How ReThink Works

Mrs. Robey’s ReThink Readiness system has been refined from decades in early childhood education as a center director, early childhood coach, trainer, and educator. Teacher turnover has always impacted our industry, due to financial and other reasons, yet the mass exodus of teachers of all age-groups since the pandemic has a common thread: low wages and an uptick in challenging behaviors. While many are quick to blame the latter on pandemic related stress and lockdowns, I also see a disturbing trend among large preschool corporations: heaping high levels of stress and unrealistic expectations on preschool children under the guise of “kindergarten readiness.”

I founded ReThink Readiness education consulting on my foundational belief that rethinking relationships is the key to healthier, higher quality early learning environments. There are three key elements of my system: REFRAME, REDIRECT, REWARD.

Reframe

See all behavior as a skill the child needs to learn rather than disobedience that needs to be punished. This approach allows us to respond with greater compassion and insight, improving our relationships and interactions.

Ask yourself, what is my child trying to tell me? No child bites/ hits/ hurts friends “for no reason.” Find the reason and respond in kind (and kindly.)

    See every behavior (and everyone) through the lens of love: including yourself!

    Exchange negative language and actions for positive ones:

     Spoiled is attached to a feeling: find/ name that feeling.

     Exchange the phrase “attention seeking” for “connection seeking!”

    Describe behavior as ‘safe or unsafe,’ rather than ‘good or bad.’

    Practice mindfulness through breathing, stretching, and positive affirmations.

    Redirect

    Offer the child two positive choices- “You may have the truck after Addision is finished or you may play with another toy.”

    Words matter; Ask for what you want: “Walking feet” versus “don’t run.” “Gentle touches” versus “don’t hit.”

    Model family-style dining “Can you make your voice like mine?” Teach manners, but DO NOT USE ‘NO THANK YOU’ for negative behavior, unless you want children to connect ‘thank you’ with negative behavior.

    Cozy Corner is NOT TIME OUT. Make it appealing and teach children how to use it before implementing it.

    Create age-specific documents on redirecting behaviors including biting, running, tantrums, inappropriate language, or any other unwanted behavior

    Personalized social stories help redirect by showing children how to regulate feelings.

    Reward:

    Find a child’s currency and notice (reward) healthy/ safe behaviors. 

    Think love languages: affirmation (SPECIFIC praise,) physical touch, acts of service, gifts, quality time.

    Relationship: The glue that ties the 3 Rs together

    Teacher/ Child Relationship

    I am safe. Supervision. Routines. Visual Schedule. Cozy Corner set-up. Emotional regulation activities including breathing, mindfulness, brain breaks.

    I am loved: Connect with kids by ages and stages through rituals and greetings, always being mindful of consent.

    I belong: Room belongs to all children. Family photos. Child photos. Child art at child level. Toys and room décor reflect a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    Teacher/Family Relationship

    Relationship with families: Parent Teacher partnership. Sunshine calls. Accident reports. Behavior plans.

    Teacher/ School Relationship

    How to quell gossip. How to ‘get what you want/need’ from school and corporate leadership.