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Art of Redirection
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I use redirection throughout the day by offering toys or items I have put back in my “teacher closet” that are only used for certain needs.
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I once used redirection when two toddlers began arguing over the same toy. Instead of focusing on who had it first, I calmly guided one child to a similar toy and suggested they build something together. This shifted their attention from the conflict to a shared activity. Within moments, both children were engaged and working cooperatively, avoiding a potential meltdown.To teach effective communication, I use modeling and simple language. For example, I demonstrate phrases like “Can I have a turn?” or “Let’s play together,” so children learn positive ways to express themselves. I also use puppets, social stories, and role-play to make communication lessons fun and relatable. Because the concept of sharing is still developing at this age, I emphasize turn-taking and praising small acts of cooperation. These creative strategies help children practice empathy, patience, and respectful communication in a way they can understand.
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i used to be a 4s teacher and the easiest redirection method i would use is a word phrase for example the eyes on me chant would work wonders but when its one child my main method would be getting down on their level and talking it through
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One time there was a little girl who was crying to see her dad after school, I quickly made the comment that he would soon pick her up and started to ask her what she likes about being at her dad, what they play, then changed the conversation to what her favorite game is and why. Asking questions helped a lot.
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When I have children are sad and missing their parents, I have them draw their parent a picture or ask the parents to bring in a family photo. When the child is sad and missing their parent they can look at the picture that they drew or they are able to look at the photograph.
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there was a time I had an autistic child in my classroom and I could tell she was starting to get anxious, i redirected her from centers and I had her come sit next to me and play with fidget toys while I talked to her about what she was currently playing with. she sat with me for about 20 minutes and was finally calm enough to go back to the block center and play with her animals.
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I redirected a 3 year old who was crying about missing her mom. I told her I wanted to play a game where she would try not to smile. Ever since that day she has always smiled and has becoming more engaged.
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There have been a few occasions when a class I’m with of 2 or 3-year-olds starts getting noisy or running around. I have put on music and led them in singing along with me and they enjoy that and calm down.
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I use redirection on a daily basis as I worked with 3 and 4 years old.I had a kid who was angry because he wants the same toy the other child have, he got frustrated and started crying. First I ask them to take turns but they didn’t agreed so I asked them to take the toy but they want to play with the same. The solution I found to put the timer so can they take turns and they agreed on that.
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Once when I was in toddlers there was a child who was feeling frustrated while doing blocks, he was getting frustrated because he wanted to build a tower on his own all though it was a group activity. I re directed his attention by taking him to a window and asking him about what he saw out side. Was it sunny or cloudy? Windy or still? Hot or cold. After we took a pause I asked him if he wanted to try again and join the group. I ensured him that he would get a turn, but others will be getting a turn also. The activity was fun and went smoothly there after.
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when we are outside i tend to play a game with the kids and if i am playing i can help make the rules and is to make sure the game is safe and allowed and no bad thing happen in the game and if someone gets mad i can help fix why they are mad and stop a fight.
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At the end of the day I have a young boy who gets upset when parents start picking up his peers. So I remind him that his mommy will be coming and then I will asked him if he would like to play with blocks or sing songs with me. I will also let him know when the time is closer for him to be picked up by saying, your mommy is going to be here soon, lets watch for her.
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When i was working with 3years old kids, two of kids wants to play with the same toy. I teach them taking turns between friends and ask one of the kid to play with some other toy, while his/her friend was playing.
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My go to for redirection is usually humor; it breaks the tension of the behavior we are redirecting and engages the class in a silly activity.For example, I have a two year old who wants to throw things ALL THE TIME. While I’m finding the balls that are appropriate for him to throw at a target I’ve designated for him on the wall, I’ll say something like “you can’t do that, but guess what you can do….Shake your booty!” And then make a big deal out of shaking my booty while encouraging everyone in the class to do the same. When the appropriate balls are out, we then take a few deep breaths (or more if needed. maybe even some rainbow breathing) and then we are ready for the ball throwing activity.
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My group of kids all are strong headed and all want to be leader of the pack they all want to be first then almost always one gets left out so I go in and pull them back together and show them that everyone can play that everyone get a turn to be head of the game that together we all have fun
