MEET CHLO THE DOX HOUND!

The official think10fold Safety Officer!

Chloe is excited to introduce herself as a valuable member of the team! She is committed to helping spread the word on all things SAFETY for children!

Caregivers of all backgrounds, relations & situations can use Chlo’s sound safety advice, activities, lessons & support to help children develop safety skills- such an important part of all 5 domains of development!

think10fold Rules: The Background

In my very 1st teaching position- (a Preschool class whom I will forever cherish in my heart- as I will all the children who have been in my care!) I set out bright eyed & bushy tailed to be the BEST teacher I could be. I felt so empowered from my training, hands on experience to date, & excited to be placed in a small center where I would get a shot at my own class.

I sat down with the 12 3 year olds – & we read some stories about following rules & directions, had a discussion on what ideas the children had for safety & classroom fun. We created a simple set of rules together that day which I can simply describe as career defining for me.

BE SAFE…HAVE FUN…& LEARN!

To this day, I still have the original class rules poster from back in 2012 – & I still use the same rules at the school where I am the Director.

Ask any child from that school if they know the rules- & they will chant them with you with excitement & enthusiasm because that is the day to day model they are offered. Expectations are set at reasonable, achievable, & appropriate standards. From there- behavior management is able to be applied when necessary in order to help guide, redirect, or squash certain behaviors.

Important Notes:

-It is a great idea to establish rules when spending time with children. When they know expectations, children are best set up for success.

-I mentioned sitting down with the Preschool class. You can do this with the children you interact with as well! When children are included in the process of setting rules- they have a chance to feel independence in understanding. .

-Make sure to use clear & concise information. For children who are verbal- offer opportunities for questions & have children repeat the rules back & explain their comprehension in their own words

-I love Chlo’s 3 Rules because they are able to set set as a foundational guidline- & are able to be customized to most situations

-Consistency in follow through on rules is just as critical as having the rules themselves!

FOR EXAMPLE:

-A parent may use the rule “Be Safe” @ home to apply to children respecting certain no touch items, rooms, or other boundaries

-A babysitter, family member or friend of a child may use the rule “Be Safe” when spending time with children to mean no running out into the street during outside play

-A teacher may use the rule “Be Safe” with children to mean wash your hands after using the bathroom!

These are just 3 examples of the vast applicability of the 3 rules. Caregivers of all types- with children of all personalities- in all sorts of settings- can use these 3 rules to ensure safety, fun, & learning.