.”)

• Ask for family input (“What works at home?”)

For more guidance on this topic, this related ChildCareEd article is a helpful add-on:
Improve Classroom Management

Which ChildCareEd trainings can help teachers with positive guidance?

These courses are directly related to positive guidance and classroom behavior support:

• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light:
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-viewing-guidance-in-a-positive-light.html

• Solutions NOT Punishments:
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-solutions-not-punishments.html

• Mysteries of Challenging Behavior Solved:
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-mysteries-of-challenging-behavior-solved.html

What can I do today (quick checklist)?

If you only have 15 minutes, do this:

• Pick 3 rules and add pictures (hands, feet, listening)

• Choose 5 positive phrases and post them for staff

• Add one transition warning (“2 minutes!”) before clean-up

• Set up a calm corner with 2 choices (breathe, squeeze pillow)

• Use the ChildCareEd checklist to spot one classroom change:
  https://www.childcareed.com/r-00801-creating-a-positive-learning-environment-checklist.html