Redirection is a respectful way to guide children from unwanted behavior toward a better choice. It’s not about punishment — it’s about showing them what to do **instead** of what not to do.
Children often need help learning replacement behaviors. Redirection works best when it’s calm, clear, and done in the moment.
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### 🛠️ Redirection Tools:
**1. Teach the “Instead” Skill** If a child is yelling, teach them to use a calm voice. If they grab, teach how to ask.
**2. Offer Two Positive Choices** “Do you want to write with a pencil or marker?” Not “Do you want to work or not?”
**3. Use Visual Cues** Point to a picture schedule, behavior chart, or calming tool to redirect without words.
**4. Change the Environment** Move to a quieter space, adjust lighting, or provide a fidget to support success.
**5. Planned Ignoring (for Minor Behaviors)** Ignore attention-seeking behaviors while reinforcing positive ones.
**6. Break It Down** If a task is too hard, break it into small steps to reduce frustration.
**7. Redirect with Humor** Use gentle playfulness to shift the mood (e.g., “Uh-oh, are those silly wiggles I see?”)
**8. Provide a Help Cue** Offer help instead of correcting. “Can I show you another way to try that?”
**9. Give a Job or Responsibility** Redirect off-task behavior by assigning a helpful role (pass out papers, hold the door).
**10. Use Clear, Calm Language** “Let’s try that again with kind hands.” Not “Don’t do that!”
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> “Redirection is teaching in the moment — with kindness, patience, and clarity.”
**Need help choosing redirection strategies that work for your setting?** Call or text Laurie at **580–302–0136**. I’ll help you build a plan that fits your child or classroom.