Promoting alternative thinking strategies is the objective of this premier social and emotional learning program that was developed and refined through nearly 30 years of research. The PATHS program used by Creme De La Creme pre schools children 3 years and older is the only universal classroom-based social and emotional learning curriculum to achieve the highest possible rating from the elite Blueprints Project of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, University of Colorado.
Scientific research has determined that children experience and react to strong emotions before developing the cognitive abilities to verbalize them. The PATHS program’s practical, effective strategies teach children how to label their feelings and apply self-control strategies leading to significant improvements in coping skills, classroom behavior, and verbal fluency.
In rigorous clinical studies, the PATHS program has been shown to:
- Reduce aggressive behavior by 32%
- Increase self-control in students by 36%
- Increase vocabulary for emotions by 68%
- Increase scores on cognitive skills tests by 20%
- Significantly improve students’ ability to tolerate frustration plus their ability and willingness to use effective conflict-resolution strategies
The PATHS program covers the following five domains of social and emotional development: self-control, emotional understanding, positive self-esteem, relationships and interpersonal problem-solving skills. Certain elements are continually reintroduced throughout the year to integrate the various domains. To ensure continual reinforcement of key skills from the PATHS program, supplemental activities and a variety of at-home activities will be available for parents and children to do together.
Directors and Team Members at Creme De La Creme pre schools have commented that by using the PATHS program in their classrooms it saves them significant instructional time that used to be spent on students conflicts, tantrums and other classroom disruptions. They have noticed that the children are making great strides in solving small problems on their own, exhibiting self-control by using the Turtle calm-down techniques when angry or upset, and encouraging their friends to do the same.
PATHS ACTIVITIES
Complimenting Your Child
The PATHS curriculum is designed to build children’s self-esteem and encourage children to support and respect others. Your child is learning the meaning of the word “compliment.” Children who hear compliments from their teachers and parents know they are valued and respected. You can teach your child about compliments by using them at home. There are four types of compliments that we will address this year:
The way you look – “Wow, you look very pretty or handsome today!”
Things you have – “I like the new hat that you are wearing.”
Things you do well – “You really cleaned up your toys quickly.”
The way you are – “I like the way you petted the dog gently.”
How To Do Turtle
If your child is having a hard time with something and you see him or her starting to get upset, remind him or her to do Turtle. Follow these three steps for doing Turtle:
1. Tell yourself to STOP!
2. Take a deep breath.
3. Say the problem and how you feel. (For example, “I feel angry because my sister is not sharing her toys.”
You can model doing Turtle for your child. Your child learns best from you. In addition, be sure to read the Twiggle Learns to Do Turtle book provided by your child’s teacher.
POSITIVE GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
Every parent and caregiver struggles at one time or another with how to set limits on children’s behavior. The goal of positive discipline is to teach children to develop safe, socially responsible behavior that promotes self-respect and respect for the feelings and property of others.
Remember that discipline and punishment are not the same. Discipline is guidance and teaching that promotes positive behavior. Punishment is a penalty imposed in reaction to unacceptable behavior. Positive discipline is more effective than punishment because desirable behaviors that last a lifetime must come from within the child rather than be imposed by external force.
When guiding your child, always make sure she understands that she is accepted and loved, but the behavior is not. Keep rules simple and specific and avoid power struggles especially with 2 to 4 year olds. Save using “no” for when you really need it so that it does not get overused. You can rephrase your sentence to convey the message for example, if your child asks for a cookie too close to meal time you can say “Yes, you may have a cookie right after we finish dinner.” Try to give a warning first, and then follow through. “The next time you throw sand, you will have to leave the sandbox.”
Since children prefer positive attention rather than negative attention, you can set the stage for success and encourage desirable behavior through the following positive techniques:
- Make sure your expectations for your child are developmentally appropriate for his or her age.
- Model desirable behavior. Your child will learn from your example.
- Be consistent. Your child needs to know what the rules are, and that he can trust the rules not to change.
- A child-proof and appropriate environment can reduce behavior problems.
- Provide age-appropriate materials and a safe place where your child can use them.
- Maintain a balance between quiet and active play.
- Empower your child by providing choices and decision-making opportunities whenever possible.
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings, especially when you must set a limit on behavior.
- Establish regular routines for busy times like meals, getting ready in the morning, and going to bed. Children need structure.
*Taken from the Children’s Home Society of California’s brochure on Positive Discipline.
ASK THE EXPERT
My child is new at Creme De La Creme pre schools and I hope that she will make lots of new friends. How can I help?
Dear Parent,
Children today are beginning earlier in social situations, and they are spending more time with peers than they used to. Recent studies have found that some friendships formed in the early years of childhood are second only to family relationships in importance.
You are already off to a good start with helping your child make friends. Enrollment in Creme De La Creme pre schools offers your child social experiences that might not be available to her with siblings or other adults in her life. With many friends her own age, she will encounter lots of opportunities to negotiate and compromise. She will be encouraged to express her opinions and ideas, as well as to respect others. In addition, she will develop social competence in three main areas: initiating interactions, maintaining on-going relationships, and solving conflicts with other children.
Another way you can help your child make friends is to allow her to play with a friend outside of school which often gives the two children a level of comfort with each other that carries over to their time at school. In the early years, you need not be too concerned if your child frequently changes best friends; a friendship may only last for an afternoon of play, but the interaction with and acceptance by peers will have long-term effects on your child’s life.
Please feel free to visit Crème de la Crème Pre School at CremeDeLaCreme.com or call 800 374 5715 to set up a tour today!
Other Crème de la Crème pre schools, childcares and daycares can be found in:
Buckhead Atlanta GA,
Nesbit Ferry Alpharetta GA
Peachtree Corners Norcross GA
Sugarloaf Duluth GA
Mason OH,
Allen TX,
Crème de la Crème 8400 East Prentice Ave. Suite 1320, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
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